DIY: Cheap Tailgate Anti-Theft Protection

Lol is stealing tailgates a thing? Where the hell do you guys live?

 

California has some true freedom fighters but is also filled with ilk. Or dirt bags or criminals, etc. Humans are like cats, super unpredictable you never know what you're going to get minute-to-minute.

 

This $2 snake clamp as a theft deterrent is a great idea. I remember hearing about it years ago, but forgot about it until now. Maybe fill the screw slots on the head in to limit the only way of removal to a hex head?

 

I always intend to keep my tailgate closed and locked, but in case I forget or am working nearby I just installed a McGard lock on mine.
Quick, easy and nice! Under $16 on Amazon....
Thanks for the reminder of how quick and easy it is for people to steal them, and how costly to replace!

 

This is what I used, it’s very sturdy and it has a scratch resistant coating on it. There is a tamper torx bit used which is not a very common tool to lock/unlock the clamp. I don’t ever plan to take my tailgate off so to make it more secure i put a dab of clear silicone sealant in the torx screw head to prevent someone from inserting their tool to unlock it. So if i ever have to remove it i will use a pick tool to pick out the silicone sealant.

I also have the Pop Lock that locks my tailgate automatically but just incase I forget to lock the truck I got it.

 

Just installed a new tailgate handle with camera and can lock it with a key. Have rigid trifold bed cover so, once the tailgate is locked, everything is secure. But, I do like the hose clamp security idea. Kinda like duct tape, we will use hose clamps for just about anything except hoses.

 

Nice. Good idea.