Backup for tailgate side cables?

I've just purchased a used 2016 Tacoma SR5.
Among other things I will use the truck to transfer my 1/8th actual size locomotive to and from various tracks.
On my previous Ranger I was able to hook a 1/8" rod with bent ends into the latch loop and each side and an anchor loop around the latch on each side to back up the cables.
That arrangement won't work with the Tacoma as the latch is within the tailgate itself.
Any thoughts on a way to use the safety rods with the Tacoma?
Dumping a 500# loco while transferring it from its stand to the truck is a very unpleasant experience.... : - (

 

Welcome to the forum. Perhaps the best thing to do is remove the tailgate? Also, pic of the locomotive would be nice for us train fans!

 

I'm not sure that I can remove the tailgate. It has a backup camera and the cable connecting the camera to the body of the truck does not have any connectors! And here's a photo of the loco with me driving it.....

 

The camera plug is behind the bumper on the passenger side but you can push a link of chain into each latch and it will close then attach a snap link or screw link to the loops of the latch.

 

I’d probably take the tailgate off, to be honest. They’re not the strongest, and depending on how you plan to load/unload you might end up finding the upper limits of their design the hard and expensive way.

 

500# is definitely over the limit on weight. Consider a mobtown offroad tailgate reinfocement panel or remove the tailgate.

 

The tailgate comes off rather easy, and in your glovebox you should have a plastic cap that will cover the connector end when removed.

Also, that is a pretty freaking cool train you have.

 

Thanks for the great tip on the camera cable! I'll check behind the bumper for the plug.
And the chain solution is brilliant! Thanks for the great tip!
I should add that at no time is the full weight of the locomotive on the tailgate.
The weight is in motion from the deck to the stand....
And thanks for the compliment on the loco pix! The number #9401 (under cab window) is based on year started ('94) and year completed ('01)
Technically the loco was finished in '00 but it took another year to make the tender for the coal and water. : - )

 

Man that choo choo is cool!
Don't drop it, I bet that there's not too many parts available.

 

Funny you would mention about the parts.... With a loco like this you don't really buy a kit, you buy a set of plans. The majority of the parts are machined out of chunks of brass and steel.
There are some castings for the piston cylinders and wheels, but the rest is pretty painstaking machining... including some of the hardware nuts and bolts.

 

Wow
Did you build it?
Got any build pics?

 

Not many photos, but I did keep a builder's journal. Here's a photo of #9401 when the frame and running gear were completed. It was a real thrill to see it rolling on the track! But much more work had yet to be completed.... The second photo is of a "blow down" that is done at the end of each run. The boiler pressure is allowed to drop to 40# or less and then the side boiler valves are opened releasing the remaining steam/hot water. The heat allows the last of the water to evaporate and reduce internal rusting.

 

Wow!

 

Awesome! My six year old son started off with Thomas and we have now moved onto Lionel and MTH trains. We enjoy watching YouTube videos of scale locomotives, but have not ventured into that experience yet. Good luck and great pics!