Tailgate theft....How to prevent it....

Unresolved Taco Issues · Oct 20, 2020

kr310 said: ↑

Chris, I do appreciate the heads up on tailgate theft but I don't see why the creep can't just unscrew the clamp. It's not really locked. Seems like a chain and padlock would be a better option. Now I am really worried about it though and only minutes ago I was blissfully unconcerned.
Only a few days ago someone commented to me that my truck "even has a good tailgate!". I was wondering what was so notable about that? Now I know.
Click to expand...

True...it would be better secured with other methods, but even a cheap clamp that can be unscrewed gives you TIME. I would think unless the thief REALLY wants your particular tailgate they’ll just move on to another one of the other million-plus Tacomas out there if it means spending extra time unscrewing the clamp. Turns a 5-second job into at least a minute. Not time a crook is going to want spend in a busy mall parking lot.

I will agree, however, that the tailgate is nice. It’s one of my favorite parts of my Tacoma!

No_Smoking · Oct 29, 2020

I did the hose clamp technique and it loosened over a couple days without my noticing and scratched that inner area all to hell lol. Not a big deal but kind of sucks.

scleaf · Nov 11, 2020

FYI, The thief popped the handle lock and tried to pry the SaBellCo lock. He "Did Not" loose his tailgate but shared the pictures with me after a long discussion on adding more levels of protection (Washer Mod and Steel Stick in the heads of the high torques screws on the hinge). I sent him here for the instructions.

If you think the hose clamp will work, you may want to re-think the situation regardless of the solution you choose.

Gogogirl2021 · Dec 29, 2020

I'm reading this while I just left my truck "securely" at the airport for a brief trip and hoping the 21 Tacoma version is more secure

scleaf · Dec 29, 2020

Gogogirl2021 said: ↑

I'm reading this while I just left my truck "securely" at the airport for a brief trip and hoping the 21 Tacoma version is more secure
Click to expand...

So you have one of our locks installed, if so it is the same for 2016 thru 2021

Gogogirl2021 · Dec 29, 2020

Your locks? I have factory whatever came on it. That what ya mean?

B.Vigilant · Jan 2, 2021

This is great! However I do have a question. Someone tried to steal my tailgate but since it was locked they only cut my wires.

is replacing the wires something I can do myself in my garage by purchasing the wire harness online and is there anyway to conceal my electrical from being cut in the future, so the thieves don’t cut my wires?

thanks!

Sleepygiant · Jan 22, 2021

Definitely doing this! Thank you

someguyinWA · Jan 24, 2021

Are you supposed to do this on both sides? I just went outside to do this myself, and I got one side successfully, but it looks like the other side may be missing a part? Does this look normal? Note I installed the hose clamp successfully on the left side; the right side is the questionable one.

MR5X5 · Jan 26, 2021

someguyinWA said: ↑

Are you supposed to do this on both sides? I just went outside to do this myself, and I got one side successfully, but it looks like the other side may be missing a part? Does this look normal? Note I installed the hose clamp successfully on the left side; the right side is the questionable one.
Click to expand...

Passenger side is the only side that needs this. You are trying to "cover" the slot in the receiver that the tailgate lifts out of. Driver side is not slotted, it is fully contained.

someguyinWA · Jan 26, 2021

MR5X5 said: ↑

Passenger side is the only side that needs this. You are trying to "cover" the slot in the receiver that the tailgate lifts out of. Driver side is not slotted, it is fully contained.
Click to expand...

Got it, I appreciate it. Did that change with 2020+? I ask since what's pictured is my driver's side hose clamped up. Do I need to clamp over the black part instead (passenger's)? It just looks so much difference than OP's.

MR5X5 · Jan 27, 2021

Don't know specifics on a 2020, but, typically any tailgate - name the brand - has a slot at one end and enclosed cup at the other. The slot is what you are trying to defeat. Personally I skipped the cheap azz hose clamp and went with the device below. He makes a Gen3 model too.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anti-theft-device.593155/page-12
Page 12, post 233.

someguyinWA · Jan 27, 2021

MR5X5 said: ↑

Don't know specifics on a 2020, but, typically any tailgate - name the brand - has a slot at one end and enclosed cup at the other. The slot is what you are trying to defeat. Personally I skipped the cheap azz hose clamp and went with the device below. He makes a Gen3 model too.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anti-theft-device.593155/page-12
Page 12, post 233.
Click to expand...

Awesome, thank you so much, I'll check this out. Sounds like I have the hose clamp on the wrong side, ha.

maineah · Jan 27, 2021

Weld a washer to the upper part of the cable put the bolt back in the slot is only to make it easier to remove the tailgate.

Dirty Brown Taco · Feb 27, 2021

What about a big Zip Tie??????

Thecoma Phase8891 · Apr 2, 2021

Clamp method doesn’t work for gen 3. The tailgate attached design is different from gen 2. Wish I knew before attempting and scratching my paint!

smoothwhitetaco · May 13, 2021

I appreciate these lower-cost hacks, but I have a hard tonneau so I went all in with the Pop & Lock

$198 PL8540 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Smart Lock Combo with Bolt Technology for Toyota Tacoma, Fits 2005 to 2015 Models (OEM Color Black, PL8540)

PL8540 Tailgate Lock on my 2012 DCSB. Couldn't be happier.

