Tailgate theft....How to prevent it....

I like your tip, something else I didn't know. I love your disclaimer, it's very funny.

 

Info in the first post from 2009 good for a 2017 Taco?

 

Quoting myself as I went to the auto parts store and bought the 3/4" clamps. Works on 3rd gen!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-securing-your-tailgate-thread-thread.498126

 

3rd gen Beta testers wanted:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.428094/page-22#post-15565567

 

Another good idea for everyone take the plastic cover off the inside of your tailgate and write your last name or something in sharpie. So if you can track down your tailgaye on craigslist or what not and you contact the police you will have a way to prove its yours

 

Hey, good to know. Thanks for the advice. I dented the tailgate on my previous truck, a Ranger, less than 24 hours after I bought it, and I'd always look at Rangers the same color and think of how easy it would be to switch the tailgates. Fortunately I'm honest and it never went beyond the idle fantasy stage. But yeah, you could steal one in a minute or two.

 

Sorry for digging up an old thread but..

Did you use the original screw for this mod?

if the op isn't avail I'd be happy for others input thanks.

 

FWIW, knowing it's very unlikely I'll ever want to remove my tailgate, I did the hose clamp, then threw a blob of glue over the head of the clamp.

 

If you're suggesting one of those as a replacement for a stolen one, you're probably buying a stolen one and feeding the circle.

 

Couldn't you just lock your tailgate with the key and not have to use a clamp ?

 

They didn't have tail locks from the factory til at least 09, not sure about the late 2nd gens

 

My 08 does not have a lock

 

My 15 doesn't have a lock.

 

I have a PopnLock on my tailgate, and generally keep my truck locked, even while I'm in it. Should that suffice?

 

Hello, I'm new here as a member, but was here cyber-leeching off your excellent info base and community for a year - since buying my current 06 Tacoma Sport 4x4 and doing my first mods. Truck already had some mods when I got it with 185k mi. on the clock. Quite a few visible DIY repairs, some done a lot better than others...

Normally would not have given so thoroughly-tested a rig a second glance, especially on a downtown used car lot, but it was pretty clean and had recently had an engine with 90k original swapped in simultaneous with partial rebuild and TRD Supercharger install. I took a risk, and have been very pleased with both the truck and the honesty/integrity of my small-town used car broker, whom I would highly recommend to anyone living between Las Vegas and Cedar City UT. Tell him exactly what you want and how much you're willing to pay, and then have your cash ready because he will find you one quicker than you can say "I was just looking."

Anyway the truck has been very good, save for a couple items that the broker gladly had repaired by his mechanic...and then there's the A/C, but that's a saga for another day. I like the Taco better than my old Tundra, and it is slightly less thirsty.

Here's the issue (sorry for lengthy intro to my very first post) In the past someone tried to load something too heavy for the tailgate, and it 'sprung' the tailgate in the center, actually cracking the metal, creasing the gate and creating a weak spot that bows worse and worse over time.

I'm considering welding a length of thick steel angle iron, pre-shaped to the approximate curve of a proper tailgate, along and over the top edge of the existing tailgate to stiffen the edge, then capping that with a new plastic trim or other concealing molding. I am not adverse to trying any hillbilly-, redneck-, Tijuana- or McGyver-style DIY fixes, but I'm not ready to go full Trailer Park Boys yet.

Any sage advice or ideas?

 

Itaro, thanks very much. That's a lot better than what I was thinking.

 

Great tip! I never knew until now that they could come off so easily. Makes totally sense now of why I've been seeing a lot of tailgates for sale on OfferUp.

 

Finally got to this a month later after purchasing my tacoma. Thanks!

 

Let me give you a hand with this We have been working hard and are excited to give you a sneak peek of the 2016+ Tacoma Tailgate Locks as promised. Thank you for your patients.