Got a surprise from my dealer today free tailgate lock bolt kit

[jss81258]

You're missing a needless piece of hardware?

Seriously, nothing. It's peace of mind for paranoid folks.

Well, if someone is after tailgates, I would image locking it will hardly slow them down. Consider they need to disconnect the harness. I would guess once done, plug in a handheld power supply to unlock. Or, since there's a good bit of room between the tailgate and bed, a tool could be inserted to trip the bolts. The tailgate bearing lock adds another step that should be more difficult to defeat.

On the other hand, the chances of a specific tailgate being stolen is pretty low.

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[ch47dmechanic]

Well, if someone is after tailgates, I would image locking it will hardly slow them down. Consider they need to disconnect the harness. I would guess once done, plug in a handheld power supply to unlock. Or, since there's a good bit of room between the tailgate and bed, a tool could be inserted to trip the bolts. The tailgate bearing lock adds another step that should be more difficult to defeat.

On the other hand, the chances of a specific tailgate being stolen is pretty low.

If they wanted to use that same tool with the tailgate locked and still connected to the harness, the lock and the harness wouldn't stop them from doing it. I seriously think too many of you guys are overthinking the capabilities and resolve of a petty tailgate thief. They're not going to expend the resources to develop and manufacture an "unlocking switch tool" that they'll then plug into the tailgate harness connection to electronically unlock it nor would they waste the time needed to connect all that in the field. They're going to cut the harness and try to pry the tailgate off and realistically, that's not going to work in the 30-45 seconds they'll actually expend trying to steal it in the first place. There's just too much risk.

 

[D Fresh]

Well, if someone is after tailgates, I would image locking it will hardly slow them down. Consider they need to disconnect the harness. I would guess once done, plug in a handheld power supply to unlock. Or, since there's a good bit of room between the tailgate and bed, a tool could be inserted to trip the bolts. The tailgate bearing lock adds another step that should be more difficult to defeat.

On the other hand, the chances of a specific tailgate being stolen is pretty low.

And if somebody was going to go through all that they would probably just steal one off a dealership lot, giving them the color and quality they desire.

Or if it's a sophisticated gang of recycling tweakers they could get many aluminum tailgates from the same location.

I'm all for self protection and security but there's a point at which it just becomes absurd.

 

[Sharky]

https://www.oempartsource.com/oem-p...=pla&msclkid=127db1db6d841997b0b8ee20e9f7a4a6

 

[jss81258]

And if somebody was going to go through all that they would probably just steal one off a dealership lot, giving them the color and quality they desire.

Or if it's a sophisticated gang of recycling tweakers they could get many aluminum tailgates from the same location.

I'm all for self protection and security but there's a point at which it just becomes absurd.

You guys don't understand, I'm not suggesting anyone should go out and buy a lock, only that stealing a tailgate isn't that hard.

The city I live in goes through spells where stuff gets stolen and tailgates are one of the things they get. I have video of one group checking my stuff.

But I understand if someone wants a little extra protection.

 

[D Fresh]

You guys don't understand, I'm not suggesting anyone should go out and buy a lock, only that stealing a tailgate isn't that hard.

The city I live in goes through spells where stuff gets stolen and tailgates are one of the things they get. I have video of one group checking my stuff.

But I understand if someone wants a little extra protection.

And I'm not suggesting somebody who feels like they need it skip picking one up. Only that it's more work than the average recycling tweaker is going to go through.

 

[SheepDogRain-Jar]

Those GD tweekers are grabbing tailgates to sell for the aluminum. Remember if you shoot a thief in the back immediately flip them over and shoot them in the front. Officer when he was threatening me I shot him in self defense when he fell he spun around and the second shot hit him in the back.

Too small a caliber! He should not have a front when done, only Dr. Lee will be able to determine the direction of the projectile.........and he is retired!

 

[thewhiteranger]

uh...call your local dealer and order it, then drive there and pick it up.

I likely will order it from the local dealer ----- I just wanted to support a forum member with my purchase.

 

[thewhiteranger]

the idea is simply to make it more trouble to take mine than the next one over with no lock on it. Im glad they at least make the thing lock with the doors - better than nothing but I think I will pick up the lock just to make it a little more difficult for them. thieves like easy targets

 

[VAMike]

the idea is simply to make it more trouble to take mine than the next one over with no lock on it. Im glad they at least make the thing lock with the doors - better than nothing but I think I will pick up the lock just to make it a little more difficult for them. thieves like easy targets

That still doesn't make any sense because they won't see this tailgate gadget until after they've already ripped out the integral lock--there's no deterrent value at all. I guess you could put on a "protected by super secure extra tailgate lock" sticker, but just go with the sticker and not the lock. Or just don't live in constant fear for stuff.

 

[THLONE]

First they pry your tailgate down which also bends up the bed and the tailgate, then they cut your harness, and then they see your extra lock and leave. You saved your tailgate.

 

[Trigganometry]

Honestly guys, In all the years I’ve been around and at times living in the city never heard of tailgates getting stolen. Even wheels and mags for that matter. Not saying it can’t happen but you would probably be struck by lightning before that happens to you. Last truck was 23 years old, still had the factory tailgate and rims on it when I put it down...

 

[TrebMaxx]

In my local thieves are cutting out catalytic converters on SUV and Trucks while parked in parking garages even during the day. Some have hit residential areas at night.

 

[Trigganometry]

In my local thieves are cutting out catalytic converters on SUV and Trucks while parked in parking garages even during the day. Some have hit residential areas at night.

That was a thing in the mid 70’s when catalytic’s had way more platinum in them. I still have the one that was in my 97 Ranger. It’s worth $450 scrap still. Today’s units have way less material in them. Surprised they’re worth anything really

 

[JimH]

Friend of mine had the T-tops stolen from his 280Z -- insurance company told him to find a pair in a junk yard (they wouldn't pay for new ones).. he went to the local junk yard and found a set -- turned out to be his original tops!!