Tailgate was stolen on Labor Day

Bummer OP

 

That is why I fill my bed with ball pit balls. If they are going to steal the tailgate, at least make it entertaining. Working on a glitter bomb for my catalytic converter.

 

That sucks. Sorry.

 

Do I look like an idiot?... No, it wasn't locked. Lol.

 

Less than 10 seconds- try breaking them off with a screwdriver.

Sabelco or similar lock is best, also bolt washers and a spacer where the slip off cable eyelets go- the thief needs the right Torx head to take them off.

 

On my 2nd gen, I put 2 metal zip ties, then the hose clamp, and then wrap everything in electrical tape. I have never had to remove my tailgate for any reason, in the 13 years I owned that truck so on my 3rd gen I did the same exact thing.

Just make it harder to steal. Even slowing them down a few minutes will deter lazy thieves. Of course I also have a tailgate lock too.

If someone wants to spend the time to break the tailgate lock, unwrap the electrical tape, unscrew or cut the hose clamp, and then cut through the 2 metal zip ties, it means they really want the tailgate.

 

Odds are the scum taking the tail gate is the brother of your neighbors girlfriend. Purely a crime of opportunity. A lock will not stop a professional. Google how easy it is to defeat a “master lock” or any readily available consumer lock.

 

That's a bummer.

Those Astro vans are reliable.

 

Just stay up all night with a box of party favors

 

I just spent the last year in Monterey Park/Downtown LA and one thing ive noticed... is missing taco gates!... too bad the alarm isnt sensitive enough on the tailgate handle.

 

Yeah, there’s a guy on YouTube that specializes in doing heavy bike locks too.

but really, the hose clamp idea looks good, but it just takes a simple screw driver to pry and break off the strap on the clamp. I’d at least do that and the washers.

 

Count yourself lucky, usually they steal the whole truck!!!!!!!!!!

 

Defeated easily with a screwdriver.

 

lol, where did he gat them?

 

+1 for that, I used zip ties

 

For anyone looking to do the washer/spacer mod, the spacers that allow the cable to rotate freely are skateboard “speed washers”. Ask anyone you know who actively skates for 4 or go to your local skateshop. Both will usually have a parts bin and just give them to you.
Otherwise speed washers can be found online in sets of 8 for cheap. Please support a shop or skate company rather than the jungle!

Edit: link to post about washer mod that may be helpful

 

Awesome idea

 

Okay, so lets recap:

1) We have to lock our doors or else people break in and steal stuff out of trucks.
2) We have to set the alarm and even install a kill switch or else our truck gets stolen.
3) We have to have wheel locks, so our tires & wheels don't get stolen.
4) We have to lock and even cover our tailgates, so it or the stuff in the bed doesn't get stolen.
5) We have to cover up our cat's, so they don't get ripped off our trucks.

That's just what we have to worry about when we park it, never mind the worries we have while driving it! This world is a fucking mess man.

 

Or my 2 step plan,
1) live rural
2) own backhoe

 

I don't live rural, but I live in a small, quiet town. I park my truck in the garage every night. Even then, I still set the alarm and lock the door from the garage to the kitchen.