Tailgate theft....How to prevent it....

Most of the time, yes, but not in this case. Of course, many criminals aren't exactly known for intelligence otherwise they'd have a different career path, so maybe two will confuse the hell out of them.

 

The first thing I bought for my truck was a good sized storage shed so I could finally clean out my garage and actually keep my truck in it. Truck in garage during hours of darkness equals a drastic cut in the odds of theft and or vandalism. Not 100% but way better than 0%.

 

Parking in a garage at night is a great deterrent. I do that, too, plus I park in restricted access area during the day where crime is almost zero. However, the very first mod I made to my truck was installing a tailgate hose clamp and I also now have a Pop N Lock. A friend had his truck's tailgate stolen in a mall parking lot. That convinced me.

 

I bought a Gate Keeper it was custom made for tacoma fit perfectly, the factory bolt was a little tough to get off but some persistence and wd40 did the trick. I felt it was a little more intimidating for a potential thief then a hose clamp and although more expensive I feel it looks a lot better. Best price I found was on www.trucknvans.com but also saw it on Amazon

 

Guess what? It fits over the clamp for double protection................

 

I am having a hard time finding it on Amazon, what exactly did you search for it or what is the full name of it?

 

Gate Keeper Tailgate Protection Tacoma 2005-2015 Trucks

http://www.amazon.com/Gate-Keeper-Tailgate-Protection-TOYOTA/dp/B008D7PHGE

 

Great tip! I plan on installing the Gate Keeper, as well! Just have to figure out how to remove my stripped factory bolt!

 

Has anyone installed the Gate Keeper on the 2016 Tacoma yet? I tried installing mine just a few minutes ago only to learn that the bolt opening on the Gate Keeper does not quite reach the bolt opening on the tailgate. It's difficult to tell in the attached photo due to the angle, but it lacks a good 1/4" from marrying-up to the nearest bolt in the tailgate.

EDIT - Thankfully, I bought it on Amazon and they have already approved a return! According to the manufacturer's site the older version isn't compatible and a 2016 specific version isn't available.

 

$10 cheaper on TrucknVans than Amazon, both with free shipping.

 

Just did this to mine, the 2016's have a slight down slope, isnt completely round like the previous years but stillworks!

 

Just did this to mine, the 2016 has a slope where the tail gate fits in so it doesn't mount flush. But can't beat $2 for a tweeker theft protection plan! no ones stealing my tail gate to sell for drug money!!

 

Awesome, thanks!

 

Put a clamp on my tailgate today. I definitely feel more secure.

 

I guess the tailgate lock on the 2016s make this less of a necessity, and once I install the electronic tailgate lock actuator, I don't think I'll bother putting on a clamp--that would be "belt and suspenders," I guess.

 

I'm glad I found this forum today. I never would have thought about tailgate theft. I'll get that sorted tomorrow. Apparently in this city there is a big problem with license plate theft. (So much so the police here are offering theft proof screws for free.) It's not very far from the plate to the tailgate.

 

Thanks for the info....will be sure to keep the gate on my 2016 'locked' to avoid this!

 

I loved this mod. Picked up two clamps with the key on Amazon. Less than five minute install.

 

I put a clamp on my hinge and also put JB weld on my cable ends so they can't be easily removed either but allow movement.

 

I just did my tailgate mod(s). What great ideas ! I haven't really heard too much about the theft problem, here in northeastern NC, but I was indeed aware, of how easily a tailgate could be removed. Same thing with the GM trucks, and probably most other models. Regardless, the modifications discussed in this thread are really ingenious, simple to do, and quite inexpensive. I think however, that it should be emphasized, that at the very least, one should do both the "hose clamp" modification, along with, the "oversize washer" modification.

Yes, the hose clamp temporarily secures the tailgate, from the snatch and grab crook, looking for that quick removal and quick get-away, BUT REMEMBER, once that crook disconnects your cables, and realizes that there is a problem (the hose clamp mod), he's not likely to be real careful with your tailgate. He's surely not going to take the time to carefully re-connect your cables and close your gate. So, what happens - he immediately drops your tailgate and moves on (just as intended), but unfortunately, now you've got a nice crease or dent, as the gate slams down across your bumper, and the crook scurries on down the street to your neighbors house.

So yes, if you want to prevent the "loss of your tailgate, and the collateral damage", do both the hose clamp AND the washer modification. When the crook initially encounters the washers, preventing him from removing the cables (and assuming that he's not there with a full tool box and plenty of time), at least he will be alerted that something is a-muck, and he will most likely move on immediately, where the pickings are easier, and quick.

DO THEM BOTH ! (at a minimum) I salute the OP.........great thread !