Anybody installed skid plate on 2012 Routan?

[vwroutan1]

Hi Gurus,

Did anyone installed skid plate or under body steel/plastic plate? Hoping that this will protect the under body from debris, keeps it clean and etc.

I saw one link after googling it (see below). Any input? Much appreciated. Thank you.

http://volkswagen.autoparts-usa.com/...p-6567414.html

[vwroutan1]

Hi Gurus,

Did anyone installed skid plate or under body steel/plastic plate? Hoping that this will protect the under body from debris, keeps it clean and etc.

I saw one link after googling it (see below). Any input? Much appreciated. Thank you.

http://volkswagen.autoparts-usa.com/...p-6567414.html

Wow, 56 views but no replies..so nobody has under body protection for your van.

[Zambee500]

Might want to check the DodgeForums or ChryslerMinivans websites and see it's ever been an issue. But I've never heard of it being a big issue like with real Volkswagens with the "fragile" oil-pans, etc.

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Well, I looked because I couldn't believe some one would seriously post such a question unless they were taking it off-road often

[Zambee500]

unless they were taking it off-road often

Or unless they were familiar with current/recent-generation VWs.

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Or unless they were familiar with current/recent-generation VWs.

Since you're not familiar with current/recent-generation VWs -- or in our case, Chrysler mini-vans -- then you don't need to worry.

Aside from our Routan we have a Passat (lowered) and a Jetta (lowered) and I also have a, uhm, non-current VWs -- like my Squareback (lowered) and bay-window Bus. None of them have ever needed sump protection, just like the rest of the modern and classic cars out on the road. Only when a ride is scraping pan or off-roading would it need the additional weight. Really, it's a non-issue

[vwroutan1]

Guys, I understand that under body doesn't need to be protected in this case. Skid plate is good to protect the under body from salt, dirt and etc.

[Zambee500]

Good point about the dirt and salt, and up north where the roads can get crumbly from the ice/snow freezing & thawing. We don't deal with that down here, so I overlook that. I could see how that could be a problem though.

Since you're not familiar with current/recent-generation VWs -- or in our case, Chrysler mini-vans -- then you don't need to worry.

My comment about current/recent generation VWs is b/c VW (and Audi) uses very thin cast aluminum for the oil-pans on "real" VWs/Audis and leave them exposed. Regular run-of-the-mill road debris can easily puncture the oil pan. Quite commonly seen by shops specializing in VW/Audi repairs, assuming the engine hasn't seized from oil starvation before the owner/driver becomes aware of the oil leak. Lots of after-market heavy duty skid plates designed just for VW/Audi.

Just two examples:
http://www.evolutionimport.com/Volks...lates_s/17.htm

http://www.dieselgeek.com/Volkswagen...ate_s/1829.htm


Fairly unique design flaw by VAG. We don't have to worry about that with the Chryco Routan minivans though.