View Full Version : Pickup tailgate thefts?
My co-worker alerted me to the phenomenon of people stealing tailgates off of pickups - anybody know if this is a real big issue here? Looked on Google, and it appears that it is, at least in certain parts of the country.
Found out mine has a lock, so I keep it locked. Also found a tip about putting a hose clamp around the slotted socket so the tailgate can't just be lifted out. Sure the clamp can be removed, but at least it'll slow them down or discourage them enough to go elsewhere.
I'd be interested to know if there's any other types of locks that are more effective. Like a different kind of clamp that's harder to remove? My tailgate has a backup camera, so I'm sure it's a juicier target.
My brothers dodge tailgate got ripped off out in front of our house.
thedave1164
03-12-2017, 07:08
Yep, someone stole the f250 SD tailgate from the previous owner of my truck
BPTactical
03-12-2017, 07:22
Yup, and it's not a new trend. I've done the hose clamp trick on every truck I've owned since the late 80's.
What makes it worse now is a tailgate can run you $3k with back up cameras and steps in them.
Hose clamp and if it has a Lock, keep it locked.
Tailgate thefts are a crime of opportunity.
Thanks for the reminder that I need to lock mine.
On a similar note, we had the hoods stolen off three of our company trucks in a hotel parking lot one night.
We've had multiple tailgates stolen of of our work trucks. Mine locks when you hit the door locks so I don't have to remember to lock it. They are worth a good chunk of change even without the camera in them and they are to easy to steal. Keep them locked, and if you don't have one that locks go get a locking latch kit, they sell them for almost every type of tailgate out there.
I can't even tell you how fucking pissed off I'd be if someone stole mine.....it would be a whole 'nother dimension.....
Getting myself a hose clamp TODAY!
theGinsue
03-12-2017, 08:50
This is all news to me. Thanks for the heads up.
My tailgate doesn't lock and I had no idea they sold lock kits for them. I'll be throwing a hose clamp on until I can get a lock kit and install it.
Just adds to the adage that thieves will steal anything that isn't bolted down.
Just adds to the adage that thieves will steal anything that isn't bolted down.
If it's simply bolted down and nobody's looking, they'll still steal it.
I placed a glob of JB Weld on top of the hose clamp screw. Easy enough for me to deal with at home, and just a little bit more of a deterrent in a parking lot.
I placed a glob of JB Weld on top of the hose clamp screw. Easy enough for me to deal with at home, and just a little bit more of a deterrent in a parking lot.
Oooo, I like that idea!
ColoradoTJ
03-12-2017, 09:36
http://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgardtailgatelock76029.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQiAgJTGBRD Lr5_az_Ouk44BEiQAIxaA4o2ypBiqmaKUIPjvsVGwX6gOznnvK q_hACgI9GYpLTQaAtml8P8HAQ
https://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Pilot-Automotive/LH-090.html
I had one of my trucks with the tailgate down one morning. I'm pretty sure the hose clamp saved that expense.
HoneyBadger
03-12-2017, 09:40
Somebody stole my silverado tailgate back in 2010. They were kind enough to give me a replacement... same year, same color, same trim. I have no idea when it happened, but when I got home from work, I noticed a basketball-sized dent in my tailgate and a bunch of scratches and wear/tear, inside and out. It was very strange. I was very confused, but upon closer inspection, I could see that it was clearly not mine, and somebody had swapped them out. I'm pretty sure CSPD thought I was trying to scam my insurance or something when they wrote the report.
Aardvark
03-12-2017, 10:08
Could also be scrappers looking for easy scrap metal. Jeep doors are often stolen and I've seen them go for scrap or end up out of state being sold off.
A better idea is to have a messed up tailgate that is hard to open and looks like hell but still works. I think that is what has kept mine safe. Better options out there for a mid 90's Chevy.
theGinsue
03-12-2017, 11:10
http://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgardtailgatelock76029.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQiAgJTGBRD Lr5_az_Ouk44BEiQAIxaA4o2ypBiqmaKUIPjvsVGwX6gOznnvK q_hACgI9GYpLTQaAtml8P8HAQ
https://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Pilot-Automotive/LH-090.html
I had one of my trucks with the tailgate down one morning. I'm pretty sure the hose clamp saved that expense.