Tyco_Taco · Jun 24, 2021

Cheapest mod lock ever!

SoCal_Erik · Aug 16, 2021

Saved the day! Some dickwad pulled into my work lot at 1047 today trying to get a freebie. This deterred him.

Low Tide · Oct 12, 2021

chris4x4[OP] initial post: ↑

There has been alot of talk on here about the theft of tailgates. The Tacoma Tailgate comes off VERY quickly and easily:

AS you can see, it took all of 10 seconds to remove my tailgate.

Now, In the Cheap/easy mods section, there is a ton of info on how to prevent this. If wanting to use a hose clamp, this is what you will need:

1. SAE #20 clamp. This clamp is for diameters of 3/4" to 1 3/4". 18mm to 44mm if your Canadian or from some other country that isnt on the same page as us Americans. You can use a screw driver, or a small socket to install these. OR, you can pick up "E-Z Hose clamps from your favorite Walmart. They have a "Key" on the nut of the hose clamp that can be removed, and it uses a 5 point head so a screw driver or socket will not work on these. Amazon also sells these clamps online.

Demo of how easy it is to take off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt1nyTLG9Y

How to secure it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR-AJjZoGo8

Close up pic:

You may have to use a pair of pliers to remove the Key from the clamp. If it doesnt come right off, get some pliers and pullit off with those. Afterward, the key will come right off when used to remove and reinstall the clamp in the future.

I didnt remove anything to show how EASY AS PIE this is to do. Now, Go out and do this. $2.54 is cheap as opposed to replaceing a tailgate.

Legal disclaimer:
Chris4x4 cannot and does not guarantee or warrant that Chris4x4 write ups from this site are free of viruses, worms, Trojan horses or other code that has contaminating or destructive properties. Chris4x4 does not make any express or implied warranties, representations or endorsements whatsoever (including without limitation warranties of title, noninfringement or fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to the write ups from this site. In no event will Chris4x4 be liable to you or to anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you or anyone else in reliance on results obtained from use of Write ups from this site. These write ups may be downloaded and/or reprinted for personal use only. Permission to reprint or electronically reproduce any document or graphic in whole or in part for any reason except for personal use is expressly prohibited, unless prior written consent is obtained from Chris4x4. Results may vary. Price can change without notice. Do not attempt to work on vehicle under the influence of alcohol, or perscription medication. Discuss your general health status with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to engage in vehicle maintinance. If you experience chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts during mods, seek immediate medical help. As with any Modification, in the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury. In rare instances, men performing mods on their trucks reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these mods or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop doing mods, and call a doctor right away. The most common side effects vehicle maintinance and mods are headache, facial flushing, upset stomach, less money, and angry spouse. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, anal seepage, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.
Click to expand...

chris4x4[OP] initial post: ↑

There has been alot of talk on here about the theft of tailgates. The Tacoma Tailgate comes off VERY quickly and easily:

AS you can see, it took all of 10 seconds to remove my tailgate.

Now, In the Cheap/easy mods section, there is a ton of info on how to prevent this. If wanting to use a hose clamp, this is what you will need:

1. SAE #20 clamp. This clamp is for diameters of 3/4" to 1 3/4". 18mm to 44mm if your Canadian or from some other country that isnt on the same page as us Americans. You can use a screw driver, or a small socket to install these. OR, you can pick up "E-Z Hose clamps from your favorite Walmart. They have a "Key" on the nut of the hose clamp that can be removed, and it uses a 5 point head so a screw driver or socket will not work on these. Amazon also sells these clamps online.

Demo of how easy it is to take off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt1nyTLG9Y

How to secure it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR-AJjZoGo8

Close up pic:

You may have to use a pair of pliers to remove the Key from the clamp. If it doesnt come right off, get some pliers and pullit off with those. Afterward, the key will come right off when used to remove and reinstall the clamp in the future.

I didnt remove anything to show how EASY AS PIE this is to do. Now, Go out and do this. $2.54 is cheap as opposed to replaceing a tailgate.

Legal disclaimer:
Chris4x4 cannot and does not guarantee or warrant that Chris4x4 write ups from this site are free of viruses, worms, Trojan horses or other code that has contaminating or destructive properties. Chris4x4 does not make any express or implied warranties, representations or endorsements whatsoever (including without limitation warranties of title, noninfringement or fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to the write ups from this site. In no event will Chris4x4 be liable to you or to anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you or anyone else in reliance on results obtained from use of Write ups from this site. These write ups may be downloaded and/or reprinted for personal use only. Permission to reprint or electronically reproduce any document or graphic in whole or in part for any reason except for personal use is expressly prohibited, unless prior written consent is obtained from Chris4x4. Results may vary. Price can change without notice. Do not attempt to work on vehicle under the influence of alcohol, or perscription medication. Discuss your general health status with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to engage in vehicle maintinance. If you experience chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts during mods, seek immediate medical help. As with any Modification, in the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury. In rare instances, men performing mods on their trucks reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these mods or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop doing mods, and call a doctor right away. The most common side effects vehicle maintinance and mods are headache, facial flushing, upset stomach, less money, and angry spouse. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, anal seepage, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.
Click to expand...

It looks like my to do list for tomorrow just got a little longer … well if my tailgate is still there in the morning

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