Front skid plate inadequate - radiator damaged from icy water crossing.

[agcheck]

Please be aware that if you are navigating an icy water crossing, the front skid plate acts as an ice scoop and directs chunks of ice directly into the radiator. I am fortunate that only the fins are bent, and that none of the tubes are compromised. I am going to research aftermarket skid plate options, or may just have a plate welded over to blank off the ice scoop in this one. If radiator airflow becomes an issue - we will see.

This would also potentially be a major problem driving in thick brush. The factory plastic guard which covers this opening is of little help.

 

[ADVAW8S]

Signature and I believe agile offer front skid plates.

 

[TD5-90]

Please be aware that if you are navigating an icy water crossing, the front skid plate acts as an ice scoop and directs chunks of ice directly into the radiator. I am fortunate that only the fins are bent, and that none of the tubes are compromised. I am going to research aftermarket skid plate options, or may just have a plate welded over to blank off the ice scoop in this one. If radiator airflow becomes an issue - we will see.

This would also potentially be a major problem driving in thick brush. The factory plastic guard which covers this opening is of little help.

Back in Dec 2023, there was an INEOS event with ~70 Grenadiers, where nearly all of them went through icy water, many of them twice or 3 times. No obvious damages.

I agree that the front grilles are not as sturdy as they could be. Reducing speed may help...

 

[Clark Kent]

Of the many things that the Grenadier is, there are just as many that it isn't. But it's adaptable with modifications.

 

[C-Mack]

I hope this little guys RAI is a sealed one?

 

[Brad@SuperiorCO]

Please be aware that if you are navigating an icy water crossing, the front skid plate acts as an ice scoop and directs chunks of ice directly into the radiator. I am fortunate that only the fins are bent, and that none of the tubes are compromised. I am going to research aftermarket skid plate options, or may just have a plate welded over to blank off the ice scoop in this one. If radiator airflow becomes an issue - we will see.

This would also potentially be a major problem driving in thick brush. The factory plastic guard which covers this opening is of little help.

Could you let us know which skid plate you choose. Agile is developing theirs, available in a few weeks. I am interested also.

 

[The_Ick]

I have been wondering why no one offers replacement front and rear bash plates. After having the front plate off this past weekend I was pretty impressed with how sturdy these are for a sheetmetal bash plate.

 

[agcheck]

Speed was not a factor. Creeping pace, breaking through 3/4 inch thick ice on top of about 20” of water. Probably about directly at front skid plate opening height. If another vehicle had passed before me, it likely would not have been as much of an issue.

 

[Clark Kent]

It's good learning and feedback, thanks @agcheck.

I'm reminded of @Bobby Mac's stainless security door mesh bug screen solution over in this thread.
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and sharing a lunch with him and some of his family recently and I can confirm that (1) he's a great guy, and (2) his bug screen solution is fantastic. It's on my to-do list to blatantly steal his idea flatter him by imitation. The benefits of using security door mesh is the material is fairly rigid and holds its shape and it has a larger mesh size for airflow. Of course that makes it harder to work with but good results are usually worth the effort.

 

[parb]

Could you let us know which skid plate you choose. Agile is developing theirs, available in a few weeks. I am interested also.

i saw agiles plate over the weekend. its a beast of a plate. extremely strong. double walled for extra protection in key areas.

 

[Asnes]

mere flesh wound!

 

[Brad@SuperiorCO]

i saw agiles plate over the weekend. its a beast of a plate. extremely strong. double walled for extra protection in key areas.

The pictures look good. Could you tell if the approach angle was improved?

 

[parb]

The pictures look good. Could you tell if the approach angle was improved?

its what john says. that they are improved.