What are your honest thoughts on remote tailgate lock?

Yeah, the stock knobs certainly function, but you have to admit they are a bit on the small side. I found them awkward to use like others here. My solution was to mod some very nice (and beefy) billet aluminum knobs from an old Corvette so they fit on the stock HU control posts. Much better now.

Oh, and to keep this thread semi on topic, I freaking love my OEM remote tailgate lock! Probably my favorite mod. Gets used every day!

 

I rarely use those knobs. Hawaii our radio stations are limited. Can be pre-set permanent.

I just remember the “why you will use the knobs more” you guys travel more, and everywhere you got more radio stations. Fading in and out. Always need to be searching!

if I live where you live , my knobs would be like a “pineapple size”. I use to pick pineapples ,sumner job for high school kids . 70’s. , night crew.
And “Yes” you can pick pineapples at night, there were lights on the “boom”.

There is golf course on the island of Oahu, that offer night time golfing. 3-Par course, on a military base.

 

I wouldn't even say the OEM knobs are small, the circumference of the knobs is adequate...I think they're just really shallow. They just felt awkward.

 

@Lava-road LOL!

You're not an odd-ball...they work fine for me too.

And the OEM Tailgate Lock works great!

 

Yep! Thanks, I am going to get a OME tailgate lock. But need to wait , I have other mods to be done first.

Mods wanted to be done , Front camera, RAS spring helper. A plugging Rod & Reel (shoreline fishing) w/ 60lb braided line. Targeting “Ulua’s”. The lured we use weight 4oz. and up. Tailgate lock maybe have to wait…?

 

That's cool...do it on your own timeline.

I just bought the SaBellCo lock for additional security.

https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=68&search=SBC16+TTCV2.1B

 

Part of the fun on mods, is looking , searching , sometimes a newer style or a better mod comes along , and the waiting pays off. But- Nice to to-able to get all the mods at once.!

Still having some fun with the mods, spreading the expenses over a period of time. No sense getting in a hole all at once? Better over time? Haha….

 

SaBellCo Lock delivered/installed today!

 

Nice , clean looking. Amazon listed for Sabellco Tailgate lock on there web site for $124.

Interesting comments on the feed backs, one mention there is no full proof locks, they can be drill out.

Making it harder to steal is a good thing. Prevention is better then a cure.
Power tailgate locks is a big plus!

My brother-in-law 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 , power tailgate lock is a standard feature. Along with a anytime rear locker in any drive 2W, 4H or 4L.

 

I'll be the odd man out. I have a Decked drawer system in my rig. With the tailgate closed and locked, you can't get into the drawers. If I had the automatic tailgate lock, someone could smash a window and open the locks via the door unlock switch. Without it, they would need the key to get to the stuff in the Decked. One more level of security. I am in the habit of always locking the tailgate right after I unlock and open it.

 

Not to overbuild, but, it would be pretty easy to wire up a kill switch in the bed to disable the auto tailgate lock. Some have done that. I sell a T harness for shells so I’ve made one variant for a guy who wanted such a kill switch. But if you’re always in a sketchy hood and you have an open bed, I can see how the full manual setup works best for peace of mind.

I wouldn’t expect the lock would put up a massive fight to a large crowbar. Or even a screwdriver.

 

Just to add a bit more to installing the OEM lock in the SR5. The cable that the instruction tell you to attach the tailgate lock to is for the AC outlet in the bed. That's not available in the SR5, so you have to find attachment point along the frame. Not a big deal at all. When I did my install I screwed up one of the metal wire ties. Amazon has metal wire ties and they are surprisingly cheap. I bought a 30 piece pack for about $15.00, but they are only $6.99 now. There is also a ten piece pack, but it might actually be more right now.

WowDIY Metal Zip Ties - Stainless Steel Cable Ties - Stainless Steel Exhaust Wrap - Heavy Duty Self-Locking Strap Ties - Perfect for Juncture, Fence, Automotive - 11.8"es (stainless steel 30PCS)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DMPG2V5?ie=UTF8

I have a bunch left over, but will use them for something someday.

 

Most key locks can be drill out out? So smashing the front window to push the unlock button to unlock the tailgate, if you have a power lock installed may work here.

I have no power locks yet. Having a habit of locking the tailgate is a good habit. Man are creatures of habits….good and bad ones.

I was surprised to find Amazon sell stainless steel zip ties, I just order a pack too. Mainly to hold the E- brake cable clip. From swinging. Got the plastic ones on for now.

When you watch locksmiths in action? There is NO safe locking devices! And the BAD guys got the same tools of the lock smith trade.

Stealing , lying and cheating are BAD habits . Please do not start one?

 

I went to the SaBellCo website and paid $117 including shipping.

So many options should be equipped/installed on the 3rd Gen Tacoma...especially the TRD trims.

My wife's 2017 (1st Yr/6th Gen) Elantra SE with Tech Package & rear drums came with:

7-inch touch screen
Bluetooth & Apple CarPlay
USB Port
Satellite Radio
Blind Spot Monitoring
Dual Climate Control
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Driver Seat
Heated Seats
Rearview Camera
Push Button Start
Sunroof
Cruise
Alloy Wheels

I think we got a heck of a deal back in 2017. The Honda Civic she initially wanted was $3-5K more and did not include a power seat!

But back to the Tailgate lock...it should not be an option BUT Standard on the TRD trim. I am happy to add it and the price was minimal in my opinion.

 

My sausage fingers immediately disliked the tiny, shallow, slippery radio knobs, I mean it is a truck, I expected a more burley radio knob in a truck! I get it it was in the parts bin and isn't offensive so why not right? But it is not a good fit so I'm getting a set of knurled gnarly black knobs that my big fat sausage fingers will be more able to operate.

 

Actually there is. After you lock the doors, unlock the tailgate with the key manually. Your doors will stay locked and tailgate unlocked.

I love this feature and wish it came as a factory option. I didn't mind installing it myself though, and I would rather do it myself than have the dealer do it because there's too many ways to take shortcuts on this particular installation. My 2014 Ram had the same feature and it was loud. Actuated with a "ker-chunk!" every time. I got used to hearing it, but I like how quiet the Tacoma is.

 

Having the tailgate lock every time you lock you truck is a great idea. I order the harnesses for my long bed. I will have my mechanic install it for me.

My son’s 2016 he never locks the tailgate. The lock is frozen now. He would be a great candidate for the auto tailgate lock.

Toyoya could have this locking tailgate a standard feature, to stand out above the rest. But Toyota to me is always cutting cost for profits.
Rather then trying to be the best. It is the little things that can make you better or worst. Toyota is not seeking to be better ,just average.

 

Well, I never used to care about locking. Y tailgate. However, with thefts of them becoming more popular by the week.. I’ve found manually locking my tailgate to just be annoying.

I use my truck as a truck, so I lock and unlock it all the time now.

That being said, I’m pretty sure I’m just going to buy one of those anti-theft things that attaches to it to prevent it from detaching.

Could be worth it for some to install an automatic locking system that works off the remote. Not really my cup of tea.. mainly because I have no idea what I’m doing lol.

 

My honest thoughts are that it should be standard. But since its not, its a must have for me. Trying to unlock that tailgate with the key at 4am in the pitch dark is BS man....

 

Well said lol.