1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Final verdict on Pop n Lock?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by tallyman, Jan 11, 2017.

  1. Jan 11, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    #1
    tallyman

    tallyman [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    Member:
    #165621
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ricky
    Tallahassee, FL
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black 4x4 Tacoma DCSB TRDOR
    Just now got around to putting a cover on the bed of my '15. I know there used to be a ton of threads on the Pop n Lock, but has anyone had experience with them lately? Trying to decide if it is worth it or if it will just break on me within a year..
     
  2. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:02 PM
    #2
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2014
    Member:
    #134525
    Messages:
    69,792
    Seems like a roll of the dice on when they break, not if.
     
  3. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:07 PM
    #3
    OneFastGeek

    OneFastGeek Grand Master Fu

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Member:
    #93685
    Messages:
    570
    Gender:
    Male
    Treasure Valley, Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2010 TRD Sport 4x4
    I've had mine (PL8521) since 12/2014 and have had no issues at all. Very happy with my purchase.
     
    Stig and DustStorm4x4 like this.
  4. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:07 PM
    #4
    Jason McCabe taco

    Jason McCabe taco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2013
    Member:
    #96677
    Messages:
    71
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2006 4x4 crewcab/longbed SR5 Red
    3in lift kit, anytime fog light mod, daytime runing lights, satashi grill, kenwood touch screen, hid headlights, led interior lights
    I have the pop and lock power lock on my truck and have had no problems with it yet so far. I have only had it for 4 months now so can't say much about the longevity, but it seems to be built well.
     
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  5. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:11 PM
    #5
    ZachPrerunner

    ZachPrerunner Sometimes she goes, sometimes it doesn’t

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2015
    Member:
    #158942
    Messages:
    2,963
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast TN
    Vehicle:
    ‘07 TRD Offroad / ‘19 TRD Offroad 4x4
    For $65 on Amazon, I'd chance it. An extra $100 for a powered version just isn't worth it to me. If you carry/store expensive equipment in the bed, then I would go ahead with the purchase.
     
  6. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:22 PM
    #6
    OneFastGeek

    OneFastGeek Grand Master Fu

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Member:
    #93685
    Messages:
    570
    Gender:
    Male
    Treasure Valley, Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2010 TRD Sport 4x4
    Norton and ZachPrerunner[QUOTED] like this.
  7. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:26 PM
    #7
    WormSquirts

    WormSquirts Armageddon

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2015
    Member:
    #172583
    Messages:
    2,456
    First Name:
    Braeden
    BC
    I've had the powered version on my tailgate and canopy for almost 3 years no problems at all.
     
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  8. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:27 PM
    #8
    Nicklovin

    Nicklovin Mall Crawlin Through Life

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2015
    Member:
    #158071
    Messages:
    13,210
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Huntington Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    00 The Tunda - 0̶4̶ P̶r̶e̶r̶u̶n̶n̶e̶r̶ - 0̶1̶ O̶v̶e̶r̶l̶a̶n̶d̶e̶r̶ - 07 FJ Mall Crawler Xtrme
    Tacoless
    I've had mine quite a while with no issues, great people to talk to too
     
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  9. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:44 PM
    #9
    LunaticConcepts

    LunaticConcepts Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2014
    Member:
    #144398
    Messages:
    675
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgetown, TX
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TSS
    TC LT, Kings, OME, Billies, ARB, stuff
    I had one break, got a new one. I like em.
     
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  10. Jan 11, 2017 at 1:58 PM
    #10
    CleanupBoss

    CleanupBoss Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2014
    Member:
    #143275
    Messages:
    151
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chet
    Sparks, NV
    Vehicle:
    SR 5 with Leer shell
    S/C w/ Gibson exhaust Araid CAI, afr/boost gauges in Craven Speed mount, LED camper shell lighting kit clear bra, fogs, Leer shell w/keyless entry & Thule roof rack system Pop & Lock tailgate handle Rugged country 30" light bar for lower front bumper, Baja Designs SR2 flush mount rear bumper lights, DB Customz grill w/ 3" cube lights, Viair 2 gal tank, Viar Compressor
    Mine broke (Cheap internal plastic piece) a couple of weeks back.
    It lasted a year.
    It broke while I was trying to open the tailgate so I was stuck with a closed tailgate that wouldn't open due to a broken tailgate handle.
    Trouble is that in order to change out the handle, the tailgate needs to be open so you can access the screws to remove the interior tailgate panel.
    Luckily, I had kept my OEM tailgate handle and had not yet departed for an out of town duck hunt. Had this happened a couple of days later while I was out of town- with a pickup bed full of hunting gear and a dog...and no replacement tailgate handle... I would not have been pleased in the least.
    You buys a pop n lock...you takes your chances brother.
     
