I like the tailgate lock. Simple but effective. that would definetely slow them down.

 

i think the 12 gage and air horn is the effective way to go

 

Tailgate Lock - McGard: Innovative Security Products

Page 153 National Part Depot
actual FORD accesorry

 

yeah i was just thinking about this the other day as well. our big joke we do to all our buddies when we see their truck out somewhere is either take their tailgate off and lay it in their bed or put it down and open up their gas caps. last week two of the guys i was working with actually snuck outside, took my tailgate off, and brought it inside and hid it in the office..

 

basically all this stuff is is a small padlock. if one could find one small enough to fit in the space when the tailgate closes then its the same thing basically.

 

Its all good fun but I think id be a little angry if someone did that to me. Some things you cant joke about. I used to have a Geo that my buddies would turn sideways in parking lots which is cool.. But missing parts isnt fun.

 

Like you said its all in good fun. No ones going to do anything thats going to result in actual damage to their vehicles and if they do they know whats going to happen. When they took mine they even sat an old shirt down where the paint was touching the wall and floor not to scratch it

 

Those locks look like a good option. You could also used a good chain and attach the bracket that holds it with tamper proof bolts. Without the right tool they'd have a pretty hard time removing the chain...

 

I dont have to worry about it.

I relocated my handle to the inside and my tonneau cover locks.

But I would do the hose clamp trick personally.

 

just install 2 of these anti theft devices with padlocks......

 

My dad bought one of those NPD ones from the dealer when he bought his truck new. Has worked well over the years, his tailgate is still there

Our tailgates are light. I take mine off whenever I am loading my quad in the back.

 

I have a stainless hose clamp on mine. Its been on there for 10 years or longer. I have it positioned so its a PITA to access.

I'm liking the Bully lock, but I think I like the McGard one better.

Nice trunk latch on the Buick. LOL.

 

Tailgate theft hasn't really ever been a problem in my general area. But to the posts about pranks..there's plenty of that. Like going to auto zone to get some bulbs then coming outside to seee your tailgate on ur friends truck with him honking and driving away...lol

 

When I bought my first truck of this vintage in 1989, I asked my salesman about tailgate locks. He suggested I just put a stainless steel hose clamp around the pivot on the right side of the tailgate so that it covers the open slot. I put one on and turned it down so you need a wrench to take it off. I have not had a tailgate stolen in the intervening 22 years so all my Ford trucks get that treatment.

 

Good to know how to do it, got some sticky fingered $%^@ running around my area now... few vehicles got nailed over the last few weeks. Missing tail gates, radios, spare tires and ect.... So far nothing stolen from me yet. May be because I BB guned the perp in the back ,2am in the morning with me yelling "..... the next time it will be a REAL gun......"