Pop N Lock Failed

Had the key operated lock on my Tacoma for two years; Also have a steel tailgate cover I put on two years ago.

Could not get the lock undone so had to cut thru the steel tailgate cover to unlock the tail gate.

Put the original handle back on.

Plastic cantilever bar from handle to the release mechanism broke; it is not as substantial as the original lock also plastic.

I now have an inspection plate on my steel tailgate cover/reinforcement.

 

Yep. Me too. It's a common enough issue that I don't understand why P&L doesn't start making that piece out of alloy.

 

I fear this is going to happen to me so I plan on reinstalling my oem handle once the weather cools down. I've had the p&l for 4 years now. Also, I'm trying to figure out alternative ways to lock the tailgate or at least make it more secure under my tonneau cover than the hose clamp.

 

Install a u bolt in the tailgate frame. Then you can cam-strap it to one of the bed rails and it will be difficult to pry open without unlocking the bed cover. That's what I did and it is solid.

 

Hey iadahbro,

I'm planning on getting a cap and want to secure the back end. With so many reports of P&L failures I am seeking another way. Your solution sounds promising.

When you state "Install a u bolt in the tailgate frame" do you mean it's protruding from 2 holes drilled through the composite tailgate cover?

Please provide a pic. Or anyone else with a similar solution?

thanks.

 

Soft or hard?

 

I have a bakflip

 

Don't have a lock on the tonneau cover. Have a bakflip

 

I had it happen to me last week. I'm glad i had the tri - fold solid top open when the handle broke or i would have had a mess.

 

washer + two #20 hose clamps(one over the other) + 2 bicycle cable straps & lock.

Done.

 

I have read about those pop a locks not working this is also a option to the hose clamps
SaBellCo 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Tailgate Lock - Anti-Theft Locking Device v2.0

 

I so wish there was an alternate to pop n lock. something more substantial, Wish the turd gen handle would fit.......

 

As for pop n lock, I bought the electric lock. I dont like the aftermarket handles. They arent made as well as the factory handle.

 

I too wish the third gen handle would fit. Having read about the numerous PopNLock failures, I think I'll just run it stock unless a better product comes out.

 

Mine recently broke too. I just popped the upper plastic wrap around panel on the tailgate and stuck a long flat-head down in there and opened it.

 

I recently had the electric Pop & Lock stick on me . Luckily I managed to open the gate and greased anything that needed to be . Later this week going to try removing handle from factory lock and swapping it out with Pop and Lock 's handle and see if that solves the problem.

 

I cut a slot with a reciprocating saw to allow the bolt to come through the composite, and then filled the gap between the bolt ends with marine weather stripping from home depot. If you do this, be careful to mount the bolt through the meatiest part of the tailgate frame or you may end up flexing it enough to dent the tailgate from the inside. It won't stop a determined thief, but is solid enough to prevent crimes of opportunity at a trailhead or parking lot.

 

In hindsight I suggest this:

 

Yeah, exactly that is what I used . That, and a little loctite.

 

Thanks for the pics! Great idea! Will probably do the same.