Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review

rmb_crew · 08-12-2009, 06:18 PM

Ok so i was one of the few to get the new Pop-N-Lock for free as long as i did some reviews of it. So here goes: Ok so the package shows up at my door in record time, i was really surprised at how fast it showed up. i think it was about 2 days. In the package it goes with the actuator, long wires, short wires and a few connectors and zip ties.

Thats it, no instructions no nothing. So i say ok it cant be that hard. So i Look on there website and the instructions are on there so i start pulling everything apart. The tailgate cover comes off pretty easy just take out all the screws (T-30 hex tip) and than there is alittle plastic tab that is dead center on the top that will just lift straight up.

Than just unclip the metal cables, and unscrew the 2 10MM bolts on either end and the whole handle drops out.

Than it took me about 15 mins trying to figure out how to put this stupid little thing in. Finally got it in place and put the handle back into place and drop the 2 10MM bolts in and attach the metal cables again.

And the install is half way done. For the electrical part it ended up being easy once you figure it all out. The wire bundle your looking for goes into the driver door behind the driver side kick panel. Open that thing up and your looking for a Blue wire with a pink stripe and a Blue wire with a Black stripe. Tap into those wire and connect the wires and try it out.

If it locks when you hit unlock just switch the wires around and you should be good. For mine it had a pretty nasty squeak when u lock and unlock so i hit it with some WD-40 and that helped and than when i close my tailgate it rattles really bad so i used some foaming sealer to see if that will hold it in place better. The foam spray helped out big time. Doesnt rattle at all anymore.

OVERALL: Its a cool product to have, you can definately hear it lock and unlock and the rattle once installed was alittle nerve racking. The lack of customer support was to be expected for such a new product but in the end everything was installed. I enjoy having the ability to lock the tailgate and would come in handy if i had a cover of some kind. So i would recommend this product to other!!

johnv · 08-13-2009, 06:54 AM

That sounds like fun,they should of paid you to test that gizmo out for them to find the bugs in it. My pop n lock is a Smith&Wesson brand one its called cock n squeeze the trigger

Hootbro · 08-13-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnv

.......My pop n lock is a Smith&Wesson brand one its called cock n squeeze the trigger

So you would kill somebody for theft of property? I do not think you would beat that rap in the state of New Jersey.

rmb_crew · 08-13-2009, 02:45 PM

Update

rmb_crew · 08-14-2009, 06:09 PM

Review complete!!

johnv · 08-16-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootbro

So you would kill somebody for theft of property? I do not think you would beat that rap in the state of New Jersey.

Yup,just like in American History X bite the curb Homey

that'll learn ya for messin with johnv's whip

007Tacoma · 08-23-2009, 07:47 PM

Got any shots of what it looks like from the outside? Is there a lock'n'key on the outside?

rmb_crew · 08-23-2009, 07:52 PM

Nope it is all stock. This one is completely electronic and runs off the key fob or lock/unlock switch on the doors.

007Tacoma · 08-23-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmb_crew

Nope it is all stock. This one is completely electronic and runs off the key fob or lock/unlock switch on the doors.

That's pretty cool.

rmb_crew · 08-23-2009, 07:58 PM

yea. Since i have the back up camera there is no room for a normal key lock so its all electronic. Its a really nice thing to have. Now just have to get a tonneau or topper or something.

fletch aka · 08-23-2009, 08:02 PM

Nice review. reps

rmb_crew · 08-23-2009, 08:05 PM

Thanks.. Ok how did u get the apple symbol in there?

BlackRig · 08-24-2009, 05:25 PM

Nice review.

Is the actuator held in place with one or two bolts?
I know the guys who bought the dyno lock said it was a little unnerving to have it held in place with just one bolt.

Also, what's your overall rating for quality?
Does the actuator look like it will hold up well over time/weather. I would hate to have it fail, in locked position, and be stuck.

I know you got it fo free, so PM me if you need to be honest

rmb_crew · 08-24-2009, 05:31 PM

Oh i have no problem being honest

The actuator is held in with just one bolt. Which made it rattle really bad any time i closed the tail gate so i took some of that foam sealer that expands and sprayed some of that stuff underneath it and it solved that problem. The overall quality i would give it a 7/10 the whole assembly is made of plastic so it kinda has a cheap feel to it. The actuator and everything else is fairly nice, it is all sealed with a weatherproof rubber boot. The locking piece squeeks pretty bad and WD-40 hasnt done much to help, And it is pretty load when it locks and unlocks. But its a great feature and i would buy it again. I might get the dyno lock one just to compare the two and make my final decision.

