DAP Gas Tank Skid Plate for DII

The big booty of the Discovery Series II has been the source of a lot of scraping noises, torn rear bumpers and in some cases- getting stuck.

While a fuel tank skid may not help the fact that the DII has a big butt, it very well might save your plastic fuel tank from being busted open on the trail.  With the fuel system of the modern Rover the way it is, it isn't possible to do the old 'gravity feed from a jerry can' gas trick if your tank is damaged.

Sourced from DAP Inc in Vermont, the aluminium fuel tank skid plate arrived in two days from the order being placed.  The plate itself is thick aluminium to save weight, while the four brackets upon which it is installed are thick plated steel for corrosion resistance.

The installation was easy- so easy it doesn't really require a step-by-step installation article like I normally do.

	Side view:  The rear bolts I used are NOT the ones that came with the kit- see note at the bottom of this page. They will be changed to some that don't protrude when time permits. The front brackets use the stock fuel tank mounting studs and nuts. During the installation of the brackets, ONLY INSTALL ONE BRACKET AT A TIME or you will end up dropping the tank.
	Rear view: If you don't have the stock receiver hitch (S models), you will need to purchase the appropriate bolts for the rear brackets.

The installation of this skid was easy, except for a couple minor problems. The rear brackets were not drilled out large enough for the hitch mount bolts to fit through. The bolts provided to secure the plate to the rear brackets were long enough to contact the tank as well.  I didn't want the bolts to touch the plastic tank, so I replaced them with some shorter ones I had in the garage. When I get a chance, I'll get some smooth head bolts so there's nothing to hang up on the back end.

I talked to DAP about the issues, and after they discussed it with the engineers in the U.K. it was determined that there had been some minor changes in the DII over the years. The new kits will have both of those situations corrected, although the kits already in the USA will need the rear brackets drilled and two bolts at a total cost of about $1.

I haven't whacked it on anything yet, but it's extremely sturdy. The leading edge of the plate is curved upwards to keep it from catching and there's enough room between the tank and the plate to keep it from vibrating or stuff getting trapped in there.

I give this mod an A+ for ease of installation, low cost and importance.