How easy is it for the tailgate to be stolen?

So, I am a new truck owner. Never had a truck before. I hear that I should be locking my tailgate all of the time. How easy is it for the tailgate to be stolen? I read that I can add a "hose clamp" to the tailgate hinge to make it more difficult to steal. But, when I look at it, I am not sure where that would go. It looks like it has a cap of some sort already.

Kevin

 

Hey Kevin,

This link should point you in the right direction. I've never worried about tailgate theft just because I live in Alabama and Kentucky so i'm not so sure it is the biggest problem but here you go.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-theft-how-to-prevent-it.27829/

 

I bet it's even faster than that. Hose clamp or lock is an absolute must.

 

don't the newer ones lock with fob?

but to answer the question-- extremely easily. all you have to do is disconnect the support cables, lift up on the passenger side and slide out when it's open to remove it.

 

Thank you!

 

Maybe it depends where you live at... but having a extra tailgate lock can make a big difference... A thousand dollars vs. $25.-80 mod..

 

No, it does not lock with the FOB. I wish they would do that. I would think that it should, just like locking a hatchback or trunk. I mean, how hard would it be for Toyota to add this. It already has electrical running to it for the camera.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

Put a washer over the quick connect cable ends too, that other link mentions it too.

 

pop n lock































/thread

 

Crazy easy. There are a few thrifty ways to keep it theft-safe though

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's NOT crazy easy if your 3rd gen tailgate is locked at the handle. Is a third party product even necessary?

 

Locking the tailgate is a major pain if you're getting in and out of it all the time. Should be connected with the door locks like most other trucks available today.

 

I don't disagree, but I just keep mine locked until I need to lower it, then lock it again when I'm done. I don't do it enough to make it a PITA. Sounds like you need to install a power lock on yours.

 

An unlocked tailgate is really easy to steal, I think it's more a question of how likely is it where you live...or just lock your tailgate. Hose clamp "mod" is also really easy and takes no time at all to do.

I have a cover on the bed so for me locking the tailgate has just become a habit as I often have a few things back there anyway.

 

I just threw a hose clamp on and will chance it leaving it unlocked all the time. Truck mostly sits in my view at work, then in a garage at home.

 

Some times I have to run to Home Depot and come home with TG in the down position..... Ya never know when a TG thief will go for your TG....

 

Mine locks and unlocks with the key fob. 2018 here, is that different than past years?

 

The one time you happen to forget to lock it is when it will get stolen, I put the hose clamp on mine just in case.

 

POWER locks/unlocks? What trim level do you have? My 2018 DCSB Off Road is manual only. It locks/unlocks with the physical key that's hidden in the FOB.

 

Good point.