Do you use a tailgate lock?
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FTE Town Crier
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 953
Likes: 1
Do you use a tailgate lock?
I know the tailgates getting stolen is nothing new. But this story about another string of thefts made me wonder how many folks here use a tailgate lock. Which ones do you use?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Mine locks with the doors.
For my prior truck I used a hose clamp around the slotted round end of the hinge. Slows 'em down quite a bit. I see McGard sells the same thing made of slightly better (maybe) material with a key and a $30 price tag instead of the goofy square wrench my $2 auto parts job.
For my prior truck I used a hose clamp around the slotted round end of the hinge. Slows 'em down quite a bit. I see McGard sells the same thing made of slightly better (maybe) material with a key and a $30 price tag instead of the goofy square wrench my $2 auto parts job.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 24
From: ME
I've done this on my last few trucks for added security.
However, on my 2017 when I lock my doors with my remote it also locks the tail gate.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
We always lock the tailgate up when we leave the truck unattended. However, we occasionally have long loads (we have the 6.5' box), which requires the tailgate to be down. So we added a McGard lock for insurance.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
The good thing is our tailgates don't fit older trucks or Super Duties. As our trucks age, the tailgates will get stolen more, especially the nice ones. However, I can see the 2018 tailgates being a prime target since they will fit 2015-2017s and have the updated look.
GlueGuy, good idea for having the lock while using the truck with the tailgate down. I never thought about that aspect.
GlueGuy, good idea for having the lock while using the truck with the tailgate down. I never thought about that aspect.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
I've used a hose clamp for years. It is a bit of a pain if you have to remove the tailgate, but that's the idea. Slow the bad guy down.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 1
From: Hattiesburg, Ms.
I use a McGard lock, a hose clamp on steroids basically, but it is harder than removing than a hose clamp (got to have the key / socket). As GlueGuy mentioned, I occasionally have loads that require the tailgate to be down. Just added piece of mind for me. Of course nothing is foolproof.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 48
From: Abilene TX.
I used to live in a town that had a population of about 300 and we had 5 tailgates solen on one night in 2005!! so yes it can happen.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
If you're close to Abilene, that area is the meth capital of Texas. Tweakers will steal anything to get cash for their habit.
They will travel far and wide. If you're having a lot of mail theft and car break ins in the last few years, you have a meth problem in the area.
Meth and their users, tweakers, are ruining rural America.
They will travel far and wide. If you're having a lot of mail theft and car break ins in the last few years, you have a meth problem in the area.
Meth and their users, tweakers, are ruining rural America.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 136
From: Burleson, Tx
My tailgate itself locks but it also came with a lock in the passenger side hinge.
The hose clamp will definitely slow them down, at least until they all start carrying screwdrivers or snips.
The hose clamp will definitely slow them down, at least until they all start carrying screwdrivers or snips.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 21
If you're close to Abilene, that area is the meth capital of Texas. Tweakers will steal anything to get cash for their habit.
They will travel far and wide. If you're having a lot of mail theft and car break ins in the last few years, you have a meth problem in the area.
Meth and their users, tweakers, are ruining rural America.
They will travel far and wide. If you're having a lot of mail theft and car break ins in the last few years, you have a meth problem in the area.
Meth and their users, tweakers, are ruining rural America.