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

Thanks!

 

Does it unlock with the alarm remote?

 

No, it does not. This model has a lock cylinder that can be recoded once to match your ignition key.

I didn't like the remote option since you have to run wires, and I didn't want to do that.

I don't get the hate on Pop 'n Lock, it seems to be a decent unit for what it does. Foolproof? No way. Like I said above, it's only good to discourage juveniles and casual thieves. I figure that alone should be enough; if someone really wants the truck or the parts bad enough they are just going to steal the whole truck anyways.

 

I can really only speak to what I've read on them. I don't have one, but am thinking of getting one and trying it out. Always good to hear from people that have one.

 

I think the whole point of tailgate theft is to turn right around and flip the stolen parts for some cash. That said, generally if the parts are damaged, it's really quite useless to try to sell them.

My point is even though the Pop&Lock may appear to be a bandaid (I personally have one on my truck right now and have had no issues), the fact that a KEY is clearly needed to unlock it should be pretty discouraging for someone who's intent is to resell the tailgate for cash. They would have to rip off the Pop&Lock and source another tailgate lever(damage)....more work for the perp than it's worth. They'd probably just move on to the next truck that isn't equipped as such.

Parts theft in general is mostly a game of discouraging rather than completely preventing. If someone wants a part off your vehicle, it all depends how bad they want it.

While I do agree the replacement Pop&Lock handle doesn't feel like factory as far as quality, I can count probably on 1 hand how many times I need to drop the tailgate on my own truck monthly. This may be an issue for someone who's constantly dropping the tailgate, but certainly not an issue for me. It has worked for me for quite sometime now and to me that's all that matters.

 

I live in SB. I'll get a hold of him Friday and try to report him. Just bought a 2003 double cab 4x4 trd tacoma which is my first pickup with a removable tailgate so tomorrow I'm doing this mod!

 

Or is mine removable? (easily, that is) - just checked in the dark and it didn't seem like it

 

If he is not obtaining these legally I hope this dude get's what's coming to him.

 

Karma & people reporting him to CL might be helpful.

 

I think your mod is brilliant. Who cares how long it's been around. I never heard of it and I have owned pickups for 21 years. Thanks very much for the tip. I am putting one on this weekend.

 

I installed the electric PopNLock that is hooked into the rear passenger door and works off the factory remote key lock unlock.
Love it and had in for over year, with no issues. I also put on a Bak-flip fiber max cover and with it closed and the doors locked, bed is secure. With the cover up, the tailgate is still secure...

 

Wow...lots of replies. I made it 23 pages then skipped to the end. May have been mentioned but I'll post again for impatient folks like me

Brand new 2014 with camera. Wanted to keep my tailgate.
Did the SS pipe clamp with heat wrap day two.
I also added two 18" lengths of plastic wrap cable from the hinge to the frame. Secured with aluminum sleeves crimped in place, covered with heat tape. Installed both sides in about 10 minutes. Just another level of security. Could do loops and paddle lock if you remove your tailgate much.

Does not interfere with any open/closing of tailgate. Cost for everything = $5

Top view showing cable around hinge and clamp with heat tape


Under bed, sleeve installed, ready to crimp


Crimped and covered

 

Nice set up. Still prefer my electric lock....
Just one guy talkin'
I hate a thief.....

 

Somebody just tried to jack my tailgate!!!! F****** low lives, burn in hell! I have pop lock but did not lock it because went to the store for like 5 minutes. BUT I have gatekeeper!!! SO thank you gatekeeper guys!!! Saved me a lot of dough!
P.S. Called none emergency PD number and no one answered

 

Some people just don't care, they do almost anything for money, other than getting a REAL job. Try explaining to someone what's wrong with digging through your trash early in the morning for scrap metal . SOB didn't even try to be quiet, woke me up.
With all the fuss on tailgate theft, I'll probably add one of those McGuards or other clamps. I already have a Pop&Lock, but can't hurt to add another prevention. Some people really try hard not to get a real job.

 

It take less than 10 seconds to steal a tailgate so 5 minutes, to a thieve, is a long time believe it or not. Good thing you had 'gatekeeper'.

I'm just going to go the cheapest and easiest route and use a clamp on mine.

 

I couldn't see your videos...maybe my blocking software...but I did the hose clamp mod. today. Not so difficult. Got the screw clamp knuckle right in the void of the door.

 

Lots of posts here showing the Master Lock being used, but some are older posts.

I go to their site and see "Not for Toyota Tacoma".

Has something changed with the Master to prevent its use on new Tacomas?

Thanks for your time.

 

See post #657 and follow the link.

 

I just in stalled the Pop and Lock power lock for my tailgate. I may do this as well as the price makes it a no brainer! Thanks for the videos and for the write up!