Put a lock on a 2011 Tacoma tailgate

Hello Tacoma World,
I am looking to get a Pace-Edwards retractable tonneau cover to make use of the bed for storage. Is there any way to put a lock on the tailgate itself? I looked at older model Tacomas and there lock is in the same location as the 2011 Tacomas backup camera.
Please help.
Thanks

 

pop a lock

 

Yes there is a way. I have a Pop & Lock (PL5300) installed on my truck. It was an easy install. I'm not sure if it'll work for the 2011 tacoma so hopefully others will chime in

Here is a youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwtKOZYeHY

 

Dynolock....works with the key fob.

 

You have a backup camera on your Tacoma? Why?

 

Because it comes standard on 2009+ Tacomas?

 

I installed a Pop A Lock tailgate handle in my 2011, no problem. No real difference based on the year.

 

x2

 

At least some Tacoma's. I know my TRD Sport does, I don't know if the base models do too.

 

It comes on all SR5's I believe.

 

and it makes parallel parking a breeze.

 

I thought all the tacomas had them now, i may be wrong

 

Why would a tailgate lock be needed? Is theft of it a problem or is it something else?

 

you can steal a tailgate in like 5 seconds

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/27829-tailgate-theft-how-prevent.html

 

Have you looked at the Roll-N-Lock retractable tonneau?

 

I just installed the Pop& Lock PL5300 Tailgate Lock "with Camera" on my 2011 TRD Off-Road short bed. It went in smoothly, took about an hour to do. It works like a lock should -- bypassing the mechanism instead of blocking it. You can't muscle the handle open, like with the add-on remote power locks.

Install is just like the YouTube video above, but with a few differences for the camera.

You will re-use your existing camera, which takes some care and a tiny phillips screwdriver to transfer to your new handle.

The instructions referred to "prying and slightly bending" a clip to remove the wiring plug from the camera. In my truck, at least, that doesn't apply. The plug has a spring-loaded metal piece that you have to squeeze hard to get it to release. Once it releases, the plug falls right off.

The camera has tiny plastic studs that fit (or don't) into tiny holes that look just like 2 screw holes. I had to bore the holes slightly larger with the tip of a razor knife to get the pegs to go in. It's easy to get the camera mounted backward, so dry-fit this whole assembly before inserting screws.

Other than that, I'd say, transfer the little red and black plastic clips before you put the handle into the tailgate, so you have more room to work. Lube them before you put the rods in.

Be careful tightening the Torx screws. Note how loose they seemed when you took them out. As you'll see, they go into small nylon inserts, and it's incredibly easy to strip those out. (Hardware stores with bulk fasteners probably have steel and nylon replacements.)

The handle looks like it has a lot of little gaps where moisture can get inside. This is not good if you live where they put de-icer the roads in winter. One could carefully apply a sealant to some of the openings, but not all. I expect to have to replace the handle in a few years; at that time I'll check the inside of the tailgate for rust.

 

^^ nice write up. Any pictures of the gaps around the handle after installation?

 

Thanks Chris135. Sorry, I didn't get daylight photos before I sewed up the patient. There's a small gap around the camera, but a much larger one around the plastic lever that moves when you lift the handle.

If I had some adhesive plastic film, like floor protectant, I would have cut a square foot and laid it over the handle from the inside to keep the salt spray from spreading throughout the innards of the tailgate.

 

I see, I might have to consider this when I get a cover in the future. Not too keen on having open gaps but I guess I'll have to see what's out there. Sorry shrek for the detour in your thread.