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

i was thinking the same thing, why not use both the clamp and a plastic zip tie. Then 2 tools will be needed for removal. Still under $3.00.

 

This is a problem, still?

Man, the things people do in this world.

Does locking the open latch prevent this from happening?

Ed

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I just evaluated the tailgate of my Sport...seems like this is something that needs attention.

Ed

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If unlocked it takes about 15 seconds to remove my tailgate. Locked it requires the tools to break up he lock (drilling) and several minutes. I lock mine.

 

I'm gonna buy the bracket and install it myself. I like keeping the tailgate latch unlocked.

Ed

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I found one on Amazon that doesn't require screw removal but there are complaints due to sizing because it's not specific for Tacomas.

$43 Pop & Lock Universal Black Tailgate Lock, Key Lock, PL9900, The Gate Defender, Truck Theft Prevention, Made in USA

https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Lock-PL9...a+bracket+for+tailgate&qid=1635088058&sr=8-48

Ed

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EDIT: Or you can use a HOSE CLAMP for time being to deter theft.

 

I always knew that tailgates came off that easy but I didn’t think about people stealing them!!
I got a hose clamp out of my garage for $0 and secured mine.
Sure a thief can unscrew it, but they usually look for the quick swipe with a fast getaway.
I installed the clamp then checked it a couple days later and moved it to be parallel with the the tailgate to avoid any rubbing.

 

I've starting locking mine with the key. I have the tonneau cover, so hopefully between the locked gate and cover that can only be opened when the gate is down, there's enough of a deterrent.

 

Y'all definitely put the "fear of god" in me. I've starting to be really attentive to keeping it locked, and I have a forward and rear facing dash cam. I put the sticker above the handle as hopefully will be an additional deterrent; however, even if I got someone's face on camera, doesn't mean they won't sell it before it could be recovered. My tailgate would be more expensive too, since the truck has the black-out package. All that long explanation to say, thanks for the warning.

 

i did plus i coated with scotch weld

 

Just to make sure I understand…they can’t steal it if it’s locked, right?

 

Right! One has to lower the gate about halfway to disengage the hinge.

 

Thanks a lot for your info.
Going to Walmart rigth now.

 

That's wild. I have always been bothered that the tailgate doesn't lock with the key fob / the rest of the truck. Wonder if that's a mod that could be done.

 

The sales guy told me I could have the remote locking feature added to the truck there at the dealership. I haven’t pursued it yet, but if I get tired of manually locking it I might.

 

Re: Ideal Turn-Key Clamps. The yellow plastic key just bother's me. I guess its going to be OK because it'll probably be a long time before I have to remove the tailgate but just in case, I went looking for another way to tighten it and a 1/4" box wrench (NOT open end!) works. The wrench also gives more leverage/torque. Be careful of stripping out the grooves on the strap though.

 

You can add shrink tape to the clamp and even cut the excess back and shrink tube the nut as well. O scraping issue.

 

Thanks for this thread!

I cut a spare PVC coupler to size, sprayed black & slipped it over the tailgate hinge.


Added a washer


Installed a Pop N Lock

 

with enough force and lack of care, NOTHING that is locked will stay locked.

the idea is target displacement. no concept where the vehicle and the component exists will ever prevent theft. that is impossible. the idea is to create enough of a headache that idiot trying to take it moves on to easier/other targets.

 

Thanks for the pics GGLV

we put the SaBellCo Tailgate Lock, and after seen your post I just need to get some washers.