Tailgate anti-theft devices.

[dznf0g]

Tailgates have, in recent years, been vying for #1 or #2 most stolen items....right along with Catalytic converters. This is the reason locking tailgates are now standard on many PUs. If you cant open them, you can't remove them.

[KJRitchie]

Robert, won't the problem be drastically reduced when you get your rolling tonneau cover?

[pappy19]

Tailgate locks are the same mechanism as a door lock and takes about 5 seconds with a screwdriver to open up a tailgate lock. If you are really concerned about theft, tailgate of otherwise, the Jimmi-Jammer products are very cheap insurance.

[ctdair]

Jimmi Jammer looks good will stop most. Thieves carry battery operated saws to steal converters won't be long till battery operated ratchets are carried to defeat
these. If it is a standard allen size consider replacing with tamper proof allen
Torx also has tamper proof. I would investigate using some sort of non standard bolt to hold this on. Something that the thieves won't likely have in a small tool kit.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by ctdair

If it is a standard allen size consider replacing with tamper proof allen
Torx also has tamper proof. I would investigate using some sort of non standard bolt to hold this on. Something that the thieves won't likely have in a small tool kit.

I would simply fill the opening in the bolt with something like silicone. It doesn't take much to block the bolt opening against someone in a hurry. If I ever needed to remove the tailgate due to damage. I can get the plug out. Daylight and plenty of time are something a thief usually doesn't have.

[Melody Ranch]

I wrap the release with stainless safety wire. It takes way to long for a thief to fight it.

[Excella CM]

We're using a guard on the open hinge. Requires tools to remove it.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Robert, won't the problem be drastically reduced when you get your rolling tonneau cover?

Hi, I don't think this cover connects to the tailgate.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I ordered a Tailgate Defender. To me, this seems to work better than the locks that go around the hinge.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by pappy19

Tailgate locks are the same mechanism as a door lock and takes about 5 seconds with a screwdriver to open up a tailgate lock. If you are really concerned about theft, tailgate of otherwise, the Jimmi-Jammer products are very cheap insurance.

Maybe.....but understand this is a drive by 10 second grab and run theft mode. If it's locked, they move on. We can tell this by parts sold on non-locking population vs. locking population.

Also the thief only gets the $$$ they are looking for by moving undamaged pieces which require no paint or sheet metal repair.

Relative to flea market, etc. hot pieces.....many manufacturers now put special VIN stickers on all body panels (and other pieces). When they are removed, it leaves tell tail remnants behind that can really only be removed by disturbing the paint surface. Not foolproof, but gives law enforcement, and you (if you are considering a used gate) a clue if it is hot. If it's got the label still, you can check if it's hot as well.

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Just out of curiosity, what kind of truck is this? I've never heard of a tailgate being stolen. And why would anybody do that? In other words, what makes them so valuable? Strangest thing I've heard in a while.

Jim

I searched for two (in my professional role in LE) that were stolen and only recovered one. The thieves ditched it fairly close by as they were apparently not ready to transport the weight without mechanical assistance. Estimates to replace were $900-1400 when I took the report... back up camera, mounting hardware, paint to match, etc

[rmkrum]

Toyota Tacoma and Tundras are infamous for tailgate theft. It was attempted on my 08 shortly after I bought it. The shell kept the thief from easily making off with it. I installed an electric lock from Pop'n Lock plus a pivot protector. Still hap people attempting break and enter with damage. Quit driving it to work...

For some reason, nobody messed with the beater 02 Taco--which also had multiple locks on the tailgate. Probably because the PO had done a bad paint job on the tailgate. 😃


Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I ordered a Tailgate Defender. To me, this seems to work better than the locks that go around the hinge.

Hi, today in the mail I got my Tailgate Defender. I didn't want to remove my tailgate to do this simple job and I didn't want any scratches either. I started with a long handle 3/8" ratchet, a 24" long extension, and the proper Torx socket. This was so I could keep the Torx socket as in line as possible with the bolt. My ratchet popped, the bolt was still tight, and the ratchet had reversed it's self. Now it was time to try something else. [I'm not bringing out the air tools for one bolt] Next I used a 1/2" ratchet, an 1/2" to 3/8" reducer, A short 3/8" extension, and my Torx socket. Now it started to come out, but at a few turns, it was so tight still that I thought the Torx bolt was going to break before coming out. I cranked it back in and started it out again. Finally it came out. The only concern while going back together was to keep it centered so it wouldn't rub on anything or touch the inside of the tailgate when closed. The job is now done and this little piece of metal is thicker and stronger looking than it was in the pictures. I'm happy that I chose this option, but one of the reasons for this long story is to let you know that the little "L" shaped Torx tool that comes with this kit isn't going to work.

[FLMarine]

I got a tailgate lock several years ago when I got a topper. I wanted to be able to lock the back so I got a tailgate lock online at genos garage for about $60. The lock replaced the entire tailgate handle and looked the same except for a keyhole. The same place I ordered it from no longer has the one I ordered, but now has one that you can wire into your keyless entry so it locks with your doors.

I didn't get it to prevent tailgate theft at the time, but now I keep it locked almost all the time. I'm sure a hard pry or something the thief's have will defeat it, but it will delay them so I suspect they will move on. It's worked so far in the 5 years or so I've had it on there.