rubenc87 · 08-25-2009, 09:57 PM

Nice write up

SC4333 · 08-25-2009, 10:00 PM

I still have yet to hear from Maureen at pop n lock about the tester. Even though I was 'chosen' to review one, I'm going to have to pass up on this one. Not only does not hearing back from her in three weeks suck, but so would a rattle in my tailgate.

gbcrewds · 08-28-2009, 06:36 AM

Was hoping someone could provide some advice for me, I am having difficulty installing the PL8520 electric pop n lock on my 08 tacoma 2 door access cab. Everything for the install went fairly smooth, mostly thanks to the pictures on here and not the instructions, I connected the long wiring cable to the blue/pink and blue/white wires under drivers side kick plate using red taps vs the blue ones provided. The problem is when I complete the circuit and all the wires are connected the truck continually locks over and over again as if i'm constantly pushing the lock button.

I disconnect one of the wires at the actual lock itself on the tailgate and the truck stops locking so power is making it to the tailgate. Possibly a short in the lock? I really dont know and am out of ideas, tech support did not have any ideas so any advice would be much appreciated.

thanks

rmb_crew · 08-28-2009, 07:10 AM

Connect to the blue and pink and the blue and black.

gbcrewds · 08-29-2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks rmb_crew, switched up the wires and it worked like a charm. Just need to shim something to make the actuator fully extend under the tailgate latch now.

PL8520 is a good product, although the instructions are very inadequate, once installed it worked fine. Tips for installation; use something metal with wire taped to it to push wire through rubber grommet into cab. For wire taps you put the small wire from the truck in it and squeeze shut then plug in the male end from long wiring harness into wire tap.

4x4Taco · 09-01-2009, 10:43 AM

I have had mine for a few months now and it works great...I love it. The only issue was the instructions had the wrong wires for the 2007...so I had the continous lock unlock mentioned above..change up the wires and good to go. As for connecting...mine connected with the two stock bolts so it is rock solid. Not sure why some have one bolt?

08-12-2009, 06:18 PM	#1
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review Ok so i was one of the few to get the new Pop-N-Lock for free as long as i did some reviews of it. So here goes: Ok so the package shows up at my door in record time, i was really surprised at how fast it showed up. i think it was about 2 days. In the package it goes with the actuator, long wires, short wires and a few connectors and zip ties. Thats it, no instructions no nothing. So i say ok it cant be that hard. So i Look on there website and the instructions are on there so i start pulling everything apart. The tailgate cover comes off pretty easy just take out all the screws (T-30 hex tip) and than there is alittle plastic tab that is dead center on the top that will just lift straight up. Than just unclip the metal cables, and unscrew the 2 10MM bolts on either end and the whole handle drops out. Than it took me about 15 mins trying to figure out how to put this stupid little thing in. Finally got it in place and put the handle back into place and drop the 2 10MM bolts in and attach the metal cables again. And the install is half way done. For the electrical part it ended up being easy once you figure it all out. The wire bundle your looking for goes into the driver door behind the driver side kick panel. Open that thing up and your looking for a Blue wire with a pink stripe and a Blue wire with a Black stripe. Tap into those wire and connect the wires and try it out. If it locks when you hit unlock just switch the wires around and you should be good. For mine it had a pretty nasty squeak when u lock and unlock so i hit it with some WD-40 and that helped and than when i close my tailgate it rattles really bad so i used some foaming sealer to see if that will hold it in place better. The foam spray helped out big time. Doesnt rattle at all anymore. OVERALL: Its a cool product to have, you can definately hear it lock and unlock and the rattle once installed was alittle nerve racking. The lack of customer support was to be expected for such a new product but in the end everything was installed. I enjoy having the ability to lock the tailgate and would come in handy if i had a cover of some kind. So i would recommend this product to other!! __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-13-2009, 02:45 PM	#4
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Update __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-14-2009, 06:09 PM	#5
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Review complete!! __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-23-2009, 07:47 PM	#7
007Tacoma I dub thee malicious! Name: Mark the poo flinger Joined: Jan 2007, #643 Location: San Antonio, TX Age: 28 Gender: Guy Posts: 7,155 08 PreRunner SR5 DoubleCab LongBed BSP 2008 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 TacomaWorld.com Sticker, URD True Cold Air Intake, Debadged, Blackened Headlight Mod, 30% Window Tint, Access LE Tonneau, Bed Mat, +6 D-Rings, LED Bed lighting w/ dual switches, OEM Daytime Running Lights + On/Off Switch, Fogs-On-Anytime Mod, Alternating Turn-Signal Mod, Canvas Seat Covers, Pioneer Stereo AVIC-F700BT (hacked OS3.0), Phoenix Gold 500W Amp, Phoenix Gold 6.5" Components, Pioneer 10" Subwoofer, MRMARV built Sub Enclosure, RAAMAudio RAAMmat Sound Deadening, iPod Connection, PAC steering wheel remote, BOYO VTL400 Rear Camera, Homemade Bike Rack (3 bikes), Firestone Destination ATs 265/75R16, TRD Suspension Upgrade, and a Sportz Truck Tent III for camping.	Got any shots of what it looks like from the outside? Is there a lock'n'key on the outside? __________________ San Antonio October 2009 Wrench Meet... Upcoming TacomaWorld.com TEXAS Region: Texas Offroading Meet, November 20-22, ~~Barnwell Mountain~~ er... Hidden Falls

