Reviews and General Information: Tailgate Theft

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Tailgate Theft

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Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13088
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 5:30am
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Topic: Tailgate Theft

Posted By: mcarter
Subject: Tailgate Theft
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 8:02pm

Pick-up Owners. Tailgate theft still an issue. The new models have added accessories that make tailgates go for a high value on the black market. There are several deterrent options. If possible always lock your tailgate. Tailgate locks that enclose the removal spacing on the left side at base (normally) are very reasonable and easy to use. Lastly as a quick and cheap way to deter. Put a hose clamp around that same spacing area to make it more difficult to remove the tailgate. Thieves hate to spend time. A tailgate on a newer truck can run $1500 plus and are removeable in minutes.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2019 at 9:57am

+1. We installed a tailgate guard that requires a matching "key", sort of like a locking lug nut. We keep it in the "cubby" in the truck. If the truck is unlocked and/or they break into the truck they could get the key, but like you said about time...

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2019 at 4:23pm

Probably a McGard, I use a Master Lock that has key. My son just lost a 2013 Ford Platinum tailgate that was big bucks.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2019 at 4:29pm

Our tailgate locks just like the rest of the doors..

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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2019 at 6:18pm

That's cool, industry got smart:)

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2019 at 7:29am

Yes.. on higher packages then ours, you can even get a powered/remote release/opening option.. I don't think there is a powered close function.. yet. Possibly because of people like us who use a topper, that interlocks with the tailgate..

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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2019 at 9:29am

The tonneau cover on our Frontier overlaps the top of the tailgate. When the tailgate is shut and the tonneau cover is locked, the tailgate can't be opened even if it is not locked. I looked at the hinge locks, not just the one mentioned above, but a couple of other brands. For someone without a cover, it looks like it would be something needed. I had not heard of people stealing tailgates around here. Either it isn't happening, or it isn't publicized. Pickups are much more common out west though so I can understand it being a higher risk in Arizona.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2019 at 4:41pm

SH - venture to say it's happening in N.C. Somewhat of an issue here in TN and was in AL. Locks are important to include those on the vehicle. Very fast theft and expensive to the owner to fix. My Masterlock Tailgate Lock, w/key was less than $15. Covers me when I forget to lock topper and tailgate:) Top states are TX, CA and FL.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2019 at 6:26pm

We have a locking tonneau on our box and the tailgate locks with the doors. So when things are locked up, it's about as safe as it can be. It's when the tailgate is not locked when it's vulnerable. Ours is a McGard. Not expensive. Works.

Tailgate theft has become a "thing" almost over the entire country. You may not hear about it, but it's happening. The tailgate on any of the mid-range to upper range pickups can be kind of pricey.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2019 at 10:57pm

Now that I know about it, I will likely get a tailgate lock also. Which one TBD.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2019 at 12:53am

Hopefully, the one on our '94 F-150 with 322,000 miles and 31 deer kills will be safe. The tailgate is not in the best of condition, although very little rust. I take it off when loading/unloading firewood, takes about 20 seconds to remove, I suppose an expert could do that in half the time.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."