What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Thanks. Me too. Total bummer.

 

I really like the look of the AJT. How difficult is it to remove the panel? I'm actually waiting on the AJT radio knobs and cup holder ring to be delivered. Looks good, TIA

 

Super easy. It just pops right out after you pop out the radio surround trim. Takes like 30 seconds.

 

Nice.

 

Pardon my ignorance but the tailgate is only vulnerable if it's unlocked correct?
Now since Toyota decided to make an electric lock that works with the key fob to lock the tailgate when you lock your doors, but in their infinite wisdom don't include it in any vehicle trim level you either have to have it dealer installed or do it yourself (like I did) in order to have this convenience. So for a few bucks more than the SaBellCo lock you can the OEM fully integrated electric tailgate lock, am I missing something here, seriously I don't want to be at risk. I always lock my doors (and now, by extension, my tailgate) when I exit my vehicle so I'm assuming I'm good but please let me know if I'm missing something. I'm not necessarily the "belt and suspenders" kind of guy though.

 

Geez that looks great, tempting! Dang it!

 

People can beat the electronic and manual lock. Then they remove the tailgate in 20 seconds.

SaBellCo and @christian06 solution extend that 20 seconds to much longer.

 

Wow! never heard of that! I thought the unlocked tailgate was the culprit! Good to know! thanks

 

$100 for SaBellCo, $40 for christian06 ... vs ... thousands for a tailgate. A no-brainer for me.

 

Never knew crackheads could so effectively defeat both mechanical AND electric tailgate locks, imagine what they could do if they weren't using crack (or meth I suppose)! Gonna have to throw the BS flag on this boys and girls!

 

Only good thief is a non breathing one.

 

Very easy I took my time as it was colder in my garage 50 degrees. About an hour start to finish. Lots of good YouTube videos too.

 

you can mount the white letter on the inside .........modern problems require modern solutions

 

Got it. Way back I got it. I'm OCD, I would know the white letters still exist. Flipping them inside isn't an option for me, not a possibility, not even a consideration.

 

I also lock my tailgate, but have seen multiple instances of the lock being punched out with a screw driver. When it comes to being prepared, I am definitely a belt and suspenders kind of guy. If the electric tailgate lock offers additional security over the manual keyed lock, I may add it later.

 

Well they at least are not going to cost you “thousands of dollars”.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/pta?query=toyota tacoma tailgate#search=1~grid~0~20

 

So much for sleeping well tonight. I had no idea it was that bad.

 

So, here's my take on this. Thieves are thieves because they are lazy and don't want to work, so they look for easy, big paying and easy to sell items. Anything that slows them down will in most instances cause them to move on to the next "victim". So, in my opinion, either the electric locking mechanism or the "hinge" lock will be enough say 90% of the time. But, there are some "industrious" thieves who may go the extra mile to steal your tailgate and will take the extra time no matter what. I would also believe if the thief spends extra time trying to defeat the extra steps you take to stop them, and they are unsuccessful, they will be frustrated and take that frustration out on your truck; ie scratch/dent etc your truck. And, if they damage the tailgate they get less for it. I could be wrong on this, no one really knows. So, would you rather replace your tailgate or repair your truck? Me personally, my truck "sleeps" in my garage 99.9% of the time, so it's not a big concern of mine. I also added the electric locking mechanism to my tailgate, for convenience mostly, not theft deterrent.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying let the thieves run wild. There's nothing that I hate more than a thief. Personally, I'd like to shoot the SOB's!!! But, laws won't allow us to do that. I truly wish this wasn't part of the society we have to live in, but it is. Do whatever you can, and watch you neighbors/brothers backs!

 

To be honest, 2nd gens are $25 and 3rd gens are $35. That's raw with no options.

 

I've heard stories of thieves pulling up behind parked trucks in parking lots, grabbing tailgates, then taking off. Do you ever park in a typical parking lot?