In SoCal most of the tailgate locks are...well, almost as much of a joke as steering wheel locks. If they can get to the inside of the tailgate or to the cables, its gone...the cables get cut, the inner panels removed and the lock bypassed. The only way IMHO is to install electric door lock relays in the federwlls, sealed (where it's not the norm place to find) that will pin the tailgate in place so it can't even be opend.

 

Yeah, I could see this as a viable option. You could work through the taillight openings to install the solenoids, ones that need power to retract. No power, they stay extended into the tailgate to lock the gate in place.

Good idea! Now, who's gonna make the kit?

Ray

 

They already do make power tailgate locks.

 

its good to know that the bully and mcgard locks are out there. a few months back my cousin had his gate taken from his garage and a friend had his taken in front of his job in the day time with him working right across the street. lol. these 2 thefts happened about 1 week apart. to bad i didn't know about the locks before it happened. now its time to prevent it from happening too me. lol.

 

Yes, but most lock the handle, not the tailgate itself. If you can access the handle from removing the inside tailgate panel, you can remove the tailgate by unlocking the assembly. It takes less than 2 minutes.

 

well if you got a topper that is locked up and clamped down its going to be hard as heck to get to it , plus the tail gate lock and handle lock that will deture a lot of people im sure!

 

Glad I don't live in an area with crime! About the worst thing I've had done to my property was a short fat drunk college kid barrowed my bike to get to a bar. My buddy found it in the alley later that night.

As far as pranks, haha, I thought I got my friend one night. Hooked a chain to his hitch, dragged his truck across the driveway about 80 feet on the snow, and left while he was still inside. Laughed, then he calls and says his truck won't go in reverse, I was thinking *****, now I have to learn to rebuild Dodge autos. Turns out he got me... his truck was fine, but man did my heart sink when he first said it was ****ed. haha

I like the hose clamp idea though, I've had mine come out unintentionally anyway.

 

thinking about doing this to my truck, but would this work at all, and any idea of which "kit" i should get for my tail gate handle style (95 truck)

Pop & Lock MANUAL TAILGATE LOCK - JCWhitney

im looking at this (below), but im thinking use a hose clamp instead, cheaper instead...the following says 1997-present for F-series, would it still work on pre 97? I would guess its the same design no matter year of truck...right?

http://www.mcgard.com/Applications/A...lSkQRFXQ%3d%3d

 

mount a claymore on the inside so when they open it there is a big BOOM and no more thieving maggots !

 

but boom would mean no more truck...so ill opt for the .50 cal BMG

 

I like the hose clamp idea (sounds like a project for tomorrow). We have had problems around here with the cats being stolen. I'm thinkin it's time to bring back the model T coil and making the truck hot.

 

just get a flame thrower man, insta hot right there....

 

It may fit, but the one McGard says fits pre-97s is model 76011 and is a different style. I got one recently and it's made out of pretty heavy metal and appears to be far stronger than a hose clamp. Here's a link to it on Amazon.com: Amazon.com: McGard 76011 Clamp Style Tailgate Lock: Automotive

 

cool man, thanks! have some rep...why not im in a giving mood now

 

That's the one I have. I also made a custom solenoid that locks and unlocks the tailgate with the inside power lock system.

I like the idea of solenoids controlling locking pins in the side of the tailgate and frame by the taillights. I need to find/design something to attach the appropriate throw solenoid to an interior door striker bolt. I need to do that so I can close the 'gate with the striker bolt/solenoid extended. This combined unit would need to fit behind the taillight. Sounds like a fun project.