Tailgate theft....How to prevent it....

thank you! scullcrusher

 

this idea was great. thanks for the 411

 

If you go to salvage yards look for a BMW, they have high quality hose clamps that have a tiny 5mm or so fastener. Grind off the slotted part before you put them on the pivot.

I'm going to put a washer on the outside of the cables soon, will add a washer below the bolt shoulder so the keyhole can swing free.

 

Did this mod today. Cost me $2.42. Thanks!

 

I got my very first taco this saturday, and today I went by auto zone and got the very last pack of sz 20 clamps they had for $3ish. Slapped it on when I got home. Key was diffucult to remove at first but it came off easily when I took a pair of channel locks to it. Thanks much chris4x4! =D

Now on 3rd day of drivin one, and I love it even more than the first day!

-Tru

 

Welcome to the club! That's one of the first things I did too. Good luck with your new Taco.

 

I had no idea there was this much theft of tailgates. When I head into town tomorrow I'll purchase parts for my tailgate. I will do both the clamp and washer mods. I've ordered my Pop & Lock with my Access Rollup Cover a few days ago. And since I never have any plans to remove the tailgate, these seem like smart things to do.

-Joe

 

Although I never give something like tailgate theft a 2nd thought. Just not a lot of crime in my area. But...This is so simple stupid I'm gonna do it. Either the hose clamp or the cable ties method.

 

These types of incidents happen when you least expect it. Having read some of the other folks' experience with a stolen tailgate really got me to jump on this. Plus the cost benefit of a Pop & Lock or hose clamp vs a new tailgate was a no brainer.

 

At work I try to park with my tailgate against a wall.

 

I added the hose clamp plus just installed the Pop & Lock because I also just installed a cover on the bed. I'm not paranoid anymore.

 

Good video...didn't know there was such a problem with this. I'm stopping at Walmart tomorrow.

 

Late Reply, but +1 for the Tailgate lock purchased by DowneyDave. I've installed the same lock on mine and it affords for a bit quicker removal when needed than the hose-clamp mod. It was $21 shipped to my door from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPQWEA/ref=oss_product) and it seems to be a quality product. I did wrap the loop with some electrical tape for added protection, but the lock fits loosely around the hinge (in a good way) and I don't predict any problems. More expensive than the hose-clamp, but it delivered to my door and took all of 10 seconds to install. A great option!

 

Another great write up by Chris4x4!

 

Gee didn't know that it was that easy to steal a tailgate. Definitely have to do this mod!

 

Does the wiring to the camera in the 09-11 Tacoma's make it any harder to steal one? or i should probably put the hose clamp just in case.

 

I would say that the wiring wouldn't slow down a tailgate thief. A good yank on the tailgate would rip the wiring apart and do more damage. Or the wiring could be unplugged and the thief would get the tailgate and working camera.

 

I just got mine done this morning, 3 minutes and it was free since I have those clamp sittin around the house and they were brand new, Thank Chris for the brilliant idea

 

Being paranoid, I first put duct tape on ( to prevent scratches) , then 2 zip ties ( side by side), and then the hose clamp.......... this should definately slow down a thief.......

Then on the opposite side, I put the washer on so you can't unhook the cable.

 

I've never had an issue with this but will definitely take it into considerstion thanks.