...and before there were catalytics, there were tailgates

So I was born and raised in Hawaii, but moved to the New England area almost 30 years ago. Although I still visit about every three years, I don't actively keep up with Hawaii news anymore.

This morning, this pops up on my YouTube feed. Granted it's a news report from some time ago, but I never realized tailgates would be a black market item.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itN2hEC_Rpw

 

this has been an issue for quite some time. there are a few different devices/methods that folks use to "lock" their tailgates in place to prevent thieves from stealing them. it's a sad world

 

man... imagine the repair cost on one of those if you back into something or somebody rear-ends you. so silly

 

Friend of mine recently bought a truck with one and forgot to put it down after unhooking his gooseneck, when he pulled away it hit and bent the striker pins when he realized it. GM wanted $900 to repair it, he took it to another shop and they put a wrench on them and bent them back....for free. He got super lucky

 

Yeah... but imagine the street cred you get when you can brag to your friends about owning a "multi-flippy flap tailgate". And strong men will cry when they see it... and women will swoon...

 

I am also an ex-pat Kamaaina. Anything Tacoma is a target over there. You can easily keep up with the news on HawaiiNewsNow.

 

So when my wife and I move back (after we retire), I guess I'll be getting a Ranger...

 

Isn't locking the tailgate 99% of the deterrent you need?..

 

Per Haole Toy anything Tacoma is game. I wouldn't want to have to worry about what part is going to be snarfed every time I park at the mall or have dinner at Zippy's (local eatery).

 

the 2nd gen and older tacos did not have locking tailgate as standard. i know neither of mine did, at least. i think if yours locks, you are good to go. otherwise, it only take like 30 seconds to put the tail gate down, unhook the little strings, pull it off and go.

 

Yeah, the report says prior to 2016=no tailgate lock (though you can certainly add one). I currently have a 2013, and it has no factory lock. Didn't even realize it was THAT easy on a Taco, but I guess it's good to know if I have to remove it myself - though I've never had to on any pickup that I previously had over the years.

 

Go buy one of these made by TW member christian06:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anti-theft-device.593155/