Pop and lock handle

Looking to get a locking handle now that I finally got my tailgate issues fixed.

The previous owner had a hard cover covering the bed that locked and unlocked with my unlock button. I took that off years ago but the wires are still there.

I don’t need a power lock but I’m reaching out for opinions from people that have aftermarket locks on their tailgates.

what do you have and do you like it. Power or manual locking.

for a 2007

 

Only option for our trucks is the pop n lock

 

I have a manual pop and lock handle on my tailgate, 2008, got it off eBay and keep the key in center console... works fine and I like the set up.

 

Ok. Just wondering people’s opinions on manual lock vs power lock

 

I had a pop and lock and it worked fine for a while then started jamming. Maybe dirt caused it. I'm not sure. Never got it to be dependable so I ended up going back with the one that came off. I searched for some other brands. I found one but lost interest and never ordered it. For those that have had p and l and had good results.... great for you. But that wasn't my experience. Good luck.

 

PopnLock gets mixed reviews here but I have zero issues with mine. It's coded to my key and I added an aftermarket backup camera to work with my kenwood HU. Model

$100 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400:

 

I have the powered version with no key option have had it for 5 years now no issues. One less key on the ring and tieng to door locks is convenient

https://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Tailgate-Lock/Toyota/Tacoma/2014/PAL8521.html?vehicleid=2014912655

 

I’ve had the manual version for about 8 years. Works great, no problems. I’m old school and prefer the manual version. Just seems to me like there is less chance of something going wrong with the manual.

 

I’ve had the manual one for about 8 years. The color has faded but still works perfectly

 

was it a pain to get the cam cable back to your HU?

 

Had a P&L I bought a few years ago with bolt technology (so I could use my ignition key to lock and unlock the tailgate.) No power controls though.

From the start it didn’t have a crisp opening feel to it like OEM. I verified 50 times to ensure installation steps were as followed and even tried alternative orientations etc.

It seemed like the handle itself preferred me to push in on the tailgate in order to get a good and clean release.

The plastic handle is kind of janky and has more flex than the original. Cheap quality.

The icing on the cake was when the regular black trim finish faded to white. I took care of it too and used proper sealants safe against fading on trim specifically.

It’s currently off with the original back on. I may end up repainting or reordering in hopes quality has changed. Maybe I’d have better success with a paint matched lock this time.

Just my $0.02

 

Not really. I ran it along the top of the frame zip tie along the way and there’s a rubber grommet under the driver's seat with factory wiring that I squeezed the cable through. Then up along the kick panel, under dash and to the radio.Tap power and ground wiring at the taillight assembly.

 

How was the install for this? Did you have to do any drilling or splicing at all?

 

I have the same one (Pop 'n Lock P/N

$122 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521). You will need a drill bit and wire taps to install it. If memory serves, I used this video to help me with the installation process:

[removed: wrong video]

I also added an emergency/manual release, in case the solenoid fails:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pop-n-lock-pl8521-install-with-emergency-release.445898/

The only reason I went for this option is because it allows retention of the OEM tailgate handle. Pop 'n Lock's tailgate handles are known to be poor quality.

 

Using the OEM handle is the reason i was looking at this route as well. Did you have to drill to run the wiring or to mount the bracket? I was thinking the wiring may follow the OEM camera wiring route. Thanks for the vids, i had read about the emergency release cord as well

 

The drill is needed to add a new hole to a plastic cable pass-through on the bottom passenger side of the tailgate. If you follow your rearview camera cable, you'll see the pass-through I'm talking about. No other drilling is required.

 

Thanks, just seen the video. Thats not bad at all, just drill into the plastic tab. Thanks. It would be nice if PnL made an actual good handle with the key

 

I installed the pace edwards power lock. I went with them do to all the failures ive read about the PNL. i have no key just the handle. I unlock it and lock with the remote or i use the key in the driver door and turn it twice to unlock and reverse.i also have a fail safe cord attached to the solenoid arm so i can manually unlock it by pulling the cord. I have it tucked in the bottom of the tailgate near the drain hole

 

Where did you grab your pace edwards from?

 

Pace Edwards LK410 Powergate...

Pace Edwards LK410

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q8FBQKE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share