What are your honest thoughts on remote tailgate lock?

I installed mine in 2019 just after I bought my truck. Popnlock was the only option, Toyota wasnt offering one at the time. So following others lead, I sourced and bought and installed my own kit and am glad I did. Cost me about 25 bucks, as I bought a stronger actuator. I park my truck in my garage at night, try not to go to sketchy places if possible. But I do travel, and have to leave it at the airport from time to time. But when I do, I feel good that my three thousand dollar tailgate is fairly secure ( I also have a hose clamp on the hinge and did the cable washer mod). Sometimes its a tiny bit of an inconvenience to have to unlock it, but its worth it for my peace of mind.

 

It was the only option installed on my SR, works great, it’s awesome!

 

Love it

 

As far as I'm concerned, it's a must have.

 

I have a Bakflip MX4 and get into the bed at least a couple times a week. Tired of using the key inside the fob to lock/unlock the tailgate. I ordered an OEM kit yesterday and am stoked to install it when it arrives!

 

Only option I ordered on our new TRD Pro. I installed one in our 2019 Tundra, and it worked fine--I just did NOT wish to do another install on the Pro--too much cold concrete. We had the factory tonneau cover on the Tundra and are getting a Smart Cap for the Pro. Just an extra level of security that I'm glad we have.

 

Really like our OEM tailgate locking kit. I don't know how the pop n lock works but with the OEM kit which we installed I'm having to unlock all doors with the key fob to unlock the tailgate. Unlocking the driver side door via the handle will not unlock the tailgate.

Is there a work around to have the tailgate unlock with the 1st depression on the keyfob or using the driver door touch sense pad?

 

I'm guessing the tailgate opens with the "secondary" doors. I would assume that if you change the settings in the radio to "One-stage unlocking" (aka unlock all doors with one press) it would work. Perhaps you have your truck set up to ONLY unlock the driver's door on the first key press/touch sensor.

 

Works great ... simple install. Can't believe it wasn't standard on my 2019?! Having to use the one provided key was a bit funny.

 

Thanks, we'll look into that.

on another note, I've installed aftermarket door actuator kits on a couple of vehicles prior and experienced actuator failures after 3-4 years of use, I would assume the oem kits are less prone to actuator failure? Longevity of aftermarket pop n lock actuators?

 

Not sure but I bought an inexpensive generic actuator when I built my kit. Honestly if it goes out after 3 years I don't think I'll be too upset, since it was $7 and would take me less than 10 minutes to swap.

Also, I agree with the user above who suggested charging the door lock settings in the head unit. I'm quite certain that'll do what you want. I happen to have mine set to open only the driver door with first press/door touch because I don't want to overuse the cheap actuator when I don't need to unlock other doors or the tailgate.

 

I would think so! My only experience with aftermarket actuator kits is with the Miata community, and from what I've seen, most aftermarket kits have: (a) rods that are designed to bend to accommodate different mounting locations, (b) cannot (always) be mounted in "good" locations which leads to excessive wear, and (c) have cheap parts and plastics. These are all failure points that cause excessive wear on the poor quality motor and linkage.

Seeing as there is a factory mounting location available, the pop n lock is built specifically for the Truck, and the sheer volume they sell; I would think the quality would be just fine. Additionally, there is no need for a long linkage for the tailgate; less torsion/forces/wear/etc.

OEM is probably similar; maybe better quality, maybe not. I doubt there is "much" of a difference between the two, besides the wiring methods. I also don't think there is a huge price difference between OEM and aftermarket kits.

 

How long did the install take for some people? I watched one video, and it seemed complicated.

 

It took me about 2 hours to build mine from scratch, that included new wiring connectors and stuff. I'm not great with electrical stuff so I took my time.

 

I’m here way after the fact, researching the OEM tailgate lock. Getting my new taco delivered soon and trying to decide whether to have the dealership do it or do it myself (though I am admittedly not handy or mechanical!). Then I noticed you said Mountain Hatch - that’s a replacement part for the tailgate, right? My wife and I love to sit on the tailgate to picnic. Can you do that MH install after you’ve installed the tailgate lock? Thanks in advance

 

Yes, though they are a decent combo to do together since you remove the tailgate skin to install the lock (regardless of which one you get.)

 

Yes, you can add this tailgate covers anytime. please also look at Snail Armor all aluminum tailgate $200. Super easy install with the right torx tools.
I like my Hooke Road tailgate cover, Amazon prime $169.00

in your case better to have the dealer install the tailgate lock!

 

Easy to install the OEM and it works well. Several YOUTUBE videos on how to install and the only tools needed are a 30 Torx and a 10mm socket.

 

I'll disagree with my Lava braddah and say with 100% confidence that the OEM tailgate lock is a 1/10 difficulty and should be on everyone's DIY list. The instructions make it foolproof. You don't need any prior experience with anything, just patience and a willingness to crawl under your truck and zip tie stuff, ability to use a 10mm socket wrench, and I guess ability to read and follow directions (or ask questions on TW).

My reason for liking MH is that I received a personal reply after hours from the owner about hardware which I had lost, directing me to the correct solution (stainless 1" lag bolts available at home depot) which solved my install that evening.

As a dabbler in my own small business, I was a hooked customer for life on that one exchange. I like to try to supply this level of support to my customers and with so many examples of companies who don't, I gladly give my $ to those who do.

With that said, lots of great options for tailgate panels which don't leave marks on your bum after sitting on them like the OEM one does

 

Simple for some? Best to watch several videos (Pop N Lock ) is a popular brand. Plug and play, but lots of running of wiring to the front cab areas. Expect a novice to spend as least one hour or more. Lots of thing to remove?

just like wood flooring, Home Depot and Lowes told us so simple , just snap and go. The part they don’t tell you is how to measure , how to fit in hallways to match the bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen. Where to start First.
We just did my house, glad I had a semi- professional floor guy helping us. ( family) For one bedroom , no problem. We did the whole house. Took two days. Lots of ripping, cutting and fitting. Oh a few mistakes too.

Again after watching a few videos and you do feel confident! Go for it. If not have the dealer do it. For me , paying my mechanic is cheaper. If something goes wrong? My problem but his job to correct it.

1/10 difficult, “. um “ looks like a 3-4 difficult to me , maybe more for some? Lol
All a point of view.

I know guys who cannot remove the spare tire, when doing for the first time, lol