Engineered Armor – 2017+ Ford Raptor Borne Off-Road Skid Plates

The Ford Raptor stands as the ultimate off-road powerhouse, built to conquer any terrain and make a bold statement on and off the road. Its wide, muscular stance and rugged appearance command attention, while oversized tires and a reinforced suspension are ready for action once it leaves the pavement behind. Yet, despite the Raptor’s tough, trail-ready reputation, it does have a vulnerable point: its undercarriage.

As a purpose-built vehicle for intense off-roading, Ford did equip the Raptor with some underbody protection. At first glance, you might think the truck is adequately fortified, especially with the slanted front engine skid plate enhancing its rugged look. But a closer look reveals the limitations of its stock protection, particularly under more extreme conditions.

Image of the stock skidplate.

The Raptor's factory skid plates, while functional, fall short of what’s necessary for serious off-roading. When examining the underside, it’s apparent that the factory plates for the rear engine, transmission, and transfer case are constructed from thin, stamped steel. While better than no protection at all, this thin metal layer leaves vital components exposed and vulnerable, especially considering the aggressive way these trucks are often driven.

Underside of a 2017+ Ford Raptor.

The situation becomes even more concerning when you reach the fuel tank. This essential component is made of plastic and shielded only by an additional plastic layer, making it susceptible to punctures or other damage during rough trails. A minor misstep on rugged terrain could lead to a ruptured fuel tank and a stranded vehicle.

Our engineer designing the skidplate underneath the Raptor.

Proper off-roading preparation includes ensuring the vehicle is ready to get back home. With the unpredictable challenges of trails and dunes, the Raptor’s current armor leaves room for improvement. To address this weakness, our engineering team developed a robust solution that offers the durable protection needed to keep your Raptor safe. From the engine to the rear differential, our skid plates are crafted to defend critical components from potentially disabling impacts.

The Borne Off-Road skid plate.

Each of our skid plates is custom-designed to fit the Raptor perfectly while delivering significant enhancements in underbody protection. We manufacture our plates from 5/32” steel to deflect trail hazards and prevent damage to the Raptor’s drivetrain and fluid pans. With 80-degree reinforced corners and edges, our plates offer superior rigidity, and we added extra mounting points to reinforce their connection to the chassis.

A comparison of the stock Raptor skid plate and the Borne skid-plate.
Which would you rather have protecting the fuel in your tank?
Another image of our skidplate.

We also incorporated recessed mounting points to minimize wear from sliding over obstacles, ensuring a secure and long-lasting attachment to the truck’s undercarriage. To maximize durability, our steel plates are electro-galvanized and coated in a black powder finish, providing superior resistance to rust and corrosion.

Image of our skidplate installed on the underside of the Ford Raptor.
We incorporated a slotted design into our skid plates to allow for proper fluid drainage and to prevent suction in deep and challenging water crossings. In addition, we added a removable panel in the transmission plate for easy access for fluid changes.
Close-up image of our skid-plate installed on the 2017+ Ford Raptor.
We increased the footprint of our transfer case protection and also included an additional mounting point for added protection
Image of our skidplate installed on a Ford Raptor that is on a lift.

Rear differential vulnerability is a common design trait in most 4x4 vehicles, as this low-hanging component can easily catch on rocks or debris. Although the differential is housed in a durable shell, it’s still susceptible to cracking. To prevent unexpected damage and potential loss of four-wheel drive, we also developed a reinforced differential cover to offer enhanced protection.

Our engineer installed the differential portion of our skid plate kit.
Our design uses the axle tubes and specially shaped brackets to cling to the differential casing.
The differential skidplate portion installed.
With the same construction features as the rest of our skid plates, this differential cover will have no trouble keeping the power delivery to the rear wheels safe during any off-road adventure.

While the Ford Raptor is built as a formidable off-road machine, its underbody could use reinforcement. By upgrading to our skid plate set, your Raptor will be prepared to handle the roughest trails and bring you back safely. Protect your investment and ensure your Raptor is ready for the journey ahead by upgrading its armor today.

An image from the rear of the Ford Raptor showcasing the underbelly of the truck.