Locked Tailgate Stolen?

I’ve read about several owners getting their tailgates stolen.

If the tailgate is locked with the tailgate lock can it be stolen and or taken off?

 

Yep. True on Dodge's and some Fords as well. There's a trick to use a hose clamp around the left slide-out hinge to prevent this. It should be somewhere here on the fourm.

 

I keep mine locked.

 

Use a hose clamp to secure it.

 

If it is locked it cannot be stolen. Unless they beat he hell out of your truck and tailgate to get it. I have a pop and lock on mine.

 

Always keep the tailgate locked. Here is a rather long video that ultimately shows the hose clamp deterrent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fl2ivL7988

 

I’ve seen the hose clamp, but I lock mine and cannot see how you could take it off.

Just asking a question since these tailgates sell for several hundred $$ online.

 

about the only way would be if someone shoved a flat head screwdriver into the key lock then twisted the guts out with channel lock pliers.. ??

 

The Hose Clamp is still a good idea just in case.

 

I’m just doing my due diligence as a Tacoma owner. I don’t have a cap or anything in my bed besides a mat and usually dont lock it.

I’ve read a few owners have had their tailgate stolen. So that’s why I started the thread.

Really what I’m asking is if your tailgate can be “easily” stolen if you lock it?

 

It happens, both city & trailhead. Mitigate opportunity for thievery whenever possible.

 

NO

 

I’m thinking the same thing thanks for the short and presise explanation.

 

Yeah, it’d be hard to steal it once locked. Which is the main reason why I ordered the Pop n Lock. I looked at the hose clamp but I am going to go with something like this: https://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgard...s3uy5yPcON3Bsq8f_fFijvW7kTZeSiUBoC5BAQAvD_BwE

 

Succinct & spot on.
Ever share your vehicle? Someone that may forget to lock the tailgate? Just sayin'...

 

I barely let my wife drive it. I do have the hose clamp on it just in case I forget to lock it.

But in the end, the direct answer to his question is very simple. People can add all the qualifiers they want, but OP just wanted a direct answer.

 

So a flat head screwdriver takes it off in seconds. Hardly worth it!

 

There's this one

https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=33_60&product_id=68

 

No prevention. Merely a deterrent. Thieves are primarily opportunistic. YMMV.

 

The one I put on my truck has a square head, it should help make a thief just move to the next truck.