Locking tailgate (that's better quality than Pop and Lock)?

The thread about Softoppers getting stolen got me thinking. I've got a sleeping platform in the back of my truck, and if the tailgate where to be locked in the up position, gear underneath it would be pretty inaccessible.

So, is there a better way than Pop and Lock to make your tailgate lockable? (Pop and Lock seems to have really gone downhill in quality since they off-shored their production). I've considered just putting a hasp inside with a padlock, but that seems clunk and not the easiest to use. Anyone come up with anything better?

 

I'd be interested too, although I haven't had much issue with mines. I've had one for almost 3 years now. The only issues I've had are: little harder to open the tailgate and the black fades pretty bad. I've since dyed the handle black and the color's been good ever since. I also installed the power kit to unlock and lock with my remote. That's a game changer.

 

SaBellCo 2005-2015 Tailgate Lock - Anti-Theft Locking Device v2.3- Black - for Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/SaBellCo-200...ack+-+For+Toyota+Tacoma&qid=1581019989&sr=8-1

Hey Guys...wondering if this is something that will work for your both....I used this with my tonneau cover and have had not problems. Check it out !

 

That only keeps the tailgate from being stolen, doesn’t lock it.

Sucks the Pop n Locks aren’t a quality product anymore. I’d had one on my truck for over 6 years now.

 

I make these Anti theft devises, $20 for second gens, $25 for third gens

 

No, that won't work. I'm trying to lock the tailgate in the up position.

 

Hasp might be your best bet, not sexy but very effective. I saw a thread somewhere here where someone used a sliding bolt lock that he used with his cap. Drilled a hole in the side of the bed. That worked for him because he could lock the cap door and not access the slide bolt, but I think there are sliding bolt locks with room for a pad lock.

I wonder if lockout/tagout hasps are thin enough to fit between the tailgate and side of bed, then throw a padlock on.

 

What about something like this? No necessarily pretty, but if mounted on the tailgate with a corresponding hole in the side rear bed post, it is lockable and secure.

The Only Self-Adjusting Zinc Black Slide Bolt Lock

https://smile.amazon.com/AjustLock-...eywords=shed+door+lock&qid=1581309658&sr=8-24

 

Something I did on top of having both the washer lock and clamp lock. I have a bestop so the only way I can open my tailgate is by opening the back window first. Simple and cheap


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-tailgate-lock.604123/

 

I've got one of these I haven't used I could let go for cheap if anyone's interested.

 

These are easily broken open with a screw driver, thin metal dont stand a chance against the power of the tweeker, lol

 

how does that prevent me from opening the tailgate and taking whatever is under the tonneau cover?

 

I have no complaints with my PopnLock. It's programmed to use with my OEM key and I was able to install an aftermarket back up camera in the handle for my year model without that option.

 

How much do you want for it?

 

Been running one of these for years, no issues.

1 x Toyota Tacoma w/backup camera 2009-up Automatic Tailgate Lock (TAC09C)

https://www.dynoproducts.net/locks/dynolock/dyno-elelock.htm

 

The Pop n Lock

$105 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521 allows you to use your OEM tailgate handle, but adds power locking functionality. Best of all worlds.

*EDIT*
Well, not exactly the "best" of all worlds. The PL8521 doesn't have a factory-designed way to be manually unlocked. If the solenoid jams up or fails, your tailgate is locked shut until you take it apart.

There's an easy workaround, though. Get some 550 cord and rig it up like this:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pop-n-lock-pl8521-install-with-emergency-release.445898/

 

This looks to be a very similar design to the

$105 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521 I recommend above. I have never heard of these guys before, and kinda wish I had. They even offer a made in USA "high security" version with a lifetime warranty.

 

As long as your tailgate mechanisms are lined and in good working order your pop n lock will work great, the first sign of drag and the little plastic finger finger will break off and will no longer function, some have had good luck with pop n lock but many have not.
I used to make a fix for it but I discontinued making it.

 

Is the "fix" you mention a stamped steel mounting bracket? Because I managed to snag one on eBay.

 

I wanted my tailgate to be lock closed so I did this on top of having both the washer lock and clamp lock. It's on both side of the bed.