08-23-2009, 07:52 PM	#8
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Nope it is all stock. This one is completely electronic and runs off the key fob or lock/unlock switch on the doors. __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-13-2009, 06:54 AM	#2
johnv Senior Member Joined: Jan 2009, #12434 Location: new jersey Gender: Male Posts: 242 Tacoma TRD 2004 Xtra Cab Automatic Leer 700 tonneau,Firestone Destination ATs,Elbow mod w/TRD airfilter,Bilstien HDs	That sounds like fun,they should of paid you to test that gizmo out for them to find the bugs in it. My pop n lock is a Smith&Wesson brand one its called cock n squeeze the trigger

08-23-2009, 07:58 PM	#10
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	yea. Since i have the back up camera there is no room for a normal key lock so its all electronic. Its a really nice thing to have. Now just have to get a tonneau or topper or something. __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-23-2009, 08:02 PM	#11
fletch aka A doughnut with no hole is a danish Name: Gary Joined: Jan 2009, #12223 Location: Left Coast Gender: Male Posts: 2,785 09 Magnetic Gray TRD OffRoad 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 tick-tick-tick-tick... TRD cat back exhaust, vintage Hurst T-handle shifter from the 60's, Sock's bedside decals, 20% front tinted windows, Auto Page alarm, ScanGauge II, Luminics JDM Yellow Krypton fog lights, Laminex yellow tint on fogs, de-mud flapped, de-badged, extra D-rings under bed bolts, WeatherTech ED floor mats, Toyota bed mat, tailgate theft deterrent device.	Nice review. reps __________________ Check out my photography web site; http://www.pbase.com/fletchaka

08-23-2009, 08:05 PM	#12
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Thanks.. Ok how did u get the apple symbol in there? __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-24-2009, 05:25 PM	#13
BlackRig Senior Member Name: Craig Joined: Feb 2009, #13900 Location: lakewood oh Age: 28 Gender: Male Posts: 128 09 TRD O/R 2009 Access Cab Automatic	Nice review. Is the actuator held in place with one or two bolts? I know the guys who bought the dyno lock said it was a little unnerving to have it held in place with just one bolt. Also, what's your overall rating for quality? Does the actuator look like it will hold up well over time/weather. I would hate to have it fail, in locked position, and be stuck. I know you got it fo free, so PM me if you need to be honest

08-24-2009, 05:31 PM	#14
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Oh i have no problem being honest The actuator is held in with just one bolt. Which made it rattle really bad any time i closed the tail gate so i took some of that foam sealer that expands and sprayed some of that stuff underneath it and it solved that problem. The overall quality i would give it a 7/10 the whole assembly is made of plastic so it kinda has a cheap feel to it. The actuator and everything else is fairly nice, it is all sealed with a weatherproof rubber boot. The locking piece squeeks pretty bad and WD-40 hasnt done much to help, And it is pretty load when it locks and unlocks. But its a great feature and i would buy it again. I might get the dyno lock one just to compare the two and make my final decision. __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

08-25-2009, 09:57 PM	#15
rubenc87 Cobra Joined: Feb 2009, #13214 Location: Texas Gender: Male Posts: 356 2009 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 V6 DTRL,HID's, Redline Elite Hood Struts,IVD Coilovers and Rear Shocks W/ Ext. Res.,N-FAB Light Bar W/ KC Titanium Lights, Painted Engine Cover, Bed Extender, Alcan AAL,Wet Okole's,TRD C.A.I. M/T Classic Lock's BFG AT, Chrome TC UCA'S,TRD Exhaust, Bed Mat,Roof Rack,Access LE,Weathertech's F&R,P&L Lock	Nice write up __________________ 2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 JBL W/ Bluetooth, DTRL,HID's, Redline Elite Hood Struts,IVD Coilovers and Rear Shocks W/ Ext. Res.,N-FAB Light Bar W/ KC Titanium Lights, Painted Engine Cover, Bed Extender, Alcan AAL,Wet Okole's,TRD C.A.I. ,M/T Classic Lock Wheels on BFG AT, Chrome TC UCA's,Bed Mat, Roof Rack,TRD Exhaust,Access LE,Weathertech's F&R, P&L Lock http://photobucket.com/Rubenc87

