Prevent tailgate from getting stolen

Is there any aftermarket third-party products to help prevent my tundras tailgate from getting stolen. My son had his Tacoma tailgate stolen last year. Any suggestions would be great

 

Most newer trucks have locking tailgates.
A lot of people use common hose clamps to deter theft.
Some even put JB Weld on the bolt head to fill the screwdriver slot and cover the bolt head to prevent putting a socket on it.




I overkill everything so I got one of these.

$29 McGard 76029 Premium Pick-up Truck Tailgate Lock , Black

Amazon.com: McGard 76029 Premium Pick-up Truck Tailgate Lock , Black : Automotive




I ended up installing a Pop & Lock that locks the tailgate with the doors.
The newer ones are plug-and-play with an encased actuator.

$118 POP & Lock - Toyota Tundra Heavy Duty Power Tailgate Lock with Plug and Play T-Harness

Amazon.com: POP & LOCK – Power Tailgate Lock with Plug & Play Harness for Toyota Tundra – Fits Models 2014 to 2021 (PL8547TUN) : Automotive



With the old one I had to find and tap the wiring and the actuator looked like this.
I think the newer ones are quieter..

 

Yep got the McGard too because sometimes the cargo doesn't allow for locking the tailgate.

 

Thanks for the information just making sure if the tailgate is locked there’s no way they can steal it correct my son must’ve forgot to lock his tailgate? I’m just worried sometimes I may forget to lock mine so this little $20 gadget will prevent it from happening.

 

If they really want something, it can be really difficult to prevent theft. However, by hardening the target, hopefully they move on. Just hope it's not to other parts of your truck, house, etc. Good luck!

 

Yep. Thanks

 

Yep, kinda like cat shields.
I'm sure they could steal my cats AGAIN, but this time they are going to have to work harder to get them..

 

Got one

 

I didn't open my tailgate much but for years I would wonder if I locked it.
I'd even check it when I parked the truck and got out, 99% of the time it was locked.
My cats were stolen in my employer's parking lot, others had tailgates and entire vehicles stoles over the years..

The Pop & Lock wasn't too hard to install and certainly gave me a piece of mind that the tailgate was locked.
You can hear it lock when you lock the doors from outside the truck.
Something to consider at a later date, at least until it gets warmer outside..

 

Get the oem electric tailgate lock. Works with the key remote. Any time you lock your truck your tailgate is locked

https://www.sparksparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-tailgate-power-lock-standard-wheelbase-pk3b634js0

 

How hard is to install this? Would a dealership service shop be able to do it?

 

Pop and Lock is cheaper and does the same thing.
It's plug and play in which it taps into the door lock/unlock..
The OEM kit has nothing to do with the key remote.

If you feel better installing OEM, I get it..

I did mine, it's not that hard.
No way would I pay a dealership to do it..

https://youtu.be/QeO8hdPzgIc?si=fkDQ64CPzajOvPqS

 

62 years old and there are still times I get caught off guard by the state of the world. I never heard of Cat Converter armor or tailgate anti-theft devices until I joined this site. Heck, I'm not even sure where my house keys are. Things are peaceful out here in the country where 90% of the population is armed and strangers are easily spotted.

 

Good for you, that just means you're out of touch..

Doesn't matter where you live, crime is everywhere.
If you park your vehicle alone at a store for more than 3 minutes, it's a possible target of cat theft.

The 'country' is full of desperate crack and meth heads, don't fool yourself.
We're armed here as well, but that doesn't stop a criminal from taking an opportunity while your truck is unattended..

Enjoy that utopia you seem to live in..

 

Thanks! I do!

We have crime where I choose to live, just in lower numbers.

Loosing catalytic converters and tailgates sounds like a "city/suburbia" problem. I grew up outside of Washington DC and prowled SE DC as a teen. I left that area over 30 years ago. You say the country is full of desperate crack and meth heads? I can assure you it's not. Our differing world views is just the result of choosing different places to live.

 

Yes, you're right.
Things are only stolen in the city.
My mistake..

 

.10c fix

 

Being deliberately obtuse with a small slice of sarcasm is not a good look. But then I might get pissy too if I had to bolt down my tailgate and armor up my Cat to keep it from being stolen and found out the whole world doesn't have those problems.

 

Looks like I'm fucked, then.

 

It's a look that's been working well for me for 61 years.
I see no need to change it now.

I'm not pissy at all.
Note the title of this thread;
Prevent tailgate from getting stolen
I was only helping the OP out until you felt the need to chime in about your naivety of catalytic converter theft.
It's rampant everywhere, even in the bumfuck area of the country you reside...

Good luck to you Sir..
God bless you and the crime-free paradise you call home..

 

It’s plug and play. Search for it on YouTube. Probably two hours of work maybe. I do think the dealership would install it for you since Toyota makes the part

 

The tailgate on my 2021 locks with the key. Does your tailgate not lock with the key?

 

You are now on your way to recovery.

 

OR... on the verge of a spectacular relapse.