Unlike other skid plates, this custom fit, full-length 3/16" skid plate is not mounted to the engine oil pan and does not use failure prone rubber based mounting spacers. Instead, it mounts directly to the frame rails at the rear and to the most substantial engine mount available at the front of the plate. Happy-Trail also utilizes a rubber impact-isolating pad. The bracket design absorbs energy from larger hits before transferring it to the engine case. In addition to relocating the mounting points and using heavy gauge aluminum, the larger and longer skid plate provides additional protection for the front, sides and back of the engine and exhaust system, when compared to a stock plate.