08-25-2009, 10:00 PM	#16
SC4333 Senior Member Name: Grant Joined: Dec 2008, #11412 Location: San Antonio, TX Gender: Male Posts: 1,544 '08 PreRunner SR5 2008 Access Cab Manual 2TR-FE 5100s @ 2.5; SAW 2.0 & AAL in the rear; DIY DTRLs, Alternating turn signals & 6k HID bi-xenons; Viper alarm; 3M Tint 22% in the front, 13% over stock in rear; P500UB Pioneer Premier, 12"Alpine Type R w/ custom enclosure, MTX Thunder amp; Always on 12v Outlets, 12v Outlet under hood; Secondary air filter removed; Debadged; A few other little things.	I still have yet to hear from Maureen at pop n lock about the tester. Even though I was 'chosen' to review one, I'm going to have to pass up on this one. Not only does not hearing back from her in three weeks suck, but so would a rattle in my tailgate.

08-28-2009, 06:36 AM	#17
gbcrewds Junior Member Joined: Jul 2009, #19409 Gender: Male Posts: 2	PL8520 possible short Was hoping someone could provide some advice for me, I am having difficulty installing the PL8520 electric pop n lock on my 08 tacoma 2 door access cab. Everything for the install went fairly smooth, mostly thanks to the pictures on here and not the instructions, I connected the long wiring cable to the blue/pink and blue/white wires under drivers side kick plate using red taps vs the blue ones provided. The problem is when I complete the circuit and all the wires are connected the truck continually locks over and over again as if i'm constantly pushing the lock button. I disconnect one of the wires at the actual lock itself on the tailgate and the truck stops locking so power is making it to the tailgate. Possibly a short in the lock? I really dont know and am out of ideas, tech support did not have any ideas so any advice would be much appreciated. thanks

08-28-2009, 07:10 AM	#18
rmb_crew My other ride has 18,400HP!!!!!! Name: Ryan Joined: Jan 2009, #12837 Location: Jacksonville Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 807 '09 PreRunner SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Suspension TSB Debadged Black Headlight Mod Blacked out front grill Blacked out Toyota emblem in the front. Stock wheels painted black Extra D-ring's Bed lights Fog lights Anytime Weathertech Floor mats Blue guages and Green needles LED's Cobra CB w/ 5ft Firestik	Connect to the blue and pink and the blue and black. __________________ Pop-N-Lock 8520 Review http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pro...20-review.html 2009 PreRunner V6 SR5

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Related / Mentioned Products
Pop & Lock Tailgate Lock - $50.95

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Group buy: Pop N Lock Tailgate Lock (Ends April 08, 2009)	DanGer	Group Buys	1220	11-17-2009 07:23 AM
Caution: Installation of Pop n Lock Powered Tailgate Lock	1BADTACOMA	2nd Gen. Tacomas	4	04-18-2009 10:30 AM
Why not a group buy on "Pop N Lock tailgate lock?"	Motorshooter	Group Buys	24	02-27-2009 07:18 PM
pop & lock manual tailgate lock for 2009's	zero niner	2nd Gen. Tacomas	37	02-21-2009 08:54 AM
Pop & Lock tail gate lock...best price?	Motorshooter	2nd Gen. Tacomas	4	11-07-2008 06:51 PM

08-29-2009, 01:06 PM	#19
gbcrewds Junior Member Joined: Jul 2009, #19409 Gender: Male Posts: 2	Thanks rmb_crew, switched up the wires and it worked like a charm. Just need to shim something to make the actuator fully extend under the tailgate latch now. PL8520 is a good product, although the instructions are very inadequate, once installed it worked fine. Tips for installation; use something metal with wire taped to it to push wire through rubber grommet into cab. For wire taps you put the small wire from the truck in it and squeeze shut then plug in the male end from long wiring harness into wire tap.

09-01-2009, 10:43 AM	#20
4x4Taco Senior Member Joined: Feb 2007, #976 Location: Ontario Gender: Male Posts: 141 07 TRD Off-Road 4X4 2007 Access Cab Automatic 4.0	I have had mine for a few months now and it works great...I love it. The only issue was the instructions had the wrong wires for the 2007...so I had the continous lock unlock mentioned above..change up the wires and good to go. As for connecting...mine connected with the two stock bolts so it is rock solid. Not sure why some have one bolt? __________________ 2007 Tacoma V6 Access Cab TRD 4X4(Indigo Ink) 1991 Toyota Pickup V6 (400,000 + KM) 2003 Nissan Maxima V6 1989 Ford Mustang Supercharged 5.0 (700 HP)