Tailgate Theft - how to avoid
 

I have no troubles in my area (small town Minnesota) but my truck does not always stay here.. I don't always remember to lock my tailgate either...
I have a hose clamp that I was going to put on the tailgate to keep the "release hinge" captive, but then it would be a royal PITB to take off if/when I needed to.

I was following along on another thread when E02SeaBee posted a link to this device made by Master Lock:
Amazon.com: Master Lock 8253DAT Tailgate Lock: Automotive

After watching the Mike Rowe video on installation (which takes all of five seconds) I was sold... Free shipping with Amazon Prime and under $16

What are you guys doing for that additional piece of mind?

I never saw that lock before, good idea. I have a hard tonneu with 2 locks and obviously the tailgate locks also, that has done ok thus far. I automatically lock stuff up out of habit, though this habit can be a pain sometimes. The reality is that a "good" thief can get around locks pretty quick.

I installed a ringworm clamp on the hinge that the tailgate lifts out of. It locks the gate in so you haver to remove the clamp before removing the gate. It's not foolproof, but it is a deterrent.

I checked it out, like the idea, and don't like the idea/real possibility, of having my tailgate stolen. Am going to invest in this!

I put one of these Mcgard locks on.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0043S...SlL&ref=plSrch

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...lL._SY400_.jpg

I have the masterlock. Works great and is easy to use.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...8c3e7c9a4c.jpg

On my previous truck I used a pair of these. I found that I could NOT break it free and eventually retrieved my side cutters. Very cheap and I have tons of them laying around. While it won't stop someone with tools it will stop the quick snatch and run.

I watched the video and looks like it is a good simple design. But it looks like it was loose side to side. does it rattle around??? I HATE RATTLES:-arrgh

I have one of these on my tailgate. Simple to install. Piece of mind. I bought mine right after a friend's tailgate was in the process of being stolen. This was on his 94 f350. He now uses I think a couple of heavy duty zip ties himself since he had them behind the seat.

However, this unit will rub out your paint on the tail gate and bed body. I just touched up the area where the lock was. I'm thinking about getting some vinyl rap from work and placing some on the lock for some damage control. Otherwise it is a pretty good unit.

As I understand it, the Master Lock comes with a velcro piece that keeps it from rattling.. I'll update here once I have it.
The McGuard piece looks like a solid contender too!

I have my gate in my garage. It was a pain to remove.....as I removed it...I became curious about the various things folks do to deter gate thieves. I mean a real pro would have a screw driver to unscrew the hose clamps, pliers to cut the tie wraps, etc.

Get a stainless hose clamp and call it good.

Tailgate Theft - how to avoid
 

If someone wants it bad enough they will get it no matter what you secure it with. And possibly do more damage to the vehicle than if it wasn't secured at all.

I got one but it did not come in till after I got back from my little trip to LA.
So I have the hose clamps till I got home and put the Master lock unit on.
It did come with some velcro strips to keep it quiet and no rattle. I despise
rattling cars/trucks. Mr thumper and hi buzzing trunk or license plate frames.
Just want to stuff some spuds in there tail pipe and leave them sitting and
cloaking on there own fumes. :-blah

But back on topic. Mine does not rattle at all even with the windows sown and
only rolling down a slight bumpy hill.


Sean https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...455b8d603e.gif

Real good advice... However it's a PITA to put on and take off (which alone makes a fairly good theft deterent).
I just don't want the theft deterent to be a PITA to me too...
This lock will quickly and easily be removed and installed by me with the key...