Tailgate Missing?

I am on Craig's List a lot. I have noticed recently that there are a lot of various Toyota truck tailgates listed lately. Somewhat unusual or so I thought. Just now on the local Fox channel 31, there was a interesting piece on the recent rise of tailgate thefts in Denver. All makes of trucks being targeted and Craig's List was mentioned where a lot are showing up. I personally use hose clamps and was mentioned as a good alternative deterent along with special locks. Big targets are tailgates with cameras it seems, none are exempt. I am wondering if this may not be a local phenomena but more widespread. Anyone have a tailgate stolen yet? Did you buy your own tailgate back of Craig's List? Heh heh. Are we going to have to microchip our tailgates for crying out loud? Used to be air bags were the prime choice for thieves,but they apparently suck now.

 

Catalytic converters and spare tire have been the focus as well. I should probably start locking my tailgate. What's the skinny on hose clamps? I noticed that tailgate with backup camera on Craig's List too.

 

Put a hose clamp around the right (bottom of course) side. If you lower your tailgate to a certain point, you can lift it up and away. Putting a hose clamp around that latch so you can't lift iit out is a good deterrent. Keep tailgate locked all the time. I'll go take a pic.

 

Simple but effective. Did the same thing to my 09 Tacoma. Three years without losing a tailgate for a $1.50 clamp. (keep tailgate locked)

 

That's comical. An extra few seconds with a coin or washer and it's still gone. Now you've made me all paranoid. ;-)

 

Actually it's widely used and most thieves are in a hurry. Check other forums and you will find the same simple clamp setup. I repositioned the clamp for the pic. Obviously it's best to tighten the clamp in such a way as to make it more difficult for the thief. As I mentioned the police officer that was being being interviewed said that the clamp is a good deterrent. The best no. See link. Thieves aren't going to dally around. Used clamps for 4 yrs total now and I always keep tailgate locked. Never lost a tailgate. Proof's in the pudding and isn't it better than your current setup? It takes maybe 5 seconds to steal if unlocked and no deterrent at all. The clamp works better than you might think.

Reverse the clamp from the way it is in the picture with the tightening head facing facing towards the front and tighten with a small ignition wrench. Close the tailgate and come up from the bottom with a socket. The clamp head is now facing down. You will see a gap between the bumper and bed to get the socket through with an extension. Torque as best you can. When you open the tailgate the clamp head is now facing away from you. Can't un-tighten unless tailgate is closed and from the bottom. Not easy to do in the dark. The thief would have to have the right size socket and extension and a flashlight. Kind of risky. ( It works.)

Or you can do this: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/10/protect-your-tailgate-against-tailgate-jacking.html

 

So true. I was just pondering using one of those wide zip ties. But like you said. I guess that I'll have to see if work has any stainless clamps. Thanks for the pictures and explanation.

 

Preferably get a aircraft grade tamper proof clamp from Fastenal. They csn be a little pricey. Up to $8. Their Anchorage store had them so they probably carry them down here in the lower 48 too. A regular non-tamper aircraft grade clamp will do just fine too. You can torque it down real tight with a socket. Don't get harbor freight grade. Real hard to back one off with a penny or a screwdriver. Believe me it is not easy. I had my doubt's too at first. It's all about delay,delay ,delay. Thieves go for the quickie. Remember that the tailgate lock needs to be defeated quickly too. There are keyless/remote controlled tailgate locks out there too. I think tat2ude found one.

It would only take me a 100milliseconds to clip a zip tie with wire cutters.

Or this: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/10/protect-your-tailgate-against-tailgate-jacking.html

 

I always keep my tailgate locked for this very reason

 

It's amazing how many people don't lock their tailgate. Tailgate is probably $800 to $ 1K to replace. Or course if you wait long enough it will be on Craig's List and you can buy it back for a discount.

 

I see them on CL occasionally. I lock my tailgate all the time, I don't trust anyone, or any area. The hose clamp idea is primarily for trucks like the Tacoma that didn't have an OEM lock. Its a great idea, our tailgates lock so its more as a secondary or for guys who leave their tailgate down with a load, etc. Of course any security measure can be defeated, but something is better than nothing, and those clamps are cheaper than a pop-n-lock.

 

That's why I did it on my Taco. Figure it wouldn't hurt throwing it on my Tundra. The tailgate down situation is real risky without something. I think the fancy dancy clamp locks are around $20 bucks or so.

 

Agreed, it only takes forgetting to lock it one time! You have a backup.

 

I saw a fairly new 3rd gen tailgate today on CList. Somebody may be real pi**ed.

 

A buddy was poking fun at my paranoia but my thought is it's easy, it's free, why wouldn't I do it?

 

I 've conditioned myself to always walk behind my truck and check the latch when I park. I'll even pull in my driver side tow mirror if I park on the street.

 

Exactly.

 

My truck came with the special anti-theft spare tire kit that you can buy from the dealer or probably cheaper on Amazon.

 

I'm going to hire a live bodyguard for my truck, this is crazy.

 

Vicious dog may work too. Just remember to lock your tailgate. Get a tattoo to remind you. Heh heh

 

Funny you say that, I've never gotten a tattoo because I couldn't decide what it would be.

 

But you won't be going anywhere... lol.

 

A tat that actually has a practical purpose.

 

I still have a small tat with my ex's name. Want it? Free.

 

What they make a sharpie for. Draw thru stuff...

 

That tat has been a good reminder of what not to do in more ways than one.