Cheap Tacoma tailgate theft deterrent! [Thanks, Robmotive!]

Hey, just pointing out that it wont stop a thief who wants the tailgate. At least put on the washers too, thats a better screwdriver deterent.

By the way, our tailgate locks can be easily opened with the same screwdriver too.

One thing I always do is to lock the lock as soon as I start to open the tailgate before removing the key, it will close locked that way. Makes it much less likely to forget locking it after you close it.

 

I can't remember the exact size, but the diameter of the part you're trying to cover is about 2" and hose clamps have a lot of adjustment... plus they are inexpensive so if you buy a one that's too big or small, you've spent maybe $1.50.

And I get it that if you lock the tail gate you have done a lot to prevent theft but I seldom lock mine because I don't have a tonneau cover or cap and haven't installed a pop n lock so it's a PITA. That plus in my daily travels, I don't worry about theft out of my bed. I've had a dry box with all sorts of things in it, just sitting in the bed for quite a while and no one has touched it. Second truck I've had it in. If I'm on the road and staying at a motel or some such, that's a different story. YMMV

 

LT is right, a 2” hose clamp should cover it. Do yourself a favor and shop at a locally owned hardware store like True Value that lets you take stuff out to the parking lot to try a fit on your truck, I’ve built lots of things for my trucks by doing that.

Also get washers and nylon spacers for securing those tailgate cable eyes, that’s a much better deterrent than just the hose clamp because I doubt most amateur thieves looking for a quick free tailgate carry the right torx head to take those bolts off and they won’t be able to do it with a screwdriver.

 

You come in and respond to a thread from May to 6 guys and insult them? This is a community, be more constructive. I was mad because the poster was insulting where people live rather than creating a solution.

 

This is true. I popped the hose clamp off mine with a screwdriver. Totally useless mod.

 

Well, combined with washers it may make someone leave it for all the other Tacomas parked at the mall!

 

The thief doesn’t have to unscrew the hose clamp. He just prays it off sideways. I did it on my truck. Takes a second.

 

I was referring to a hose clamp only. I agree the washers on the cables is a better method.

 

But could be really expensive.....

 

Locks are meant to keep honest people honest. A thief will find a way.

 

I would NEVER trust my tailgate to a $2 hose clamp. Total false sense of security. I'm reading ppl saying
thieves don't carry tools. Wrong! thieves DO carry tools with them. screw driver, snips, small hammer etc...
My car was broken into a while back and someone spooked the thief, they ran off and left their tools behind
on the front seat! Don't for a second think a thief isn't carrying around a few tools in their pockets.
That being said I found this little lock that might do the trick, pricey but a hell of a lot cheaper than a tailgate.

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

 

Locks are made to keep honest people honest. A dedicated thief will find a way around most locks. I've put a clamp on mine and that's as far as I'm going to go. I guess a lot of you live in tougher areas than I do. I keep a dry box in my bed with goodies like a tarp, first aid kit, tow strap etc. It's not locked and has been in all three trucks I've owned since 2012. Still there undisturbed. If it wanders some day, well so be it.

 

Yep!