What Locking Tailgate Solution?

I know that there is a lot of info and discussions about various tailgate locking solutions here on TW, but I am trying to get some of this info all in one thread. Pro's, Con's, failures, works well with or without camera, installs easy, etc.

Please vote on which tailgate locking solution you think is best and then post why.

If I get a lot of responses for a particular "Other" solution, I will try and update the poll choices.

 

PL 8540

Pros
- wired to passenger door harness
- easy install
- camera lines up with grid lines
- a noticeable solenoid clunk to let you know it's working
- works with ignition key
- and locks your tailgate! Are you listening, Toyota?

Cons
- handle is a little small
- handle feels flimsy

I haven't used it in freezing temps yet.

 

$94 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 for me.

Pros
- Uses your ignition key.
- Easy install(you don't need to deal with running wires).
- Looks like stock.
- Doesn't change the location of the camera.
- No loud clunk every time you lock your truck.

Cons
- You need to flip one of the latch rods(maybe the same for the other series. Not sure).
- Feels like you need to pull up harder on the handle to open the tailgate.
- Others have said it looks flimsy.

Other then that, I haven't encountered any problems with mine since I installed it. Advice that I recommend is applying powdered graphite lubricant inside the bolt, and white lithium grease on the moving parts of the handle.

 

PL 8521 FTW! Keeps your stock handle and backup camera. Just adds a power locking solenoid to your handle.

 

Sub'd! I still need to do this.

 

Thanks for your inputs so far... Keep them coming.

I added the PL 8521 to the poll (andyzx6r, you may want to change your vote).

Seems like there could be an issue with having the 8521 and your FOB dies. No key entry as backup.

 

This could be true. I talked to POP&LOCK on this and they told me that they have a way of getting you in if your fob is lost or the solenoid dies. Not sure how they do this but it still is the best choice for me.

 

This.

 

More

$94 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 cons:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pl5400-problem-already.311031
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pop-and-lock-pl5400-problem.336397
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pop-and-lock-pl5400-question-for-owners.366276/#post-9980417
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pop-lock-pl5400.307480/#post-8680770
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...s-pl5400-opinions-please.323556/#post-8473000

 

^^ At the end of the day the OP is going to have to outweigh the Pros over Cons, or vice versa. Just giving my opinion and my experience with the

$94 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400. And yes, I've already read some of the problems that some have encountered, and I still went with it.

 

So, tomwil, your vote is for the

$80 PL5500 , Standard Lock

PL5500 (separate key)?

 

I have installed P&Ls on several vehicles. Most recently on my last Taco. I have heard of too many times that the bolt codeable model has stopped working, so I voted for the non codeable manual option. I view it as pretty simple to attach a separate key to my loop, and I can keep one in the glove compartment for emergency use.

The last one I installed did feel a bit flimsy, and I have not yet installed one on my newest Taco, but I may yet. I am sort of hoping P&L will market a stronger version. I'd be willing to pay a bit extra for a tougher lock. On my last truck I felt like I needed to apply some forward (closing) pressure on the top of the tail gate when opening it.

 

Yes, although the

$80 PL5500 , Standard Lock

PL5500 shares a similar problem with the

$94 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400, in that it may not stay locked.

The problem is a little plastic tab that gets weak and breaks, which prevents the P&L to stay locked:



The solution was to add a helper spring, so that the mechanism stays locked:

 

I have the 8521. Keeps everything stock. All you are doing is adding a power lock feature to your existing handle. Easy to install as well. Hardest thing is running the wire to the cab. There is also a video online showing this specific install on a Tacoma. Even shows where to wire it up to. I'll try to find the video and post it to this thread.

 

Is the following link the post and video you are thinking of?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-locks.291989/page-6#post-8003474

Edit: Probably this one:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pop-and-lock-pl8521-power-tailgate-install-2012-tacoma.214928

 

Thanks for all the inputs... Keep' m coming.