RCI Catalytic Converter Guards – 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 | TACO-05-CATGUARDS

Help protect your Tacoma's catalytic converters from theft, trail debris, and underbody damage with the RCI Off Road Catalytic Converter Guard Kit, part #TACO-05-CATGUARDS.

Designed for compatible 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 Access Cab and Double Cab models, these guards fill the exposed area between the vehicle frame and RCI transmission skid plate, creating a substantial physical barrier around the catalytic converters.

Constructed from CNC laser-cut 1/4" aluminum, the guards provide extensive catalytic-converter coverage while incorporating ventilation for airflow and heat dissipation.

IMPORTANT: The RCI Transmission Skid Plate is required for installation. These catalytic guards are not a stand-alone product.

Vehicle Fitment

2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 2nd Gen

• 4x4

• 4.0L V6

• Access Cab

• Double Cab

2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma – 3rd Gen

• 4x4

• 3.5L V6

• Access Cab

• Double Cab

Does NOT fit 4-cylinder applications.

Part Number: TACO-05-CATGUARDS

Important Compatibility Requirements

RCI Transmission Skid Plate Required

The TACO-05-CATGUARDS are designed as a direct addition to the RCI Tacoma Transmission Skid Plate.

They are not designed as stand-alone catalytic converter guards and require the RCI transmission skid for mounting.

RCI designed the guards around its current transmission skid plate featuring the 2-inch double-bent side flange.

Older RCI transmission skid plates may require drilling to install these catalytic guards.

Key Features

• Helps protect vulnerable catalytic converters from theft

• Protects catalytic converters from rocks, debris, and trail impacts

• CNC laser-cut 1/4" aluminum construction

• Fills the exposed gap between the vehicle frame and RCI transmission skid

• Vented design provides airflow and heat dissipation

• Smooth, flat underside helps the vehicle slide over obstacles

• Designed to integrate with the RCI transmission skid plate

• Integrates with RCI front and transfer-case skid plates

• Compatible with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate

• Direct bolt-on installation with current RCI transmission skid

• Installation hardware and instructions included

• Designed specifically for compatible Tacoma 4x4 V6 applications

• Made in the USA

Catalytic Converter Theft Protection

Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals, making trucks and SUVs frequent targets for catalytic converter theft.

The Tacoma's ground clearance can make the catalytic converters relatively accessible from underneath the vehicle.

The RCI Catalytic Converter Guard Kit creates a substantial 1/4" aluminum physical barrier around the exposed catalytic converter area.

While no catalytic converter protection system can guarantee that theft is impossible, adding a substantial barrier can make accessing and removing the converters considerably more difficult and time-consuming.

Trail Protection Too

These guards aren't useful only when your Tacoma is parked.

RCI also designed them to protect the catalytic converters from off-road debris and underbody impacts.

Catalytic converters and exhaust components can be vulnerable to:

• Rocks

• Ledges

• Stumps

• Trail debris

• Deep ruts

• Uneven terrain

• Other underbody obstacles

The guards help shield these vulnerable components while extending the protected area provided by the RCI skid-plate system.

1/4" Aluminum Construction

RCI manufactures the catalytic guards from CNC laser-cut 1/4-inch aluminum.

The aluminum construction provides substantial physical protection without adding the weight that would come with an equivalent heavy-gauge steel design.

This makes the guards especially attractive for Tacomas already carrying additional weight from:

• Bumpers

• Winches

• Rock sliders

• Skid plates

• Roof racks

• Larger tires

• Recovery equipment

• Overland and camping gear

Vented for Heat Dissipation

Catalytic converters generate significant heat during normal operation.

For that reason, simply enclosing them with a solid metal plate would not be ideal.

RCI incorporates ventilation openings into the guard design to maintain airflow and allow heat to dissipate while still providing extensive physical coverage around the catalytic converters.

Smooth, Flat Bottom

Like RCI's other Tacoma skid plates, the catalytic guards are designed to create a smooth, flat underbody surface.

