What are your honest thoughts on remote tailgate lock?

I picked up my Tacoma on Tuesday and had my sales associate include the remote tailgate lock kit as part of the deal; I'll install it this weekend. I agree with folks this *should* be a stock factory item, but since it isn't, yeah, it's a must have.

 

My last new Toyota (before this new 2021) had a factory cassette deck and just a handle on the tailgate, no lock whatsoever.
Now granted that was 38 years ago but having stepped into this world of new gadgets and doodads - remote and otherwise - I do find the discussion quite interesting.
Wish I had taken a photo of my salesman when I asked him if air conditioning was standard or an option these days....in 1984 it was an extra $600.
Hmmm...remote tailgate locks...what'll they think of next!

 

I'd be interested in this, but honestly I'm the person that worries about what if the locking mechanism fails over a bunch of years? For the same reason as it's a theft deterrent, it seems like it would be a massive PITA to purposefully remove.

 

Precisely my thoughts and why I personally prefer @christian06 ’s solution which looks more like a stock part and uses a security torx fastener. Just right for me, secure enough to prevent casual theft and no key to lose.

 

Thx for the good words my friend

 

I had to look it up, but I agree that does look like a worthy alternative.

 

I looked through one of your other main threads. Quick question... do you have any reason to think the device would move or pivot on the one screw? Just didn't know if it would rub and potentially remove paint after a while.

 

@Kllrbee

Buahahahahaha!

Why do you need to unlock the tailgate at that time of night?

I like that when I put my hand on the driver's side, only that door opens.

If I put my hand on the passenger side, all the doors unlock including the tailgate.

I'm glad I bought the OEM Tailgate lock after-the-fact.

 

Ford, Chevy, Ram…

all have it as a factory option on less equipped trucks…

should be standard from Toyota on all trim levels, or at least give me a key that is meant to be used as a key also.

so, I’ll be buying a factory lock soon.

 

Thats when I start work. 4a-2p.

 

That's fine but...what are you putting in your tailgate that it needs to be open?

 

Tools that I use for work. Locomotive engineer and mechanic.

 

I think the lock is worth it if you have a cover that is actually securable. I have the minimalist Lomax and it’s why I don’t have an auto tailgate lock. You can easily pry up the corner of some of these bed covers and locking the tailgate gives the illusion there is something in the bed worth prying one of those corners up to get at it. I know some think having stuff out of sight is enough to deter theft, but I just don’t put valuable items in the bed in general. Just yet another opinion.

 

So...no tonneau cover?

Just sayin'...if that was me, I'd buy a heavy duty tonneau cover like a Diamondback.

That way, I wouldn't have to load my tools in the truck every morning before I went to work.

Please....don't be offended by my comment.

Just making a suggestion to make life simpler.

 

I have the Lomax hard tri fold. Its secure enough. I leave some tools in there. Most actually. But there are some that Im not allowed to as they are railroad issued and either very unique or very expensive. Id leave them at the yard, but there are times when I need to meet a locomotive thats having issues enroute, so I need them with me.
Either way, even if I only needed to open it for something small, its a pain with the key when its dark and half asleep still.

 

Ahhhhh,

I get it.

The tailgate remote is handy to have then...instead of fumbling with a key to unlock the gate. lol

 

No once it's tightened it won't move because it captures the back of the hinge. Every one that's made is hand tested for fitment by me personally, there will be no rubbing or chafing.

 

Man I’d love to see a photo of one of these tools. They sound awesome.

 

The mechanical portion in me has been alerted. Can you provide a short description of the unique tools?

Just mad curious.

 

Awesome, thanks!