Prevent Tailgate theft
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 797
Likes: 261
Hose clamp here.
I've taken the tailgate off once to haul a pallet of sod... it is one heavy SOB. I also noticed the 2013+ gates have a different skin; there's a body line that starts at the top of the tail lights and goes around the handle where as the other years were completely flat.
I've taken the tailgate off once to haul a pallet of sod... it is one heavy SOB. I also noticed the 2013+ gates have a different skin; there's a body line that starts at the top of the tail lights and goes around the handle where as the other years were completely flat.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 474
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
That sucks that yours was stolen. My buddy at the Ford dealer is always telling me about how many tailgates are getting stolen. So, between your story and my buddies advise, I just ordered the Master lock. It should be here Tuesday!
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 1,190
From: Door Cty/Florida
I just ordered one too off Ebay. Not very expensive.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
I believe those guys were saying that they bought the Master Lock off Ebay, not a tailgate. Looks like the Master Lock is pretty cheap.
My brother bought a tailgate off Ebay when his got stolen. It came from CA and by the time FedEx got done with it, it was basically worthless. He ended up buying a new shell from Ford and using all the other parts like hinges, camera, handle and latches from the beat up ebay gate. It was still cheaper than buying everything from Ford, but a whole lot more frustrating. Crackheads don't seem to know how to pack a tailgate for shipping! LOL
My brother bought a tailgate off Ebay when his got stolen. It came from CA and by the time FedEx got done with it, it was basically worthless. He ended up buying a new shell from Ford and using all the other parts like hinges, camera, handle and latches from the beat up ebay gate. It was still cheaper than buying everything from Ford, but a whole lot more frustrating. Crackheads don't seem to know how to pack a tailgate for shipping! LOL
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
My new Master Tailgate Lock showed up, UPS'd from an Ebay seller in 2 days ~$17.50 with free shipping. Looks decent and I'll get it installed tomorrow. The only thing that could be better is the Velcro that's supplied to keep it from rattling. I'll use a piece of industrial strength instead.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
I wonder if this design could be improved to where we can permanently "bolt" our tailgates in. For those of us that don't need to remove it that often, something that would bolt to the frame somehow. Masterlock is a good start, but I feel like a cordless drill could defeat that in less then 30 seconds.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 10
From: TEXAS
I guess a permanent fix would be to have a curved piece of metal welded in over the OEM hinge opening. Of course as soon as you did that you would need to remove the tailgate for something. Or at least that's what Murphy's Law states.
As for that little piece of Velcro that comes with the Master Lock, don't sell it's appearance short. Just make sure you clean the surface of the lock and the point your sticking it to on the truck and it does it's job as designed.
As for that little piece of Velcro that comes with the Master Lock, don't sell it's appearance short. Just make sure you clean the surface of the lock and the point your sticking it to on the truck and it does it's job as designed.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 311
Likes: 6
I bought the McGuard because it was on the shelf. I think this would be a better way to go at least a would be thief would have to take a bolt out vs. snip, pry, twist a hose clamp off.
Ford Tailgate Theft Prevention
Ford Tailgate Theft Prevention
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
I 'installed' (if 15 seconds or so can be called an installation) my new Master lock this morning. Unfortunately I neglected to clean the lube off of the tailgate so the Velcro didn't stick. Luckily I'm about half deaf so will never hear any rattle but I'm sure my wife will tell me about that strange noise
It looks like it should be at least a deterrent and it will also work with my new Custom Flow 5er tailgate.
It looks like it should be at least a deterrent and it will also work with my new Custom Flow 5er tailgate.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,762
Likes: 115
I was gonna say you are better man than I am if you can hear anything rattling from the tailgate. Granted, the windows are typically always up for me. And the insulated tri-fold cover should mute any rattles from back there...
I just need a way to keep people from breaking into the passenger compartment. So far, security by Glock hasn't proved effective just yet. Thinking of smash and grab proof window tint.
I have a cover that locks on top the bed and I keep the tailgate locked. I've rarely ever had the need to remove the tailgate - but as already mentioned, all I would have to do is make the tailgate not easily removable and I would have to remove it almost immediately. Thinking of also doing the hose clamp, just because I have one.
Ohh, I also lowered my comp deductible to $0. I used to keep $250 but it is another $5 a month for $0.
I just need a way to keep people from breaking into the passenger compartment. So far, security by Glock hasn't proved effective just yet. Thinking of smash and grab proof window tint.
I have a cover that locks on top the bed and I keep the tailgate locked. I've rarely ever had the need to remove the tailgate - but as already mentioned, all I would have to do is make the tailgate not easily removable and I would have to remove it almost immediately. Thinking of also doing the hose clamp, just because I have one.
Ohh, I also lowered my comp deductible to $0. I used to keep $250 but it is another $5 a month for $0.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 17
I'm contemplating one... How is it? I use my bed for storage once at the sites... Only hold up is losing that part of it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
I just got the tail gate but have to say it is a heavy sucker. I forgot to order the $100 filler piece that makes it a full 'gate, but will before too long. I really don't believe that you will lose any of the truck bed use with that 'gate along with the filler piece and a bed cover of some sort. Custom Flow uses the same cam lock that most trailers have with the CH751 key. I'll try to change to something else non-universal as soon as I get a few minutes.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Remember that the great majority of theft is a crime of opportunity. Make it harder to remove and they will move on to an easier target.
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