Prevent Tailgate theft
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Prevent Tailgate theft
So I leave work today - get out to my truck, and my tailgate is missing (with step, and rear camera)... and it was locked shut too.
Outside of the fact I could strangle the person that did it, what does everyone use to stop someone running off with your tailgate? Given they either punched the lock, or did something to defeat it, I am guessing these people were a bit above just opportunists.
Outside of the fact I could strangle the person that did it, what does everyone use to stop someone running off with your tailgate? Given they either punched the lock, or did something to defeat it, I am guessing these people were a bit above just opportunists.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Sorry to hear your troubles! These tailgates are so easy to take and cost SO much to replace its crazy. I installed one of those mcgard tailgate locks on the right hand side on hinge and keep it locked. Honestly a simple hose clamp situated in a difficult position to remove will accomplish same concept.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
That sucks Adrian. Had one stolen off my last truck.
Being the gate was locked, the hose clamp would've probably just been a inconvenience to them. Like foreman said, McGuard is one of the more popular ones. I'm using a hose clamp, but my truck doesn't leave my sight during the day normally either.
Being the gate was locked, the hose clamp would've probably just been a inconvenience to them. Like foreman said, McGuard is one of the more popular ones. I'm using a hose clamp, but my truck doesn't leave my sight during the day normally either.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,362
Likes: 8,073
From: North Central Washington
Bummer dude, Hose clamp well help but it sounds like they had time to mess with the lock they probably would be able to remove the hose clamp.
Something like this. Tailgate Lock
I heard on national news that the Ford F250 Super Duty tail gate was the most stolen item in the nation. Or something to that reference. They thought it was due to the back-up camera.
Again Adrian, sorry to hear about your tail gate.
Something like this. Tailgate Lock
I heard on national news that the Ford F250 Super Duty tail gate was the most stolen item in the nation. Or something to that reference. They thought it was due to the back-up camera.
Again Adrian, sorry to hear about your tail gate.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 6
From: Whitecourt AB, Canada
Are these still hot items even without the electronics or the step? I know they are popular because they are universal fit 1999-present.
I do have a habit of locking my tailgate (and then trying to open it while my truck is running...lol) but I realize with the correct screwdrivers, the lock is merely to keep the honest people in line.
I do have a habit of locking my tailgate (and then trying to open it while my truck is running...lol) but I realize with the correct screwdrivers, the lock is merely to keep the honest people in line.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Schaefferstown, PA
Bummer dude, Hose clamp well help but it sounds like they had time to mess with the lock they probably would be able to remove the hose clamp.
Something like this. Tailgate Lock
Something like this. Tailgate Lock
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
I use the Pop & Lock to keep the tailgate locked all the time and one of the Bully lockable clamps to keep the hinge pinned
F-350 Pop & Lock
Bully Tailgate Lock for Removable Tailgates Pilot Automotive Locks LH-090
F-350 Pop & Lock
Bully Tailgate Lock for Removable Tailgates Pilot Automotive Locks LH-090
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
My brother had his 2011 tailgate stolen while the truck was in his driveway. His insurance ponied up just over $4,000 for a new tailgate with step and camera. I use the McGuard lock, but as others have already said, it won't begin to stop a determined thief. I don't know if it even makes the insurance company feel any better about it either.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
My brother had his 2011 tailgate stolen while the truck was in his driveway. His insurance ponied up just over $4,000 for a new tailgate with step and camera. I use the McGuard lock, but as others have already said, it won't begin to stop a determined thief. I don't know if it even makes the insurance company feel any better about it either.
Sent from my Telegraph using IB AutoGroup
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,160
Likes: 15,963
From: Wisconsin
I use a hose clamp, but I don't live in an area with much crime at all, let alone tailgate theft. That is really disappointing to hear you had your stolen Adrian. I'm sorry...that stinks. How the heck they stole a locked one is beyond me, but they must have really wanted it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 10
From: TEXAS
I use the Master Lock 8253DAT Tailgate Lock that I picked up off of Amazon. It is all metal, keyed locked and gets the job done for under $15 shipped. I used to use a radiator clamp and felt the tailgate was secure enough. But to be honest they are all nothing more than a deterrent to a determined thief. Maybe the Master lock is just a better built, more time taking deterrent than a band clamp.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 10
From: TEXAS
Maybe it's time for me to go ahead and order that 5th wheel tailgate I would like to have. After all it cost less than half of my insurance deductible and doesn't seem to be near as often the subject of tailgate theft.
Good argument to the Spouses question of "Did we really need that"?
Good argument to the Spouses question of "Did we really need that"?