Tailgate Security
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Spring, TX
Tailgate Security
My new 2009 Ford F150 Platinum has the fancy tailgate with the step, etc.
We all know that it only takes a crook a minute to remove a tailgate.
Question......what is everyone doing to STOP the thieves?
Has anyone come out with a lock for the hinges?
We all know that it only takes a crook a minute to remove a tailgate.
Question......what is everyone doing to STOP the thieves?
Has anyone come out with a lock for the hinges?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
You can also install pin switches for an alarm system, so if the tailgate is opened/removed the alarm will sound.
Backing in to parking spots and placing the tailgate against a wall, tree, etc. also makes removal quite difficult!
Backing in to parking spots and placing the tailgate against a wall, tree, etc. also makes removal quite difficult!
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
a zip tie is another quick easy method
but the best method of all is to just lock the tailgate with your key
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1
Also vote for the zip tie. Put it on with the locking part underneath. They could get it off, but if you have it on tight it won't be easy.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 572
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I just keep mine locked with the key.
This is a little off topic, but just a reminder to keep your tonneau cover or tool box locked too at ALL times. I had a toolbox in my old truck (have a tonneau now), and I kept it locked most of the time. I was in and out of it one day last winter, so I left it unlocked for about 2 hours. I made a trip to the grocery store, and while I was inside for no more than 15 minutes, a couple of guys stole over $500 worth of tools. They had them on camera doing it, but the quality was so poor that the police couldn't get a license number.
This is a little off topic, but just a reminder to keep your tonneau cover or tool box locked too at ALL times. I had a toolbox in my old truck (have a tonneau now), and I kept it locked most of the time. I was in and out of it one day last winter, so I left it unlocked for about 2 hours. I made a trip to the grocery store, and while I was inside for no more than 15 minutes, a couple of guys stole over $500 worth of tools. They had them on camera doing it, but the quality was so poor that the police couldn't get a license number.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 572
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Apparently.
I don't personally know anyone who has had their tailgate stolen, but then again, I don't personally know anyone else that's had most of their tools stolen out of their tool box either. I don't take chances any more.
I don't personally know anyone who has had their tailgate stolen, but then again, I don't personally know anyone else that's had most of their tools stolen out of their tool box either. I don't take chances any more.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Generally, if you give a thief an opportunity, chances are he'll take it.
I try not to have anything within visibility range. No suction cup marks on the windshield, etc to discourage a potential theft from happening.
I try not to have anything within visibility range. No suction cup marks on the windshield, etc to discourage a potential theft from happening.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
Absolutely, especially considering that a new F150 tailgate with man-step and camera can run upwards of $2K painted and ready for install.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
oh yeah
the 04-08's had a huge problem for about 2 yrs. Lots of guys had their tailgates stolen.
here is a question for you 09 guys:
the 04-08's had a huge problem for about 2 yrs. Lots of guys had their tailgates stolen.
Then a few DIY guys came up with the Zip Tie Method...and most people realized they could lock the tailgate.
here is a question for you 09 guys:
is the tailgate still super easy to pop off if you have something in the bed?
the 04-08's had a bad issue with the tailgate accidently coming off if you closed it and something pushed on the lower edge...like a sheet of plywood.
the 04-08's had a bad issue with the tailgate accidently coming off if you closed it and something pushed on the lower edge...like a sheet of plywood.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
tylus....I'll not aware of the tailgate popping open with a sheet of plywood pressing against the base of the gate.
tvsjr....have you heard of tailgate thefts on the '09s? Maybe I'm naive but it seems to be no problems around my neck of the woods.
tvsjr....have you heard of tailgate thefts on the '09s? Maybe I'm naive but it seems to be no problems around my neck of the woods.