I had a side saddle tank rust and start leaking because mud stayed packed up under the plastic skid on my truck. When I replaced the tank, I kept the plastic skid, but I drilled some drain holes in the skid before I reattached it. I haven't taken it back off in a few years to see if there's any mud packed in there again, but it hasn't started leaking again yet.
I doubt you will encounter very much sticky mud like I have that just won't dry out no matter what, but it's worth making a note of, especially if you're looking at buying a used tank that's had a close-fitting skid plate stuck on it. The mud tends to build up in the corners. Mine started leaking near the front corner. Just FYI.
I've gone through this twice. But I thought it was more of a salt belt problem.


should look like a real truck this weekend. I also might try and cut the inner fenders.

