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

Just did this mod, THANKS TACOMAWORLD

 

Doing this mod tomorrow! Great tip and greatly appreciated!
Would hate to wake up one morning to see someone stole the arse outta my baby!

 

Tailgate theft has been on a huge rise here in Nevada... especially Las Vegas. They've talked about it on the news, the radio, and my area in particular is one of the worst because more people drive nicer vehicles.

I bought stuff to do this once, but can't find it.

Is this the right hose clamp from Amazon to get? https://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Turn-K...75716722&sr=1-9&keywords=Tacoma+tailgate+lock

Also, has anyone tried covering it with some electrician tape and maybe twisting it around so you'd have to get UNDER the vehicle to even use a key, if they had one? Guy on the radio mentioned this method specifically, so smart thieves (the few) could get some of these keys.

Just a thought to make it even better, less noticeable.

 

Omfg! Thanks man!

 

That's the type of hose clamp I used

I found this same style at Autzone if you want to pick it up locally. They come two in a package so you can donate one to a friend.

 

Have been shipping many of our tailgate locks to Nevada, Texas and California over this past month. I would recommend adding another layer of protection like the cable mod found earlier in this thread. Also adding the epoxy putty to the screws prevents the tool from being used.

We had a customer which who just had his tailgate stolen and had the clamp mod. He ended up buying one from "a shop" for around $350. This is the second customer of mine who bought one from "a shop". More then likely it was a chop shop and they either bought their own tailgate back or one from someone who had their tailgate stolen. Typically the clamps are found on the ground next to the truck. Here is the mod I did to my 2013 https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.428094/page-18#post-13354791

 

Have a link somewhere to what you're selling? Yea it's on the radio almost daily. I got the two pack from Amazon (didn't have it at lowes or freaking Home depot in Vegas). The second hose is going on my wifes 2002 tacoma. Thinking of adding glue or something so they can't use a key. but yeah. Thanks for the info.

 

hose clamp done!

I cut a piece of inner tube to keep the clamp from scratching up the paint in there hah yeah I'm really picky

 

You can visit our store or it is on ebay and Amazon. Link at bottom to ebay and amazon.
https://sabellco.com/store

 

So I take it this problem is still the same in gen 3 tacos?

Looks like I'll have to put this fix on my to-do-list.

 

Will do this right now!

 

On the rise in San Diego:
http://www.10news.com/news/tailgate-theft-spikes-in-san-diego

Too bad they show the hose clamp mod, gives thieves something to add to their toolkit.

 

Yeah... That's the problem. All these cities, TV, radio are exposing how to sort of safeguard... Giving the thieving asshats another way to get it.

Just dumb

 

If you did buy our lock for your truck, I suggest you add that epoxy putty to the security screw. It will prevent you from getting the tool into the fastener to take off your tailgate but it also makes sure the tailgate will not get stolen. if you really need to get your tailgate off you can spend some time to pick the stuff out. Since it is a hard to reach place it will not be easy.

If you feel safe with the hose clamp then I would at least encapsulate the head to make sure they can't just unscrew it. sine the clamp is about a half inch thick, the tailgate can come off by just getting the clamp loose.

 

What would I need to remove the bolt if I covered it with steelstik?

 

You will need time and a something to chip the epoxy out of the fastener, I actually tried after 24 hours on the cable mod fastener I filled up. It took me about 20 minutes and I did stick myself with the very sharp object I was using. Someone will need and extra hour or so to get my tailgate. I figure If I have to take off my tailgate, It is wrecked already so I will just cut the Tailgate Lock off because the sharp object really hurt.

If you plan on removing your tailgate frequently, it may not be the right approach.

 

Just lock your tailgate?

 

Use all of it...........clamp facing bed when tailgate is shut so it can't be undone from underneath, gatekeeper bracket over the hose clamp, pop & lock locking handle, cable washer mod & shell or tonneau to further limit access to any of it. Can't steal it before getting shot......no go on the whole truck either, it's immobilized when not in it.

 

Does this fit the 2017 Tacoma ?
Thanks

 

Where do you get those cool looking washers?
Thanks