Pop & Lock for Tacoma now with Bolt Lock

I just get an email from customer service at Pop & Lock confirming that they will soon be offering a locking tailgate handle with a Bolt Lock cylinder. The part number for my 2013 is

$94 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400, and should be on their website in about 4 weeks. I already have two Bolt Lock padlocks and a receiver lock, and they work great with my factory ignition key. Happy to wait the 4 weeks to avoid a cheap tumbler and more keys on the ring.

 

I've seen Bolt lock being used on other applications but never for a tailgate lock. That's an awesome idea, one less key to carry on you. When I got my Tonneau cover back in September I had seen a tonneau cover that used the Bolt key system to lock the front cover of the tonneau(near the window). It's pretty cool!

 

Good idea, I'll wait and see when it comes out if it's worth the hype

 

The new Pop & Lock

$94 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 is now available, and I just installed one on my 2013. The installation was very easy, and took about 15 minutes. The only tools needed is a torx bit for the tailgate bolts and a 10mm socket for the handle and camera. Unlike the previous version of the Pop & Lock, the back-up camera does not have to be moved to the driver's side of the handle - it bolts onto the new handle exactly the same as it did to the factory part.


The new handle looks very close to factory (see pic), with the lift-up portion of the handle just being shortened to make room for the lock cylinder. I went with the PL5400 because it comes with Bolt Lock cylinder that works with the factory ignition key. I believe that the

$80 PL5500 , Standard Lock

PL5500 comes with a standard cylinder and it's own keys for a lower price. I paid around $90 delivered for mine, and am happy to not have another key to worry about.


As for quality, the finish looks just like the factory piece, but I've heard that this can deteriorate. Seems like the same kind of plastic to me, but if it craps out I'll just Plasticoat it. The mechanism is not the strongest thing in the world, and has a mix of metal and plastic moving parts. To be fair, the factory handle felt pretty cheap too. The Bolt Lock works as advertised. I have a few other Bolt Lock products - some padlocks and a locking hitch pin - and they all work well too. The only thing to get used to will be the very short turn needed to lock and unlock the handle. It's maybe 15-degrees lock to lock, and there is no "click" to tell you that you're there. I can see someone trying to force it to turn too far and busting it, so I will have to train the wife and friends on how it works.


Overall I'm happy with the purchase. If it goes downhill I'll post an update.

 

Looks good! Thinking about doing the same

 

I received my Pop and Lock 5400 over the weekend and installed it this morning on my 2014 TRD Sport. Literally took 15 minutes max. Camera works perfectly and the ability to use the factory ignition key to lock the tailgate is a nice feature. Not worth switching over if you already have an older model, but worth the little extra on a new installation

 

Now they have my attention!

 

Has anyone installed the pop and lock that is wired to the door locks of the truck so it can be locked/unlocked at the same time as the doors?

 

There's a how-to somewhere on the forums on the one that's wired to your doors.

 

The bolt lock feature is cool, but I'm curious what made you choose that over the power version?

I want to add a tailgate lock to my truck, and the power version seems like a no brainer - No key to use, don't have to remember to lock the tailgate, no new tailgate handle, etc.

The only downside I can think of for the power version is the little bit of labor to wire it up, which is no big deal to me.

Is there a reason that I'm not thinking of that makes people choose the manual locking versions?

 

I chose mine to avoid the wiring, and to keep things reversible if I have any problems down the road. I've heard that the electric ones can be problematic, but can't confirm any problems with them. I guess I just went with the keep it simple concept.

 

There's another thread about this lock and attempting to set up a group buy. It also has a link on the latest version that's both Bolt and power. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/291989-tailgate-locks-5.html

 

First time owner and very excited! Purchased a topper but am concerned about access to the bed. Interested in the Pop & Lock fix but don't understand how the new model allows you to use the factory ignition key? How is that key matched to the lock?

Also, which thread would have ideas on homemade lockable storage slide outs?

Thanks!

 

What is bolt lock? What makes this different from the one i put on my truck 2 years ago?

 

So in other words its not worth it to upgrade from the one i already have

 

Glad to hear this since this is one of the next mods on my list.

 

Just installed one of these on mine. Took me over an hour because I didn't like the Mickey Mouse way they flip the driver's side latch rod to clear the lock cylinder. In it's new position it rubbed on an internal tailgate brace and the plastic support/guide for the middle of the rod was just eliminated and no other support provided. Probably not an issue for most, but I tweaked the rod until it fit more symmetrically and cleared everything. I have to concede some disappointment at how much plastic is used throughout (by Toyota) and how thin the metal of the tailgate is. But, the Pop and Lock unit works as advertised (including the BOLT function) and is at least as good quality as the original handle. Wish the handle was rigid and unmoving when locked, or at least showed some other visible "locked" indication as I can see someone manhandling it thinking they just need to yank it a bit more.

 

Upgrade definitely on my to-do list.
I have the old style and would love to eliminate a key.
Wish I could get a Bolt for the shell.

 

Just ordered.
It was about $95 shipped from Amazon.