Tailgate Theft

[UncleBob]

The police in So-Cal are posting on social-media about a rash in Ford tailgate thefts. It's now daily. I have the factory lock but now I'm getting paronoid too. Anyone try the optional tailgate lock ?

https://accessories.ford.com/catalog/product/view/id/12403/s/kit-lock-cylinder-repair/category/3115/

That lock product looks interesting. My truck is a garage queen so probably not needed unless they also steal them from public parking lots as well. I couldn't tell from the picture in the ad exactly how it is installed.

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[Mokume]

That lock product looks interesting. My truck is a garage queen so probably not needed unless they also steal them from public parking lots as well. I couldn't tell from the picture in the ad exactly how it is installed.

Just got off the phone with McGard customer service and she did verify that Ford part number VKB3Z-18168-A does indeed fit 2019-2020 Rangers and available exclusively through Ford accessories. This device evidently attaches to the right side of the tailgate pivot point.
I queried her as to why their own website does not even list the Ranger at all, she had no answer.
Last month, I ran into the same situation with DeeZee concerning the tailgate dampener, they also told me that the item was only available via Ford accessories.
Must be that Ford has entered into an agreement with both these manufacturers that certain products can only be sold through Ford.
Can you elaborate Phil?

 

[THLONE]

I just went out and looked at my tailgate and because of the nice tailgate anti rattle design the hose clamp wont work. It will take a little engineering innovation to make it harder to steal . I have some ideas that will have to do with making the cable disengaging harder.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Inside my garage is my wifes car and lots of mountain bikes worth a pretty penny, workout equipment. They call it a 4 car garage but you really cant open the doors next to each other if you park 2 next to each other. So yeah I got stuff in my garage but it certainly aint junk. thats in the way of parking the ranger.

Get two Smart 4two's

 

[r1ch999999]

That lock product looks interesting. My truck is a garage queen so probably not needed unless they also steal them from public parking lots as well. I couldn't tell from the picture in the ad exactly how it is installed.

Does this add more protection than just locking the tailgate with the already existing tailgate lock? Asking for a friend who works in a shady part of town.

 

[r1ch999999]

where's your friends truck parked?
I'll swing by and check on it for him..........

let me check my app

 

[John Lyman]

Inside my garage is my wifes car and lots of mountain bikes worth a pretty penny, workout equipment. They call it a 4 car garage but you really cant open the doors next to each other if you park 2 next to each other. So yeah I got stuff in my garage but it certainly aint junk. thats in the way of parking the ranger.

I only have a 2 car garage but have 7 Mountain bikes and we also keep our SylvanSport Go camper in there so it can stay packed and ready to go and park all the cars outside. Luckily nobody like me as kid comes into our 'hood so our cars are pretty safe. Plus I added the $40 tailgate damper that should make them at least work for it

 

[r1ch999999]

I have 5 bikes, a snow thrower, moped, a dog sled, my truck and my wife’s Santa Fe.
I bet I have the only dog sled.

 

[Rene Michaels]

I think I'm pretty safe considering I do have a Lariat with a locking tailgate, plus I have a Retrax XR retractable bed cover that locks. I don't see how anyone could open the tailgate to lift it off. I need to check with my insurance to see if that is something they would cover just to be safe.

 

[BHunted]

I wish mine was like that,our HOA is a joke. Here you can park in the driveway and in the street only if there's no room in the driveway but that never stops people from parking in the street when their driveway is free. Then add most around here drive like maniacs so it's an adventure getting through some of these tight streets with cars parked are on both sides and not get hit head on!

Screw HOAs. They are a joke in most areas. We have one just to make sure people don't start putting farm animals in the back yards. But the builders here do not make garages deep enough to do squat with. I can barely get my Ranger in my garage and if I do, cannot completely walk around it. So when I work on my truck, I have to only get it in partially if I want any space to work. Good for mid size or compacts probably.

 

[Langwilliams]

I wish I could fit my truck in the garage...but my condo is one car garages an I have my Harley, lift table, tools an welder in there. Luckily it's a nice area with several law enforcement officers living in the area an with 36 condo's the traffic coming an going probably helps too.

 

[Figarou]

Well.... I was going to suggest reversing the hinges. Did that to my 2002 Ford Ranger.

It will not work with the 2019 Ford Ranger. 1st off....the hinges are the same on both sides. It's oval shaped. The 2002 is completely round on the driver's side, oval on the passenger side.

I did some thinking and decided to turn that plastic piece on the tailgate that goes on the hinge upside down.

So I removed the tailgate, then the hinge on the passenger side. Placed the hinge on the tailgate with the piece upside down. (The opening of the plastic piece is in the opposite direction of the opening on the tailgate.)

Brought the tailgate up with the hinge attached and tried to bolt it back on. The hinge hit below the tail light. Dang! I thought it would work for sure! It's only a few millimeters off! I even removed that tiny plastic piece at the end of the hinge.

Guess I have to buy that lock now.

 

[r1ch999999]

Don't out tailgates all lock already?

 

[AzScorpion]

Don't out tailgates all lock already?

Yes it locks when you lock your doors.

 

[r1ch999999]

Yes it locks when you lock your doors.

Thanks, I know mine does, but I didn't know if they all did.

I have the added benefit of parking in my garage most nights, and when I'm at camp it's on video surveillance.

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