Tailgate Locking — Best Theft Deterrence?

Are Taco tailgates a popular black market item?

Isn't the OEM tailgate lock a sufficient theft deterrent?

 

Does anyone have the OEM lock kit part #?

 

OEM

$162 PK3B6-35JS0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)

PK3B6-35JS0

 

Seems the two items that are popular steal around here are tailgates and catalytic converters.

Both can be removed quickly if left unsecured.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but WTF does anyone want with a used catalytic converter? Why is that a hot item to steal?

 

Platinum content

 

I went with the OEM lock. Figured it was the best choice between OEM and Pop-N-Lock.

 

Exactly. Even though metal reclaimers know they’re stolen they’re just as bad as the thieves as they still buy them.

 

The OEM kit has two different part numbers. One for short and one for long beds due to the harness length.

I used

$162 PK3B6-35JS0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)

PK3B6-35JS0 for my shortbed. Bought from a popular OEM parts reseller, not AZ.

 

Tailgates are a very popular black market item. Think about it. First of all, it is not your grandma's tailgate. It is thick and very heavy. It also has a built in camera that they will likely "Cut" the wires to when they steal it. So you will need a wiring harness, new tailgate, that will then have to be painted, and a camera system. You are looking at about $3000 total for all of this, including labor. The two most popular states for tacoma tailgate thefts, the last I heard, were Texas and California. And no, locking the tailgate is not enough, although it helps. Install a hose clamp on the right side where the tailgate attaches. At the very least, this will slow down a theft and most likely, save you as they do not want to spend time trying to figure out why the tailgate won't come off of the vehicle. I will provide a link to installation of the tailgate automatic lock system, as well as official toyota instructions for installation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qeKhgnc3UI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJt4A_hCIrs

 

Here is the most affordable solution for tailgate thefts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJt4A_hCIrs

 

The McGuard lock seems a better option than the Sabellco - from a cost perspective particularly... ( <$20 vs >$80 ).

Especially if it is on top of the OEM Remote locking for the tailgate...

 

Decided to upgrade from the hose clamp to the SaBellco unit. Not that it may be any better, but it looks much better. The hose clamp looks, well, too redneck.

Now I say I've decided to upgrade and I ordered one. It was shipped on 12-24. It traveled through the postal system to a distribution center in just a few days, over the Christmas holiday no less. Not too surprised as it's only about a 45 minute drive from the origination post office to the distribution center. But sadly the USPS has once again proven itself incapable of even the simplest task. Supposedly it left the distribution center on the 12-29, still all good. But the problem is it's been 8 days since it left the distribution center to travel a distance that takes thirty minutes to drive.

Assuming it's still on the truck somewhere, the overtime that driver has accumulated explains why the USPS is always crying poor.

The worst part is they are blaming heavy volume and covid. Well yea I get the volume, but it was on the truck to go to the destination post office, so that's pretty bogus. And as to covid, I call BS, unless of course the driver dropped dead and his truck is parked somewhere in a seldom traveled alley.

 

Ordered my SaBellCo 22 December. Arrived 6 January. Installed it today. At least my didn’t go to Texas first. My firehouse ordered something before Christmas from a supplier about 20 minutes away in Coatesville, PA. It was shipped USPS. First it went to Wilmington, DE, then to Houston, TX. Not sure where it is now.

 

Looking at the McGard website it lists only 2012 for the Tacoma. Anyone know if this will fit a 2020?

 

Mine was a dealer/port installed lock. One of a couple things I didn't realize they did until I got it home.

If they didn't do it I certainly would have, it's a fantastic convenience.

 

It may be Redneck, but when do you see it? Who pays attention for that matter?
The hose clamp idea is good, but the clamp needs to be tightened from underneath the truck.

 

Couldn't have said it any better! And I agree that tightening the clamp from underneath the truck is the way to go. I didn't get that suggestion until I had already installed mine, and frankly, I have just been too lazy to go out there and adjust it. However, for those who don't want a silver hose clamp staring them in the face, what I did, was I painted mine black first, before I installed it. But like Taco2021LB said, "when do you see it, and Who pays attention..." anyway?

 

I added the Pop n Lock on mine. Hit the FOB button and it's done. Easy install and works perfect.

 

USPS Postal is sucking. Ask a vendor to send FedEx or UPS ground or I wouldn't order.