Tailgate theft?

If you lock your tailgate with your key you don’t need another lock or gimmick, or remote tailgate lock (which is no different than locking with your key) just to prevent theft. Unless you are a lemming omg TW says I neeeeed this type lol.
It can still be stolen but much harder and thieves likely won’t waste their time.

 

LOL... a lemming?

I live in the People's Republic of California - home of vehicle theft since no one does anything to deter thieves here. It's wise to load up with a Sabellco tailgate lock AND a power tailgate lock as well, so that way you don't accidentally forget that you didn't lock it up and have it vanish, never to be seen again (unless you are really paying attention to Craigslist). Ask my next door neighbor and my sister how they both know! ("it's a safe area, no way that any tweakers will come by here!)

Secure your spare tire with a lock as well. And a cat shield! They steal those and anything else that isn't locked down!

Am I paranoid? YES. Lock yer stuff if you plan on keeping it.

 

Good point, being from Crimeafornia. And just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean the hordes of thieves who are always freed if caught aren’t watching you.
For the rest of us in the regular world using your key works fine.

 

i called mcgard about one for the 3rd gen tacoma and the said they dont make one because it interferes with the camera ....... I am bewildered

 

I ordered it anyway. I guess we'll find out soon.

 

Did the

$26 McGard 76029 Premium Pick-up Truck Tailgate Lock , Black

McGard 76029 work on the 3rd gen?

 

Hose clamp has held mine down for years
No evidence of any tampering. You have to have an Antarctic temp IQ to try and make a living stealing tailgates

 

Fyi, One of the folks that bought a lock from us had a hose camp + locked camper shell, + locked tailgate. During his mothers funeral they took his tailgate off his long bed cement, manual transmission custom ordered beauty. Needless to say he still has the hose clamp as they left it for him as a trophy. Though the hose clamp do give you the feeling of security they are not secure. They will also punch the locks and open the tailgate, with or without the power lock installed. Thieves do not carry tools, but idiots carry screw drivers.

Just use something else, general clamps don't work. I can tell you of at least five people have told me they had the hose clamp just in Cali. Also I have a McGard lock someone gave me after their new tailgate was installed. It is a clamp with a plastic sleave. Though great idea not very robust.

 

You may have to go aftermarket:

https://www.tacomalifestyle.com/pro...MI-oOu9-vmggMVlEdyCh3guwBhEAQYASABEgK2MvD_BwE


https://www.partsgeek.com/kn1vl8p-t...MI-oOu9-vmggMVlEdyCh3guwBhEAQYBSABEgJbe_D_BwE

 

Use a piece of steel exhaust tubing to sleeve over the hinge. Cut from an exhaust tubing adapter bought at the auto parts store for less than $3.00 - takes a hacksaw and tools - very little else.


Mine has been on there for over 7 years - has marks where some dumba$$ thought they could beat it like they do a hose clamp. Fill the screw heads with JB weld so they can't disassemble it like you did.......

 

I don't disagree that some of these theft deterent methods are a good thing to do. But some here have said locking the tailgate isn't enough. What exactly other than picking the lock is the mechanism for getting the tailgate down if locked? Is it really that easy to pick a lock? I would think locking the tailgate eliminates 99% of the risk of theft but maybe I am wrong?

 

It doesn’t get picked. It gets punched as scleaf said in #108. Insert screwdriver and push

 

Ah I see. Thanks. I didn't read that post closely enough.

 

No sweat. It’s been said a lot already but nothing is going to stop a determined thief. All we can do is make our truck less appealing than the next guy