Thanks for tailgate theft tips

Hello everyone…just joined up last month, and was concerned about
the potential for someone to walk off with my tailgate. Read a lot of good info here and went to Walmart for a key clamp, however my store does not stock them. Went directly to my local Ace Hardware and picked up the regular hose clamp, but turned it backwards so screwdriver can’t be put on it. Hopefully they won’t have a small open end 5/16 wrench on their keychain. Appreciate all the help posted on TW!

2015 double cab PreRunner V6

 

The hose clamp won't beat a thief - cold chisel chops them right off.


Use a solid steel band - this one is exhaust tubing. Take the hinge apart to install - and a thief would have to do the same to remove it. Paint it inside and out with white paint to avoid rusting.

 

Most theft, is opportunity based. The OP is just fine with the band and the thief will just walk 10 feet to the next pickup without a locked tailgate.

 

Nah, thats garbage. One blast from an oxy acetylene torch and that tailgate is walking away... You need a solid billet inconel block to keep that baby safe.

 

I can't show you absolute prevention, I can only show you deterrence.

 

Thanks, I agree it’s still vulnerable….you think a muffler shop would sell a small piece of the tubing? Can’t see me buying a 4 ft or longer piece of exhaust tubing.

 

Sure...They probably got scraps laying around they would give you

 

Get a pop n lock handle for your tailgate so the thieves can't even drop it down to see the clamp.

 

Guy has been making anti theft bracket for like $30 on here for years.

but if you wanna risk it with a hose clamp that can be knocked off with a blow from a flathead that’s your call

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/awesome-tailgate-anti-theft-device.789915/page-9#post-28892544

If you haven't unlocked the ability to post or reply in the buy/share/trade section just shoot Christian6 a PM and he will get with you.

 

You can still tear that clamp out with just a screwdriver.

 

I got my piece of exhaust tubing at O-Reillys for $2.50 or so. Its a small diameter exhaust pipe adapter - had to be shortened a few inches. Measure your tailgate hinge first so you will be getting a reasonably close fit.

 

It saved mine in broad daylight while I was at work! Saw it on the security cameras after I noticed my rear camera wire unplugged.

 

You could also add a switch paralleling a door switch so that the alarm will go off when armed if the tailgate is opened. Been planning on doing this but haven't yet. A good magnetic waterproof switch should work well.