Posted: 7/31/2014 7:07:41 AM EDT
|
Bought a new truck with backup camera. Couple of guys at work told me stories about tailgate theft. Looking at a few youtube vids of dirtbags stealing tailgates this got me looking for solutions.
For reference, I'm working on a 2014 Tacoma... Interweb searches show tailgate locks (pop and lock) with added plates (~$140 to ~180) with keyed or keyless. McGard and Master make "hinge locks" that run $20 to $30 (not listed for my year, yet, but should fit) Other methods: Stainless steel hose clamp. I went this route. Covered in heat shrink tape, placed around right side hinge (left is not notched), snugged up, rotated so it's down when closed, tightened up from underneath, bent the remaining tab to stop/hinder removal. Added two plastic covered cables to the hinge brackets and frame, both sides even though the left can't be lifted out. PIcs below for reference. A little overkill, anal retentive perhaps...total cost $6 Hose clamp with heat tape 
Hose clamp and cable up top 
Cable with sleeves and heat tape to finish 
|
|
Your tailgate doesn't have a factory lock?
I know they are easy to defeat but generally if it doesn't just open and pop off the theives move on. At least the few people (Super Duty tailgates seem particularly popular) I know that had it happen hadn't bothered locking theirs while parking in semi secluded areas (boat ramps, all of them). I like being able to take my tailgate off quick, I roll half ton plus items into the bed a few times a year, and the stupid thing floats up trying to load PWCs. YMMV. |
|
No factory lock...not sure if available yet.
I will get a keyless one that works with my pickup key when available. Looking at a Leer canopy now...this months deal is free keyless entry that works with the pickup key...the canopy, although easily defeated, is another layer of security. Honestly, I've owned pickups for 25+ years and never knew tailgate theft was a problem...hopefully my $6 temp solution works for a few folks. |
| I have a 2014 Tacoma as well. I put a Pop & Lock on mine. It keys to the factory key so you don't have to carry another key on your key chain (I wonder if I could have said "key" any more in that sentence). It is also completely compatible with the factory back up camera. I also put a Roll N Lock bed cover on. These are awesome because they are aluminum roll-up locking covers. They also secure the tailgate if you don't have a locking tailgate or just don't feel like locking it. But, the cover is very secure since it's aluminum, has almost no pry points, is metal, and locks. So, I can drive around with guns and gear in the bed as if it's a trunk, but can roll the bed cover back and use the bed as a regular truck bed if I need to haul larger stuff. |