Tailgate Lock Defeated in 30s / Stolen

On Oct 2023, my locked tailgate along with a tonneau cover was stolen in roughly 5 minutes.
I had minimal security in place because I relied heavily on the tailgate lock to secure my tailgate. I check it regularly to make sure that I didn't forget to lock it.


It is now 7 months later and I am bolting together a replacement tailgate from OEM parts. Roughly $1900, Longo Toyota, El Monte, Calif. (if you are curious.) When I examine the handle assembly and looked at how the locking mechanism works, it gave me clarity as to how the thief was able to defeat the lock in 30 seconds.

In the video of the crime at 1:03, you will see him shim and disengage the lock.
https://youtu.be/Npl1J3MnqyI

I am putting this out there for awareness.

 

That shit sucks.

 

Dang. Sorry OP!

 

@christian06 and SabellCo sell hinge-locks to prevent the loss of the tailgate. Sorry if this seems "not exactly comforting", just hoping it helps you prevent future tailgate loss. Not sure how to secure tonneau cover though.

 

Disgusting POS vultures....Im using the hose clamp. Now I'm considering buying a actual lock or at least jb weld the hose clamp.

 

That's what I did.

That sucks, Brian! I got a hose clamp that requires a "key" & I gooped on a bunch of JB Weld on it.

This should have been addressed properly by Toyota a long time ago. Putting a lock on it that's easily defeated is useless.

Thanks for the video, anyway.

 

That sucks

A hose clamp can be pried off in minutes with a screw driver. Get them security device @christian06 sells.

 

This sucks. I’m sick of the thieves here at California.

Looks like I’ll be buying a tailgate lock (SaBellCo, etc.) soon.

 

A hose clamp can be snapped open in less than 10 seconds, try it! All you need is a flat screwdriver and no unscrewing is necessary- just pry it upwards till it breaks between the slots in the metal band. Several of us posted a lot of warnings about it on TW but people are still using hose clamps to inadequately secure their tailgates.

Sorry OP, it’s good you posted the warning though!

 

True, I can get mine off with a couple snips. They should make the hinge solid as standard & "grooved" as an option. I've never took off my tailgate.

Or at least give us an option. Maybe shoot a couple of bullet holes in it, so they won't want it then, plus it'll look cool, lol. I kid

Have a great day, guys!

 

minutes/seconds, yes it can be defeated with the screwdriver.

 

Another vote for the SaBellCo lock. I'm using it with the oem power tailgate lock and bakflip x4s tonneau. At minimum it will buy me some time to defend my property.

 

OP, find a new insurance company with a cheaper deductible. $2500 is too much. This should've fallen under a comprehensive claim too.

 

Sorry, anyone has to live in such a location.

 

Man that sucks. Sorry that happened to you bro.

 

It is a terrible state of affairs when people steal other’s property. Tailgates cats…. Are all targets. I just hope that a some point there will be justice for those thief’s.

 

Highly doubtful in places like California

 

Damn shame, sorry op

 

Which bed stiffeners are they?
It looks like they fit without cutting the bed mat?

 

Problem is people posting videos on how to bypass locks and commit crimes on you tube . .