Tailgate theft deterrent necessary with tonneau?

Greetings,

I’ve done some research on tailgate anti-theft locks. There are many alternatives out there, but the beat-the-system part of me likes the $1.50 MacGyver hose clamp idea. Does anyone know if there is a way to customize the screw head without using JB Weld or if there are such things as hose clamps with unconventional screws?

I also have a few questions.

First, is this mod mostly necessary for guys that spend all day on job sites or that constantly use their tailgates? Pros can steal anything but doesnt the factory lock at least stop the lazy opportunists?
Second, I’m getting a threefold hard cover for my truck bed; I’m wondering if that makes this theft deterrent device unnecessary anyway.
Third, I still have new buyer syndrome; I’m not ready to even chance scratching the t40 screws If I do the hoseclamp I will probably spay the whole hose clamp down with a few coats instant rubber (I know, I know, don’t say it).

Finally, should I purchase lock nuts for my factory wheels, or are the pros just interested in stealing the custom jobs?

Thanks—

 

Welcome to TW.
The tri fold cover will help,
The hose clamp or any other one out there really just slows the stealing process down.
Nothing is fool proof, most of the time they are stolen when its parked in your driveway or out front. It's been the rare one being stolen while going into home depot or the like.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

I think this is what you’re looking for

Ideal Turn-Key Clamps 5Y020V 3/4"-1 3/4" Carded Turn-Key Clamps, (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAXCWO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_hrmiPZQVatTRo

 

My approach -

• Hose clamp for just a little peace of mind. It will deter the casual/spontaneous thief and slow down a serious one.
• A tailgate lock to lock it closed. It's a cheap lock, of course, but again it will slow anyone down.
• A roll-up tonneau keeps everything out of sight. In my 7 years of ownership no one's ever messed with stuff in the bed, partly because:
– I just stay out of sketchy ares whenever possible
– When in doubt I always park in a well it area, close enough to other vehicles that someone would see a thief messing with the truck. I don't back into spaces where I'd be giving a thief cover to do his malfeasance.
– If I am in a questionable area I'll roll up the tonneau and leave the bed empty and exposed so as to save a creep the trouble of breaking or cutting into it to see if there's anything of value in there. Whenever possible I more stuff into the cab and lock it up. It takes 10 seconds to move a toolbox or sleeping bag or whatever into the cab. And as for big stuff, I realize that it's pretty unlikely that someone's going to want to take the time and effort to steal 30 bags of mulch, a sheet of plywood or whatever other big thing I might have back there. Thieves are lazy and aren't likely to steal things they don't need, can't easily handle or can't quickly sell, so I don't get too paranoid about some things.

In short, common sense is the best approach. Don't leave anything to chance, and luck favors the prepared.

 

I have tail gate clamps, locking tail gate, and locking bed cover. This keeps honest people honest and makes it too much trouble for the opportunitst.

 

Little more than the $1.50 but well worth it

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anti-theft-devise-update.646730/

 

So the original T 40 screw is still long enough to reuse after attaching this tailgate antitheft device, I take it.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anti-theft-devise-update.646730/

 

Maybe Im missing something; if I can buy Turn key clamps can’t anybody, and just use the same head key to loosen mine...or are the turn keys unique to each head clamp?

 

Does it work/fit on a 2011 PreRunner?