  11. Jan 11, 2017 at 2:15 PM
    #11
    rob1208

    rob1208 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2014
    Member:
    #137169
    Messages:
    1,996
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2014 Toyota Tacoma DCSB MGM TRD OR
    TRD Supercharger AFE CAI ProDryS ADS 2.5 Remote Resi Shocks ADS Rear Piggy Back 10" Travel Shocks ADS 2.0 Rear Hydro Bump Kit Deaver U402 Leaf Pack + Add a Leaf MCM Fab Uniball UCAs TC Spindle Gussets BAMF 100% Bolt On Sliders BAMF 1/4" Steel Skid Trilogy BAMF Diff Diaper Brute Force Fab Hybrid Front Bumper with Warn VR10000-s Winch Brute Force Fab High Clearance Dual Swingout Rear Bumper Custom Car Grills Mesh Grill Insert Stealth Custom Series SR8 - Matte Black 16x8 285/75/16 Toyo Tires Open Country AT2 Relentless Fabrication Ditch Light Bracket Mounts 2x2 Ditch Lights Apex Fab Works Flush Lower Grill Light Bar Mounts Caliraised 32" Light Bar Tech Deck Extreme Vagabond Outdoors Drifter
    I installed one in 2015, it broke last year after 13 months.
    Got a replacement part (@Pop&LockLLC has great customer service btw).

    The part that breaks is the plastic piece that applies pressure against the metal piece that releases the latches. The new design looks very similar to the old one (its still plastic).

    I'd still recommend the pop n lock. I just recommend adding lube every couple of months to the plastic / metal release area to reduce any friction which stresses the plastic piece. Also, I notice if i push the tailgate closed while trying to open the handle, it reduces the pressure also.
     
  12. Jan 11, 2017 at 3:41 PM
    #12
    steveo27

    steveo27 Ask me about my weiner

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110326
    Messages:
    5,768
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Pittsburgh
    Vehicle:
    '11 TRD Off Road & 1992 VW GLI
    The same shit everyone else has.
    Going on 3 years on my power Pop n Lock with no issues. I think the key'd ones seem to have the issues
     
  13. Jan 11, 2017 at 3:41 PM
    #13
    yeos

    yeos OCD Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Member:
    #98297
    Messages:
    1,206
    Gender:
    Male
    Moses Lake, WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 AC TRD OR 2007 Lexus GX
    Mine broke the same way the above two members had theirs break. It was the model pl8540 which is powered and has a OEM key cylinder. It broke in 20 degree fahrenheit weather 2 years later. I had to go inside the bed, unscrew the plastic tailgate cap and use a screwdriver to unlatch it. I replaced it with the OEM handle because I have a locking canopy that keeps the tailgate from opening.
     
    TRDSport10 likes this.
  14. Jan 11, 2017 at 3:46 PM
    #14
    Stig

    Stig Resident smartass

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2015
    Member:
    #149340
    Messages:
    13,182
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brandon
    Vehicle:
    Ta no mo
    I'm going on two years, I use the tailgate multiple times a day. PL8521

    No issues *knock on wood*

    After seeing complaint threads, i took off the tailgate panel to make sure it was looking good.

    Only issue was the rubber boot was not covering the rod anymore but didn't seem like it would be an issue.

    I also decided it was a good idea to install a manual access in case of dead battery or wiring. I put a 1/2" hole in the cover panel and then glued a plastic cover on the with black gasket maker. It's not noticeable but i can pop that off and unlock with a screwdriver if needed.
     
    Skada, 06Tacooo and TRDSport10 like this.
  15. Jan 11, 2017 at 3:48 PM
    #15
    DrFunker

    DrFunker Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    Member:
    #122158
    Messages:
    42,967
    Have had one for a couple years now. Did lube it pretty good on the install under advisement from one of the P&L threads.
    Should open up the tailgate this spring to juice it all up again.
     
  16. Jan 11, 2017 at 4:06 PM
    #16
    moondeath

    moondeath Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2011
    Member:
    #48948
    Messages:
    5,840
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Pa, Gardners
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Sport DCLB 4x4
    5100 @ 0” w/ 2.5” Eibach spring, 1.5" Icon Progressive 3 leaf + 1” block, Procomp Wheels, Grill Thin Lip (Custom Car Grills Mod), Access Tonneau Cover, Pop & Lock Tailgate Electronic Lock PL8521
  17. Jan 11, 2017 at 6:38 PM
    #17
    steveo27

    steveo27 Ask me about my weiner

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110326
    Messages:
    5,768
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Pittsburgh
    Vehicle:
    '11 TRD Off Road & 1992 VW GLI
    The same shit everyone else has.
  18. Jan 11, 2017 at 6:50 PM
    #18
    TegoTaco

    TegoTaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2016
    Member:
    #198555
    Messages:
    6,415
    Gender:
    Male
    Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2013 Super White Tacoma DCLB TRD SPORT
    I've had mine 6 months and no issues. The key is to be real gentle when unlocking/locking and opening the tailgate.
     
  19. Jan 11, 2017 at 7:02 PM
    #19
    Hit n Run

    Hit n Run Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2015
    Member:
    #170795
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    14 Black DCLB Sport
    I've had my PL8521 for over a year without issue. Installed it with this for additional support: http://www.tacomatruckparts.com/product_pl8521_bracket.htm

    I ran mine to a switch as I don't need my tailgate locking/unlocking every time I lock/unlock the cab. I also greased the actuator for good measure.
     
    CedarGroves03 and TRDSport10 like this.
  20. Jan 11, 2017 at 7:56 PM
    #20
    ThaiChillyTaco

    ThaiChillyTaco David aka Chilly aka Booty Freak

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2016
    Member:
    #184216
    Messages:
    4,187
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    The Ville, South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2021 Cement Grey TRD Off-road 4x4 Longbed
    Rough Country 3.5 Lift SCS BR6 wheels rolling in 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeaks
    The only Pop & Lock I know of is the old break dance version. :bananadance:
     
To Top