Tail gate security

Just wanna know what guys are doing to secure your tailgates from theft. Besides the tail gate lock are there any good ways to deter theft. I use a hose clamp on my 2015. My 2022 will have a lock as well. My buddy just had his stolen so now its fresh in my mind.

 

You can use hose clamp on 3rd gen as well which you did on your '15.

 

Awesome thx.

 

I use one of these. Its a little more expensive than a hose clamp, but its a ton more secure than a hose clamp.
https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=33_60&product_id=69

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-2016-tacoma-tailgate-lock.513023/

 

Washers on your tailgate cables and
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.593155/ are also options

 

I used a hose clamp like device but it uses a square drive to remove that most don’t carry when doing a theft

 

Locking the handle should also be a deterrent.

 

Pop n lock wired to door locks. Well worth the $100ish.

 

OEM Tailgate lock kit, it’s plug and play and 25% off at the dealer right now. Worth every penny.

 

use factory lock of course, also a hose clamp, and these tie straps - gotta slow em down

 

This. Thicker than a hose clamp

 

As others have said, a tailgate lock is great, although with mine, I installed it with a switch mounted on the bottom of the dash, instead of to the doorlocks, as it didn't make sense tome, to constantly have the tailgate locking and unlocking everytime I got in and out of the truck. But, regarding the other solution, as many have said, a simple hose clamp will most likely be sufficient. It is easy to install, and if you think about the thief coming to your truck at night, they will try to open the tailgate and if it is locked, that right there will probably make them move on. But if it is unlocked, when they open the tailgate and try to simply lift it out, again, because of the darkness, and your having a hoseclamp on it, which they will probably not notice, they will move on. I actually made a video of this solution but the only thing I would change is, when you put on the hose clamp, turn it so the tightening screw on the hoseclamp is on the UNDERSIDE of the truck and not on top. Again, just a little more of a deterrent. Also, for me, since I am a stickly for detail, I painted the hose clamp black before installation, so it looked better and did not stand out. Here is my video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJt4A_hCIrs

 

OEM tailgate lock and a Bakflip G2 hard tonneau cover is what I have. Makes the bed and tailgate secure enough to deter a thief to move on to an easier target. That said, any thief who wants your stuff badly enough and has the time and opportunity is going to get your stuff. Most you can do is make it difficult enough so that he tries elsewhere.

 

People are stealing tailgates??

 

The places where they are stolen the most seems to be in Texas and California. Think about it; these new tailgates come with the camera built in. It is easily a $2-3000 fix with the cost of a replacement tailgate, camera, wiring, and PAINTING it. I replaced the tailgate on my old generation 1 tacoma, and that was easy and fairly cheap. But with these new 3rd generation tailgates, I would not want to have to replace one, either from theft or from someone hitting it and denting it. Like someone else here said, with a tailgate lock, and the hose clamp deterrent, along with a hardtop bed cover, I think the three of those will provide about as much deterrent as you could ask for. There is always a way, but a thief wants to get in and get out quickly.

 

i dented my tailgate the 2nd week i had it. most won't want it.

but i put a hose clamp on it just in case.