Why no lock in tailgate?

I just purchased a 2013 Tacoma and was surprised to see that the Tailgate is not lockable. Tailgate thefts are rising here in Dallas and ask what the best aftermarket lock is? Have done a search and it seems that the Pop n Lock PL5304 is mentioned often. Is this the best? I really don't understand why Toyota doesn't add a lock to the tailgate?

 

Tailgate stolen > buy new tailgate. Corporate business owners?

You could install a hose clamp on it also, which is pretty cheap and very effective. Pop n lock is also regarded well on here.

 

Toyota could include a tailgate lock standard and up the price $15-20 or you can go to your local auto/marina parts store and pick up a hose clamp for $2 (prefer the latter). I picked up a marine hose clamp and after 2 winters in New England zero rust/paint damage.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/27829-tailgate-theft-how-prevent.html

 

Most all worm gear clamps are SS now. Just got to HD, hardware, or auto parts store. I picked my truck up Tuesday. FIrst night I backed it up to garage door. Last night the clamp went on. Problem with locks is you have to lock it to be effective. I could never get my ex to look hers. Also get a lock for the spare. I have always locked my spares. When I sell a truck I keep the lock and cable. One night they came through my neighborhood with a Ford tool and took every spare that was not locked. I am sure they looked at mine but it was locked.

 

Pop n Lock makes one that locks with the truck's power locks, and/or manually. My manual lock still works fine after 4yrs with bi-annual lubing.

 

Hose clamp is a good idea. Pop N Lock comes with manual and power/manual. Another option is a brand called Dyno Lock. They only come with power though, no key option for it.

 

you should definately rock the hose clamp mod. it was the first mod i did.

 

Yep hose clamp mod done on my truck last week. One less thing to worry about. When and if you do install yours get the clamp a size 20 and get the one that you can use a 5/16 wrench on.Then install it till it is just snug enough to rotate it down so you have to use the wrench to tighten it all the way. This way the scumbag cant remove the clamp with just a screwdriver.

 

manual popnlock and clamp mod .. works great only thing was you have to move the camera to the opposite side

 

I have a Pop n Lock for three years,with back up camera mount. No problems and an easy install. there is a video out there about installing a hose clamp.{this web site ?}

 

Pop Lock on my 2013 Tacoma OR

 

A simple heavy duty plastic tie will deter most theives.

I did this to my 2010...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/112428-my-simple-stupid-tailgate-lock-mod.html

but never got around to it yet on my 2102.

 

I just got my Pop and Lock yesterday and installed it on my 2013. It even has a provision for the backup camera if yours has one. I put a hose clamp on the hinge, and installed the locking tailgate handle. I feel like that is a good double deterrent against it getting stolen now. Nothing will stop a thief if they want something bad enough, but you can at least up the odds that they'll find it more trouble than it is worth.

 

The first mod i did to my truck was the hose clamp. Been on there 3 years, no problems. it was a $1.00 part.. CHEAP+EASY= GOOD!

 

Thanks for the feedback, installed the clamp and a PL5304 pop n lock latch today.