This helps the truck slide across rocks and other trail obstacles rather than presenting unnecessary edges that can become snag points.

The design is particularly beneficial when navigating:

• Rocky trails

• Ledges

• Deep ruts

• Washouts

• Uneven terrain

• Technical off-road obstacles

Integrates With the RCI Skid Plate System

The catalytic guards are designed to work as part of RCI's modular Tacoma underbody protection system.

They integrate with the:

• RCI Engine Skid Plate

• RCI Transmission Skid Plate

• RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate

The guards specifically fill the otherwise exposed area between the vehicle frame and transmission skid plate, providing additional protection around the catalytic converters.

Compatible With Toyota TRD Pro Engine Skid

The RCI catalytic guard system is compatible with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate.

This allows TRD Pro owners to retain the factory aluminum front skid while adding RCI transmission, transfer-case, and catalytic converter protection farther back underneath the vehicle.

Installation

On trucks equipped with the current RCI transmission skid plate, the catalytic guards are designed as a direct bolt-on addition.

RCI includes the required installation hardware and instructions.

Important for older RCI skid plates: RCI notes that drilling may be required when installing the catalytic guards on transmission skid plates manufactured before the catalytic guards were introduced.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: RCI Off Road
Part Number: TACO-05-CATGUARDS
Product Type: Catalytic Converter Guard Kit
Vehicle: Toyota Tacoma
Model Years: 2005-2023
Generation: 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma
Drivetrain: 4x4
Engine: V6
2nd Gen Engine: 4.0L V6
3rd Gen Engine: 3.5L V6
Cab Compatibility: Access Cab & Double Cab
Material: 1/4" Aluminum
Construction: CNC Laser Cut
RCI Transmission Skid Required: Yes
TRD Pro Engine Skid Compatible: Yes
Ventilation: Integrated
Hardware & Instructions: Included
Country of Manufacture: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What years does TACO-05-CATGUARDS fit?
This listing is for compatible 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma models.

Does it fit both 2nd- and 3rd-generation Tacomas?
Yes. It fits compatible 2005-2015 2nd-gen and 2016-2023 3rd-gen Tacoma applications.

Does it fit 4-cylinder Tacomas?
No. RCI specifies these catalytic guards for 4x4 V6 Access Cab and Double Cab trucks only.

Does it fit 2WD Tacomas?
RCI specifies the application for 4x4 trucks only.

What are the catalytic guards made from?
RCI manufactures them from CNC laser-cut 1/4" aluminum.

Do I need the RCI transmission skid plate?
Yes. The RCI transmission skid plate is required. The catalytic guards mount to and integrate with the transmission skid and are not designed as a stand-alone product.

Will they work with an older RCI transmission skid plate?
Possibly, but modification may be necessary. RCI states that drilling may be required on transmission skid plates purchased before the catalytic guards were introduced.

Do the guards cause excessive heat around the catalytic converters?
RCI incorporates a vented design to provide airflow and heat dissipation around the catalytic converters.

Will these prevent catalytic converter theft?
The guards create a substantial physical barrier intended to help deter catalytic converter theft by making the converters more difficult and time-consuming to access. No catalytic converter guard can guarantee theft prevention.

Do these also provide off-road protection?
Yes. In addition to theft deterrence, the guards protect the catalytic converters from rocks, trail debris, and other underbody hazards.

Will they work with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate?
Yes. RCI states that the system is compatible with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate.

Can I use these with the rest of the RCI skid system?
Yes. They're designed to integrate with RCI's front, transmission, and transfer-case protection to create a more comprehensive underbody armor system.

Is installation hardware included?
Yes. RCI includes the required hardware and installation instructions.

Are they made in the USA?
Yes. RCI manufactures the catalytic guards in the USA.

Do these fit the 2024+ 4th-generation Tacoma?
This part should be considered a 2005-2023 Tacoma application. Do not assume compatibility with the completely redesigned 2024+ 4th-generation Tacoma.