Tailgate was stolen on Labor Day

if you say so cowboy

 

We into the 7th year of third gens. This was an issue with 2nd gens in every state. The solution is old enough to get a drivers license.

 

After installing the large washers, I filled the Torx heads with silicone.
A SaBellco lock and tailgate lock were also added to the 2017.

 

LOL. This is truly funny. If you have something resting on the tailgate, you should be worried about whatever it is you’ve left unattended; not your tailgate. Who does that?

 

This is undeniably true I agree

 

I partly agree with you only because there should be preventative measures in-place as well as situational awareness.

Even with said recommendations, it could still happen...because there are professional thieves out there.

It's unfortunate/frustrating/depressing that these things happen. It's like being violated because our vehicles are an extension of us.

OP should be able to get everything back to the way it was...and take measures to ensure there isn't a repeat performance.

 

Too bad you didn't catch them, you could beat them over the head with it.

 

I didn’t know this was a problem until I joined this forum but as with many other things I’ve learned here it was easy to implement a solution.

 

It is not as if only Tacoma Tailgates are being stolen... That and thefts of Catalytic Converters. You'd think the OEM could provide protection that would make theft effort intensive and not worth it. Then again, I've heard of people responsible for building materials putting tracking devices on things like air-conditioner compressors and such...

 

I've read where someone had a Sabelco or similar lock on and tried to open it after 3 years and it was so gritty it wouldn't open. He said you need to work the lock every so often since it's in an area that collects grit.

 

Good Call!

I have a SaBellCo and will take the cap off the lock and see how easy/difficult it is...

 

I think there was a user who made a bracket that many people rave about

 

Sorry to hear that. The thievery is real. I’d invest in an oem tailgate lock. $150 and easy to install. At least it’ll deter and make it harder for those damn thieves.

 

Corey Taylor and company taught us this, among other people..

 

I'm not sure why Toyota doesn't come up with something. Seems like it could be simple engineering. Something besides just the locking tailgate... like a key lock in the truck bed that releases the hinge.

 

Frist the catalytic converters now tailgates nothing is safe anymore.

 

Did second gens have a key lock on the tailgate? If not, then my theory is that 3rd gen TW members picked up the idea to install tailgate theft prevention devices from 2nd gen, even though 3rd gens have tailgate locks.

Because … turd gen.

 

Second gens don't have tailgate locks. There are aftermarket options like Pop & Lock, but nothing OEM.

 

Any idea which truck was the first? I know none of mine did or any I drove.

 

Use these hose clamps... The plastic wingnut comes off, and a screwdriver or socket won't work on the left over stub... A pair of pliers WOULD work, but would be cumbersome and slow things down a tad more...