When you want to be ready for any trail any time, skid plates are important. They protect your JKUs most critical components -- and you want your engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank in good shape while you're tackling tough terrain, technical obstacles, and of course for the ride home.
Given all of the added protection these offer over factory pieces, full belly skids become the largest piece of real estate to consider on or under your Jeep when you're looking to save weight. We chose to build these out of 5052 Aluminum for it's superior formability and strength compared to many other alloys -- as the design and shape of the skids largely determines how rigid they will stay over time. We designed these belly skids to locate bolt heads up and out of the way where possible as can be seen on the rear crossmember and fuel tank skids. The skids shown here are a pre-production unit; production units are countersunk on all the bolt holes on the bottom faces of the skids.
Weight
Installation of this system does add some weight -- between 35 and 65 lbs depending on configuration. The skid system weights 110 lbs or 140 lbs (with UHMW) however you remove 75 lbs of factory equipment as you remove and replace the factory fuel tank skid, factory transfer case skid, and some factory crossmembers.
Compatibility
We also designed these pieces with compatibility in mind for popular aftermarket suspension kits (such as the Rock Krawler Long Arm Suspension) and driveshafts.
UHMW - THE ULTRA HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT OPTION
Want to make these skid plates slippery and even more impact-resistant? Select the UHMW Option! UHMW stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight. It's the 3/8" thick black cutting board like material that can be optioned onto these skids; it is more abrasion resistance than carbon steel, and it's fairly light weight. It helps to better distribute and absorb impacts, and keep you sliding along rather than getting stuck or hanging up on an obstacle since it's slippery and self lubricating. If you select this option, the UHMW will come pre-installed on the bottom of the aluminum skids.
Customer Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
100%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Went together well draining the gas tank made fitting a lot easier. Also had to modify engine skid to clear exhaust pipe. Everything was perfect, I’ll be ordering a set for our Jl next!
J
The fit and quality of these skid plates are fantastic. The craftsmanship and quality of these are great! I did have to modify the crossmember for my aftermarket resonator, but the entire setup went together perfectly.
J
The quality and fitment and the best in the industry! US MADE! Amazing craftsmanship.
Why next venture?
parts inspired by the trail
Our team got into the game after rock crawling, wrenching, fabricating and being inspired to design and build parts for what we love to do: hit the trail.
what our customers are saying
★★★★★They invited me and my whole crew in for a tour of the facility on our way to Moab. These guys not only produce amazing armor for your Jeep, they are really good people. So, I’ve been running their rear diff skid for 9 months and it has easily held up to everything I’ve thrown at it.
Gary Swogger
Felton, DE
★★★★★After this go around with Moab and Holy cross, the diff skids did their job and protected my Jeep. My rear aluminum bumper performed phenomenally on the trail!
Rennato Lopez
Colorado Springs, CO
★★★★★Can’t say enough about Dan and his ultra skilled team! Dan was able to get us in for a skidplate with UHMW & sliders for our JKUR. The fit, finish and quality are just out of this world! Can you say “stacked dimes”? Absolutely gorgeous welds…
Lance Wende
Montrose, CO
★★★★★2 years later I'm writing this review. I've beaten the crap out of this thing hitting rocks, winching, draging it down obstacles, and now exposed to the Florida elements. The bumper looks like it did the day they sent it. You will not find a better company to work with that cares about their clients and their products!
Kelly Colwell
Panama City, FL
★★★★★My rear Next Venture diff skid takes a beating! Best rear diff skid available. Well done!
Lee Bower
★★★★★Without a doubt, Next Venture Motorsports is my first stop for epic Jeep parts. Their JL aluminum front and rear featherweight bumpers are solidly built, easy enough to install, and crafted to perfection. I can't wait for more products for my 2 door JL!
Michael Collette
Kimberly, WI
★★★★★I like it because it lets you use factory fog lights if you want. They also have a featherweight aluminum option that doesn't have holes for fogs and is essentially a stubby bumper. I am very pleased with all of their stuff. [JL/JT Adventure Series Bumper]
Author's name
Los Angeles, CA
