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

It is a great idea...

 

thanks for this i never knew tailgate theft was that common or easy. after watching went straight to lowes got my clamps and put them on

 

did this mod a long time ago, now I just installed a Pop & Lock, so it's even more secure now.

 

Probably a stupid question

What prevent the thief to use a screw driver and get them off?

 

Nothing. Most thieves want something QUICK and won't take the time to pry the clamp off. They'll move on to easier pickings

 

If in the future u want to take off the tailgate, how do you take off the clamps? do the clamps rust?

 

I just installed one on my tail gate. I couldn't find the keyed one so I used a normal one but with the bolt side closer to the bed so a screwdriver would not be able to remove it.

 

Yes, most clamps rust. Search this thread for the solution I found.

 

I couldn't find your solution for the clamps rusting.
Anyway, this thread had me so paranoid that I grabbed an old cable lock from my toolbox and ran out to the driveway at 12:45am tonight to see if it would work until I could get some clamps from Autozone. It actually worked well enough for me to be able to sleep tonight. I just hooked it to the d-ring that's in the corner of the bed. I also locked my Undercover tonneau which I sometimes forget to lock when there's nothing in the bed. Tomorrow I will do the clamp mod and probably the washer mod also.

 

Can't the tailgate still be removed with the cable lock on? Just lift the tailgate out of the hinge and slide the cable off the end?

I used the Autozone clamps and here in Missouri, they started to rust after one year. Now I have a clamp from a BMW. They are supposedly made of rust resistant metal. We'll see.

 

No, I wasn't that drunk last night. Look at the first photo. I just looped it through the welded hinge brace and then through the d-ring.

 

Oh, sorry, I see it now.

 

I don't know if this will help with rusting issues, but this is the mod I did. I think it will at least provide a more rust-resistant solution, as the clamp will be covered by the shrink-wrap (at least from the underside). If you are really concerned about rusting, you could always change the clamp any time you see corrosion starting on it. This mod is so cheap and quick that you can do it over again whenever you become corrosion-concerned.

 

That is a good idea. but it gave me a new one. their is a type of plastic paint that is use to cover handles of toos you dip the tool then let it dry an i became a rober if we use this on the clamp I think it will be better.

 

Re: Rusting

Aside from the unsightly appearance of a rusty hose clamp, is there anything to be concerned about? Will it eventually make it's way onto the surrounding tailgate? Eat through the paint?

 

I think I may have found a better solution. I searched Google for marine grade hose clamps and finally found a place that sold them in quantities less than 10. GreensBoatStuff has very high quality 316 grade stainless steel clamps for $3.79 each. The problem is, shipping is $6.99. I sent them an email asking for a special shipping rate for single purchases of these but haven't heard back from them yet. I let them know there was a potential for them to sell quite a few of these through TW. I will let you know when I hear back from them.

 

try my idea

 

I was trying to find the locking clamps and some people have never heard of them. Others have said that they haven't been made in 20 years. I am not sure what else I can use to replace those ones rather than using regular clamps. Any other solutions?
When it comes to rust from the clamp you could always use rust proof paint like Trimclad. Paint it black.

 

Another reason why I own a 89' Pickup.

Don't gotta worry about this

 

You know guys my last 2 Tundras had locking tail gates, they were an '03 & an'06. So I wonder why my '06 X did not get one. Like my '02 Tun didn't have one ether.

Wonder why.

Which way are these design guys are goin' ?

Big O
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