Pop-and-Lock / Help Me Decide

I can't decide between the keyed replacement handle (5300) and the electric lock strike model (8521). I ordered the 5300, but now having second thoughts. I'm primarily concerned about the selonoid in freezing temps or having it crap out and not being able to access the bed (hard cover ton). But the key lock could malfunction too.

Any thoughts?

 

I am thinking about the keyed one myself!??!

 

I'd go keyed. Keep it lubed up in the winter and it won't freeze.

 

No, not really. Just looking at it more from a convenience standpoint. I'm a little leery about trying to tap into the wires on the passenger side for the power unit. There have been plenty of articles out there to guide me through so I that's not too much of an issue. I was more worrying about tapping up through the rubber grommet covers on the underside.

 

You could always wire it to a separate switch in the cab so it wouldn't unlock/lock with the doors but would operate on a separate, manual button.

 

The 8521 install is really easy. I was a little worried about finding the wires, but I found them on the first try. The little grommet was also no big deal - I just ran the two wires (not the bulky black outer wrap) through the grommet/plug and put a big glob of silicone over the wires, using the black outer wrap on both sides of the grommet. My only other suggestion is to buy some extra wire connectors and shorten the wires in the tailgate and where you tap in on the passenger side for power.

 

My concern with the electric lock is the 30 second auto lock the truck does if you don't open the doors. I'd worry about slamming the tailgate shut with the bolts in the locked position. OUch!

I did the keyed handle and I haven't found it inconvenient yet. Only issue I have is I like having as few keys on my keychain as possible and it added one. I'm kinda obsessive about that.

 

The electric one closes fine when locked. It just prevents the handle from moving and pulling the metal rods connected to the latches on each side.



http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/77521-pop-lock-8520-8521-guide.html

 

oooho, thanks for the correction! I was thinking of a different mod where a guy used gate latch bolts for a similar mod.

If you don't mind messing with the wiring then I'd vote for the electric.

 

I have one electric one that I am going to post up shortly fr sale if anyone is interested. I got it for about 140 shipped to my house. Never got around to installing it and it's just sitting in my room. I don't plan to install it. PM if you are interested.

http://www.dynolockproducts.com
http://www.dynolockproducts.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=52


It is made for the Tacoma with a backup camera...09 +