2017 Tailgate Security

Pics here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-theft-how-to-prevent-it.27829/

It's zinc plated steel. I put it straight on. Zinc is supposed to prevent rusting. I have no rust issues so far

 

So just to be clear... can the tailgate be stolen if it has been manually locked?

 

Can? Yes. but you need to have the tailgate down to take it off so they would have to pick the lock first so it is way less likely.

 

I just don't see how this little clamp with the nice yellow key would stop anyone with any sense. They probably read these or similar threads and they would just go to the store, buy a pack of two of these, remove one of the keys, and then proceed to your truck and assuming that you have installed the clamp simply remove it. The pop and lock sounds like a real good idea. Kind of pricey but lots less than a stolen tail gate.

 

@Chatt69chgr You're correct, none of these will stop a truly determined thief that wants *your* tailgate in particular.

However, most thieves are opportunists that grab the easy prey. So the goal is to make your stuff a little bit more difficult to take than someone else's stuff.

This is why out of sight is often a good strategy. Is my factory tonneau and locked tailgate going to stop a determined thief? Not a chance. Yet a thief casing a parking lot may try the handles and look in the windows. If nothing's visible and nothing opens chances are they'll move on to another vehicle. Unless of course I was dumb enough to pull up and move my work bag into the bed while they're sitting there watching. (happens at gyms)

 

Thanks !