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

After getting a bucket load of great info here, I'm happy to even be able to offer a little contribution back. =)
Big stuff's usually not a problem.
It's little dinky things like this that change from year to year that can make one pull hair out. (Not that I have a lot left to pull, mind you!)
Keep on truckin'!
-eddie

 

the close up photo shows a simple hose clamp that CAN be removed with either a screwdriver or socket wrench; seems this might delay the theft by half a minute at best

 

Here is another option:

Check out the thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.428094/

 

Take a look at the alternative:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.428094/

 

Not too bad.

 

Added the gate keeper slow down the thief device and put the washers on as instructed (see photos).

 

I ordered two this week at work for people that had thier tail gate jacked, and everytime its the same thing. Why would someone take my tailgate. I dont get it.

 

You could try just one of these I have had every color and the prototypes on my 2013 with the original tailgate installed and attached

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.428094/



https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=33&product_id=51

 

If you want to take advantage of free shipping read the thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.428094/

 

Apparently true:

 

DONE! And brilliant heads up, as well as being a simple and affordable solution...

 

Just put a sabellco on my taco, really wish I had just used a hose clamp, this one was hard to get on, rubber of rings were impossible without 3 or 4 more hands, so I trashed them. The tabs wouldnt roll in between the tailgate and hinge, so nearly impossible to get screw in.Now it's just loose on the hinge, but no biggie. For $36 I expected a bit more, but at least my tailgate is safe. If a thief has to put as much effort into stealing the gate as I did installing it, they'll give up fast. I only hope I don't have to take it off!

 

Just did the washer mod tonight as lots of tailgates at getting stolen in my area. I like everything looking really clean on my truck (even if you can't see it) so I used a #12m fender washer in stainless For the outer washer that prevents the cable from being removed. Now for the inside spacer washers that make up the space for adding the fender washer, I used two of the washers that are used on professional skateboard truck axles which allow the bearings of the wheels to spin freely. If you go to a skate shop and ask for them they are .50 ish a piece. You only need 4, 2 for each side. I could not seem to find them anywhere else with th o.d. Of the washer being small enough to allow the cable end to move freely. These little washers fit perfectly with no cutting or modifying needed. I painted mine white so they will resist rust a little better. See photos.

 

Understand it was so difficult to put on. It was designed to be tough to install and more difficult to remove, though many people were having more problems installing. We have made mods to the product as a Version 2.0 and it addresses the issues you described with the rubber. We opened up the diameter on the inside and made the groove deeper to retain the rubber and make it easier to install. You can see the product page for details: https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=33&product_id=60

 

30 seconds is plenty of time to get shot...............

 

New member, first post. I bought my 2015 Tacoma just last month. Never in a million years had I heard of people stealing tailgates. I have (still have) my dad's old '98 Chevy S10. Never had a problem with someone taking the tailgate.

Then I read this thread yesterday and all of the sudden I become paranoid that my tailgate will get stolen while I'm at work, so on the way home from work I bought a couple stainless steel hose clamps and some Gorilla Tape (to fold over on itself to make a protective gasket) and put them on yesterday evening. I positioned the heads so that you have to get under the bed to remove them. Put them on both sides to make it more of a hassle for a would-be thief. I threw the nut driver into the center console in case I have to remove the tailgate while away from home. Still need to do the washer trick. I eventually plan on getting a locking hard tonneau cover. Probably tri-fold. I was planning on getting one when I bought it just to protect anything I would have in the bed, but now it will provide extra security for the tailgate.

 

There is no slot on the driver's side to remove tailgate. That is why you see folks only messing with passenger side.................welcome aboard.

 

Oh well. Now it's balanced at least. Spent an extra dollar and an extra 10 minutes of my time. Maybe I'll take the left one off and throw it in the center console to make it easier down the line if I want to remove the tailgate more quickly and to have as a spare if the first one breaks.

Now it's even more imperative that I do the washer trick. Now I have to get the right torx bit for my nut driver and the right washers. Then I'll throw the torx bit in with the other bit and driver in the console. Maybe I need a little organizer for all this stuff that's accumulating in my center console.

 

You can also slow them down a little bit more with a popnlock locking tailgate handle too which'll also help out when you get locking lid. I have popnlock, clamp with gatekeeper over it, washer mod and tonneau. Garages at home and work help too.

 

Not sure if this has been asked so apologies in advance. Does this occur if the tailgate is locked?