Cheap Tacoma tailgate theft deterrent! [Thanks, Robmotive!]

I saw a video that Robmotive posted about tacoma tailgate thefts, and it really hit home. I had not thought of the fact that since tailgates are full of electronics, with the camera, etc, that they would be easy targets for theft, especially since they just lift right off. But Robmotive pointed out a simple theft deterrent, which cost less than $2! Sometimes simplicity is the best, and in this case, it works just as Robmotive said it would. It involves simply purchasing a hose clamp, and placing it on the right side of the tailgate where it fits into the socket. It does not hinder operation of the tailgate, and unless you are constantly taking your tailgate off for some reason or the other, it provides a cheap and simple deterrent to theft, as most likely, a thief will have no idea why the tailgate will not simply "lift off" when he tries to steal it! And even if he sees the clamp, most likely he will not have the tools with him to remove the clamp. But think about it, my friends here, as a tailgate for these new tacomas is not cheap, and then, there is the backup camera inside, which does NOT come with a replacement tailgate. Then, the thief would most likely "cut" the wires coming out of the tailgate, so now you would have to replace the wires. Then finally, you would have to PAINT the new replacement tailgate too! We are talking $1000s of dollars here in the end! Do yourself a favor, get some piece of mind and get a hose clamp and install it! I did a video to show it, and the link is below. Thanks to Robmotive for this suggestion! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJt4A_hCIrs

 

I believe this solution has been around for a long time. I make sure mine is locked as well.

 

Really cheap

 

To take it one step further, there are also some clamps that take a special key to remove. Like the one posted in the video, all a thief would need is a screwdriver, which they would probably have handy. With the keyed clamps, its likely they will just move on.

 

I actually installed the hose clamp with the screw head turned 180° from the way the video shows. That way one would have to get under the truck to get at the screw head.

 

Good suggestion! Thanks!

 

Very effective but, unfortunately you would have to catch the thief in the act to use this method.

 

I'm glad tailgate theft is not an issue where I live.

 

I can't remember where I heard it, but the tailgate thefts seem to be rampant in Texas and Southern CA. In any case though, this simple mod was way worth it, as a deterrent!

 

How’s that? Do you keep your truck in a locked garage 100% of the time.

 

No it sits in a open parking lot 100% of the time. I live in the projects. They don't have garages.

 

Tailgates can be stolen in rich and poor neighborhoods. Doesn't matter where you live, it's just a matter of taking away opportunity.

We have a stupid low crime rate for a metropolis where I live, but we still see cats and gates stolen, gas drained etc.

 

I don’t ever remove my tailgate, so once I installed the house clamp, I cut the hex head off off the clamp with a Dremel and cutoff wheel. In the event I did need to remove the clamp, I’ll just cut it off. Did this in my second gen and never had an issue, so I don’t foresee one on the current truck.

 

There is a risk no matter where you live.

 

Multiple people on this forum have had their tailgate stolen with a hose clamp on it.

This- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-2016-tacoma-tailgate-lock.513023/ - is on my short list to buy.

 

I have insurance.

Olney, IL. is not like living in San Fran. So yes you are more likely to have things stolen than I am.

All said. All Done.

 

I just leave my tailgate locked and problem solved

 

Thankful I don't have to live there.

 

Amen brother. That is what I would do if I was worried about someone stealing my tailgate.

 

Rigging up a door popper to the tailgate lock works well