Pop n' Lock broken and tailgate won't open

Sorry to reopen this thread but have a question on this subject. Since I have a tonneau cover on my bed and the pop and lock handle breaks, how would I open up my tailgate to get to the screws on the backside of the tailgate? Anyone ever run across this problem or hear of this before?

 

That would be a big problem.... I wouldn't install a pop and lock as they are cheap and known to fail under hard use.

 

You know any other way to lock the tailgate to keep things safe in the bed and my tailgate from being stolen? They need to make a better looking tailgate latch that won't break.

 

Nope. Just make sure you don't leave valuables in the bed and get good insurance.

There are a million products online to prevent tailgate theft do a search.

 

Pace Edwards has a tailgate lock. I just bought a pop and lock we will see how it goes. You can attach a piece of para cord to the latching mechanism and route it down to the bottom of the tailgate. Make it so it’s hidden but there in case the handle breaks. You can pull the cord and open the tailgate. There is a write up on here about it.

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

 

Or use a stainless steel wire with crimped loops.

$14 SSACK Stainless 304 Steel Looped Aircraft Cable Length of 10" 14" 20" - Stainless Coated Wire Rope Crimps Ferrules 10pack of Set (14")

https://www.amazon.com/SSACK-Stainl...ocphy=9010513&hvtargid=pla-1435395517439&th=1

 

These latch mechanisms aren't very durable. And the tailgate can't handle the weight of a full size motorcycle...

I ended up having to beat the crap out of my whole tailgate (it was already bent) until i got it off and then i threw the whole thing in a dumpster.

Built a steel tailgate that doesn't flex for about $30 of metal (two years ago price) with a latch that can not get stuck.

 

While installing the P-N-L, I ran an emergency release wire in the tail gate. Used an old bike brake cable. As long as the tail gate is locked it does nothing, with it unlocked it opens the tailgate.

 

Yes, this is what happened to me... I had to kick the crap out of the tailgate and break it out. I was sick of the shitty latches breaking anyway and the tailgate is a weak piece of junk. (If you actually use your truck as a truck, it will all break eventually)

 

This is exactly why I bought a tonneau cover with an external key lock... Pace Edwards Jackrabbit... to be able to get in there and remove the plastic cover on the back of the tailgate if necessary. And the decision paid off when my electric tailgate lock linkage came loose and jammed in the locked position and I had to get in there and repair it. The other benefit from this setup is you can open the tonneau without dropping the tailgate.

 

And I had just bought a PNL! This is a blow I hate plastic world.

 

Sorry for the silly question but when you say "Pop N Lock" are you referring to a particular brand or meaning all of them in general ? I am asking because I was thinking of getting the OEM one but am having second thoughts now. Thank you for any help.

 

Paracord looks like a great idea but it was stated I think it won't do anything if the handle is locked and that's my biggest worry. I have the

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

PL5400 and was wondering if there's a way to hook the paracord to any part of the mechanism that will help when you pull in it to actually let the handle be able to open the tailgate? Maybe hook it to something in the mechanism that would allow it to open.

 

The brand. They supposedly created a newer version because of all the breaks that were happening but I still don't trust plastic. Stock lock with no valuables and it should last a lifetime.

 

@Tridet167 Thank you for the info/help,,, Ill see if I can find one with limited use of plastic.

 

Is pop & lock the only one that make this type of lock for the 2nd gens ? I have searched and came up empty . Also is the newer version of pop & lock any better ?

 

I haven't kept up on that but I think they are the only ones. The newer version supposedly makes the weak area stronger but I do believe it's still plastic. I don't know if it's any better.

 

Thank you for your reply . I can't seam to find anything on the newer version . If they are any better and what the new part number is .

 

I would think anything you buy today is the newer version. You could always send them an email.

 

I’ll get you a picture of what the inside of the handle looks like on one I bought a month or two ago tomorrow.