Prevent Tailgate theft
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
I think it's about time that I invested a few bucks to 'save' my trucks camera equipped tailgate. That Pop & Lock looks like it would be a good choice to use along with the McGard, Bully or Master if you don't have an OEM locking latch. It only takes a minute with a cordless screwdriver to pull those 8-10 cover screws to access the lock then manually operate the POS Ford lock itself. You then need a second deterrent to make it difficult to pull the gate off and slow the thief even more. A screw hose clamp might work to some extent, but they are pretty flimsy and a decent screw driver or even a pair of side cutters would loosen or pry it loose in a hurry.
I wonder if that Master lock will also work with the my new 5th wheel tailgate that is being delivered today -------hmmmmmm
I wonder if that Master lock will also work with the my new 5th wheel tailgate that is being delivered today -------hmmmmmm
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 10
From: TEXAS
The Master Lock was the best over all design and protection that I came across in my search for a tailgate security lock. I originally purchased it to go on my 2013 F150 FX4
but when I traded the 150 in on the 350 I pulled it off and brought it along for the ride.
I see no reason it wouldn't transfer over to the 5th wheel tailgate.
By the way, which tailgate did you choose to go with and is it one of the few out there that allow you to transfer you factory back up camera to the gate?
but when I traded the 150 in on the 350 I pulled it off and brought it along for the ride.
I see no reason it wouldn't transfer over to the 5th wheel tailgate.
By the way, which tailgate did you choose to go with and is it one of the few out there that allow you to transfer you factory back up camera to the gate?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
The Master Lock was the best over all design and protection that I came across in my search for a tailgate security lock. I originally purchased it to go on my 2013 F150 FX4
but when I traded the 150 in on the 350 I pulled it off and brought it along for the ride.
I see no reason it wouldn't transfer over to the 5th wheel tailgate.
By the way, which tailgate did you choose to go with and is it one of the few out there that allow you to transfer you factory back up camera to the gate?
but when I traded the 150 in on the 350 I pulled it off and brought it along for the ride.
I see no reason it wouldn't transfer over to the 5th wheel tailgate.
By the way, which tailgate did you choose to go with and is it one of the few out there that allow you to transfer you factory back up camera to the gate?
The tailgate is the Custom Flow VEL28 all steel rather then the usually seen ABS Stromberg-Carlson (Advance Manufacturing - Custom Flow Tailgates) that Amazon had for $318 with free shipping - it was $365 a day earlier. The only one that I saw to have a factory camera mount was the Husky - and at over $550 was out of my price range. But with that said, I've only had a vehicle with a backup camera a few months so am not really dependent on it .... yet
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
Take a look at that Custom Flow tailgate. It looks like about as good as they get without getting into the 5-600 dollar price range.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 5
From: North Shore MA
Also the most stolen vehicle of 2013, even beating out the Escalade.
Thread Starter
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Thanks for the responses everyone.
I was really p'd off yesterday, but am in a better mood about it today. I suppose I am lucky that insurance will cover it (minus the $500 deductible) - but it amazes me that someone had the gall to steal it, in front of a public park while I was at work in broad daylight... I have been parking this truck, and the super duty I had before it (without a locking tailgate) there for almost 5 years with no bother, and while it is in LA county, its a very nice neighborhood.
I'll order a McGuard, so once the police report gets filed and I can get a new tailgate, it will go straight on there.
I was really p'd off yesterday, but am in a better mood about it today. I suppose I am lucky that insurance will cover it (minus the $500 deductible) - but it amazes me that someone had the gall to steal it, in front of a public park while I was at work in broad daylight... I have been parking this truck, and the super duty I had before it (without a locking tailgate) there for almost 5 years with no bother, and while it is in LA county, its a very nice neighborhood.
I'll order a McGuard, so once the police report gets filed and I can get a new tailgate, it will go straight on there.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
Take a look at the AMAZON reviews of them. McGard is said to be not much more then a screw drive clamp - too narrow to work well and why I ordered the Master (which I hope is the newer all steel version)
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 10
From: TEXAS
That is one nice thing about Amazon, it you don't like it they will be quick to authorize a pre-paid return sticker and refund your money.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
The Master Lock wasn't available back when I bought my McGuard. For no more than it costs, I think I'm going to get one ordered! I agree that the McGuard isn't anything more than a glorified hose clamp, but it is slightly more secure than just a clamp. Again, keeping the semi-honest people from going astray.
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Sorry about your loss, the hose clamp and the Mcgaurd work great, but for the people that think this will never happen to them, just remember: That Tailgate is a quick $500, and will cost you more than that to replace it. Think ahead of the dishonest people.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
I too installed the Master Lock (also bought from Amazon) about a week after buying the truck and realizing what a target my tailgate had just become. It seems to be very durable construction, doesn't rattle and was easy enough to install and remove with the key that it really is great peace of mind with no hassle. It takes less than three seconds with a large, flat blade screwdriver to pop the factory tailgate (or door) locks. Additionally, I bought the receiver hitch lock from Amazon as well.