Saved my tailgate from getting stolen using a $8.40 part!!!

Another trick is to put a bigger washer over those cables so they don’t slip off.
I call it the double whammy washer trick.

 

Yeah I was reading about that. Trying to figure on how to install. I read some people that had a problem with the cables getting in the way.

 

I don’t remember anything about having a problem with the washer. Mine have been on since the day I brought the truck home and I installed the washers. And no problems with the cables. The people that had problems may have tightened too much and that would prevent the cables from rotating.

 

@toyman69 there is this one too
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-2016-tacoma-tailgate-lock.513023/

 

Watch this video, if you think that GateKeeper will keep your tailgate safe:

http://mcp-media.s3.amazonaws.com/captures/91F/284/91F2847BF6AC4DFEA49D3F1AC9664F6D.mp4

 

In the "Technical Chat" thread there is a sticky (Tailgate theft ... How to prevent it) that describes how to use a skate board washer to keep you from over tightening the cable bolt. I did it and it worked fine. It gave a good tight bolt but would not bind the cable. Post 1034.

 

Yep, that jarred my memory, I do remember I had to put spacers in there to prevent the washer from pinching the cable when you tighten down the screw. That cable needs to rotate.

 

This was my first “mod”. It’s absurd how easy these tailgates are to remove.

 

I just keep my tailgate locked all the time.
$0.00.
Plus free shipping.

 

It only takes one time to forget... I see you have kids, so you know that's not impossible. Plus as you get older...

 

Also 2nd gens and 1st gens didn't come with a lock.

 

True. Also, I park at home with my rear bumper against a tree. I don't think the tailgate could be lowered enough to be removed.
That said, it could be stolen somewhere outside of my house if I forget to lock it. I'll let you know if that ever happens, then you can say you told me so

 

Yup just poked my head at my setup. I put a standard hose clamp on my truck, but the head is facing backwards against the lip of the tailgate, only 1/2in of clearance between the head and the tailgate so you can only get an 8mm wrench in there and have to do like 1/4 turn at a time. I remember putting it on, took a long while for me to real in the extra of the hose clamp when i put it on.

 

This is what I did except with a piece of white PVC. I also added a washer to the cables so the bolts have to be removed to unhook them.

 

Can you post a pic of yours?

 

Got my 2 pack for $9 yesterday and it will surely slow someone down trying to get that off, thanks

 

What size clamp works best?

 

3/4" to 1-3/4"

 

I did this too, along with the cable retainer. It's like the story of out running a bear. You don't have to be able to out run a bear, you just have to able to outrun your buddy. There are tons of unprotected tailgates out there. Make yours a PITA, and they will go elsewhere.

 

Your welcome... Yes Amazon makes me spend more money on crap I don't need... It's just to easy to click on stuff.Lol