Secure Factory Tonneau Cover

I did a "quick" search to see if someone had a simple way to secure the latch/cover for the factory tonneau cover but didn't find any. To me, it appears that it could be fairly easy to devise a hook to get under the cover and pull on the latch handle to open the cover especially if you didn't double click the top. No, I didn't try it being I didn't want to put a scratch in the latch area just to prove a point.

It appears that there could be a lot of ways to secure the top from opening and/or even putting a padlock with a latch/chain on the inside of the cover. Has anyone come up with some "clean" clever ideas? I won't be locking/securing the cover at all times but maybe when there is something valuable in the bed or when the Tacoma will be parked isolated for long periods of time.

For now, I just used a rubber hose to prevent the latch from being pulled out. Yes, it could easily be knocked off with the hook intentionally or even unintentionally.

 

I just lock the tailgate no way to force your hand through the rubber seal. Very clever idea, will add for extra security.

 

I see your point and never really thought of someone doing that. I always felt pretty safe with my tailgate locked. I really think that a thief is going to go for the easiest target and unless they know of something they want in your truck will probably move on to an easier target. I will be watching to see if someone comes up with something cause why not!

 

Thief would have to have pretty extensive knowledge of the factory tonneau cover to even know the handle was there... I think locking the tailgate is sufficient. Unless there's specialized 3rd Gen Tacoma targeting thieves?

 

locks really just keep honest people honest. For Example; If someone really wanted in your truck and the doors were locked they would break a window.