Tailgate anti-theft devices.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I have been reading about tailgate thefts lately; Also a friend of mine who still works at the Ford dealer, that I retired from, mentioned this to me. And, from what I have read, my new truck's tailgate is very expensive. Several devices are listed on line and so far, the one that bolts onto the hinge looks to be the best. Any comments from users or those also thinking about protecting their tailgate from easy theft.

[DKB_SATX]

I don't know which of those devices are better than others, but your new truck's tailgate locks automatically when you lock the doors, no?

[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

[Minno]

Our 2009 Dodge pickup did not come with a tailgate lock, so I installed one. Well, two actually. The first one was an after-market automatic lock that locked and unlocked the tailgate with the power door locks. But, it failed after 4 months. Fortunately, it failed in the unlocked position. If it had failed in the locked position with the hard tonneau cover in place, it would have been very expensive to get the tailgate open. Lesson learned, so I bought the parts from Dodge to add a keyed lock to the tailgate. Cost about $80 total.

Our son's 2104 Dodge pickup came with a keyed tailgate lock, but it does not work with the power door locks.

Chris

[DKB_SATX]

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

It may be a regional problem. In Texas where there are huge numbers of trucks on farms and otherwise used in working environments, tailgates get bent and beaten and there's a market for replacements.

I have a friend (who lives in a neighborhood in Dallas, mind you... not out in the country!) who's had the tailgate stolen from her F250 tow vehicle. In her driveway. She now has one of the aftermarket hinge locking plates on it now. Anyone with tools and time could remove this, as far as I know, but it would slow them down compared to how quickly they can remove an unsecured tailgate.

I'm probably fortunate to have one of the less-popular colors on my F150 (called Red Fire, I quite like it) which may be why I still have my tailgate.

[gtc6452]

Had mine stolen , cost almost $3000. insurance took care of most of it.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by gtc6452

Had mine stolen , cost almost $3000. insurance took care of most of it.

So I have 2 friends whose superduty tailgates have been stolen.

[Phoenix]

Tailgate thefts are common in areas where there are a lot of pickups (like Arizona). Not sure whether thieves sell them for scrap metal or someone has opened a "Tailgates-R-Us" store somewhere.

Thieves also steal catalytic converters to recycle the platinum.

Our Tundra tailgate locks like the passenger doors. Plus, the back door on our new camper shell/bed cap overlaps the top edge of the tailgate; so when that door is locked, one can't open the pickup tailgate for removal.

Not sure, but I think most late model pickup tailgates and bed caps work like this; and I suspect current designs and locks are sufficient to keep honest people honest. However, all bets are off for determined and/or professional thieves.

[Bill M.]

I also know someone who had his Dodge tailgate stolen. I was gonna fix the dent in mine. Now I think I will just leave it. Maybe make it less attractive.

[Nomad518]

I met a guy from the LA area in September who had his F150 tailgate stolen. I live in the Sacramento area and saw a recent news article where 5 truck owners here reported their tailgates stolen in one night in one particular part of town. The bad guys are skilled at this and can remove unlocked tailgates quickly and quietly. They're worth big bucks as replacement parts. I keep mine locked at all times and I have a toneau bed cover that seals and locks when the tailgate is locked. I hope that's a good deterrent, but I've also considered backing my truck into my driveway so that it's close enough to my garage door that it can't be opened when the garage door is closed.

[Jim & Susan]

Well I'll be darned. What'll the bad guys think of next. Guess I better go lock mine. I was thinking that maybe they were targeting a special brand or something (like a high end truck or something along those lines). Looks fairly widespread.

Jim

[ctdair]

On the side of the tail gate that is slotted for removal you can put a hose clamp around it effectively stopping it from being taken off. Put the clamp so the head
can not be reached to remove when gate is open. Rotate it just right and use a socket to tighten it can't easily be removed when gate is closed either with a screwdriver. Thanks for reminding me I changed trucks and need to do this to mine again.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

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

Hi, my new truck is a 2014 F-150; The tailgate has the step and rear view camera on it. $$$$$$$$$$$$ Not verified, but I heard that you can buy the camera and wire loom for about $13.00, but the step is over $1,000.00 for the kit.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I don't know which of those devices are better than others, but your new truck's tailgate locks automatically when you lock the doors, no?

Hi, no; Mine only locks with the key.

[Pahaska]

Stolen tailgates very often end up on Craigslist, some at flea markets. Not too many identifying features.

I not only have a lock on the pivot, I also keep the key lock in the tailgate handle locked.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, no; Mine only locks with the key.

Oh, duh... I remembered you bought a fancy one, forgot it was a 2014.

[cwf]

Most times, if in a neighborhood, they won't bother if you do something to slow them down.. a lock is a good first step.

Step #2 ( I just learned how to do this ) is to put a 'screw type stainless hose clamp' around the gate pivot... it usually only needs the one on the side where the hinge is slotted. This way the creeps can't just lift it off.. and when they realize they need a light to see the problem.. and the tools... they usually abandon the heist..

You can't stop a determined person, but you can slow/distract/demotivate them. A 'flash bang' device would be my choice #3.

[did]

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

In my neck of the woods, Toyota Tundra tailgates are disappearing at a high rate because of their prevalence and back-up camera.....according to my friends at the local law enforcement agencies.

[rmkrum]

My Taco has a hose clamp on the pivot to prevent easy removal, a locking tailgate handle (Pop 'n Lock brand) and a locking tonneau cover on top of it.

I park in a locked garage and have dogs. I'm fairly sure it will be there in the morning...unless someone really wants it. Then, when the dogs go off, the insurance goes off...and so does the miscreant intruder in my garage...

[pappy19]

Look at this link from Jimmi-Jammers. I have all of their products installed including the tail gate lock. I highly recommend them for all vehicles, especially the most easily broken into Ford F Series.

Tailgate Theft Prevention, get a Gate Keeper