Thanks for the links. I'm buying a couple today (one to give to a buddy).
StagLefty
03-12-2017, 11:21
Use an open ended wrench and face the clamp with the screw facing the truck bed and angle it down a little. Makes it a little more work for the thief if they have the time.
My co-worker alerted me to the phenomenon of people stealing tailgates off of pickups - anybody know if this is a real big issue here? Looked on Google, and it appears that it is, at least in certain parts of the country.
Found out mine has a lock, so I keep it locked. Also found a tip about putting a hose clamp around the slotted socket so the tailgate can't just be lifted out. Sure the clamp can be removed, but at least it'll slow them down or discourage them enough to go elsewhere.
I'd be interested to know if there's any other types of locks that are more effective. Like a different kind of clamp that's harder to remove? My tailgate has a backup camera, so I'm sure it's a juicier target.
At least with the tundra theres a way to install it upside down so the only way to put it on/off is a fairly long screwdriver up through the hole underneath the truck. Many aftermarket options that are kinda pricey for what they are. Keep it locked will deter most*
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-8253DAT-Stainless-Tailgate/dp/B007OSL3DY
Mike Rowe endorsed
http://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgardtailgatelock76029.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQiAgJTGBRD Lr5_az_Ouk44BEiQAIxaA4o2ypBiqmaKUIPjvsVGwX6gOznnvK q_hACgI9GYpLTQaAtml8P8HAQ
https://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Pilot-Automotive/LH-090.html
I had one of my trucks with the tailgate down one morning. I'm pretty sure the hose clamp saved that expense.
Yes, thank you! I like that McGard lock.
StagLefty
03-12-2017, 13:42
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-8253DAT-Stainless-Tailgate/dp/B007OSL3DY
Mike Rowe endorsed
read some reviews where they could still take the tailgate off with the lock installed.
ColoradoTJ
03-12-2017, 15:23
Thanks for the links. I'm buying a couple today (one to give to a buddy).
Anytime. I have a locking tailgate (mechanical/electrical) and still have a theft device on mine.
69582
Sucks we live in a world we worry about this. With the recent wind storms, I was awarded a small dent in my trailgate due to a falling tree branches. The tailgate skin was 530.00. All said and done with paint, bedliner, camera, mechanicals was over 3000.00. Lucky for me, the dent was so small that the repair bill was only 360.00.
ColoradoTJ
03-12-2017, 15:27
Yes, thank you! I like that McGard lock.
No problem. Small cost instead of paying a deductible.
wctriumph
03-12-2017, 16:30
Never had a tailgate stolen but I did have two batteries stolen within a week. Probably the same thieves, steal one, it gets replaced and they took it again, After that I chained my hood closed and no more missing batteries.
cableguy11
03-12-2017, 17:04
They tried to steal my Excursion here at work in the parking lot just this week. Luckily they couldn't get it started. Lost a cheap GPS, and my prescription sunglasses...which I miss the most.
This was a big problem in New Mexico about a decade ago, I had no idea a tailgate could be worth so much. Seems like the kind of thing that would raise some eyebrows unless the scrapper is equally as unscrupulous.
My gate is a pain in the ass to open, the little plastic clips that connect the handle to the rods broke so I have to reach in and manually pull on each rod to let it down. Easy fix but, I may just keep it that way if these thefts are on the rise again.
They tried to steal my Excursion here at work in the parking lot just this week. Luckily they couldn't get it started. Lost a cheap GPS, and my prescription sunglasses...which I miss the most.
That's such a crappy feeling when something expensive like that gets stolen, and you know nobody can even get any use out of it because it's specific to YOU.
cableguy11
03-12-2017, 17:21
I'm hoping they keep wearing them and never figure out where the headache is coming from!!
I don't even want to know how much my tailgate would cost to replace.
Shooter45
03-12-2017, 18:19
Been going on a long time because of how easy it is to get off a truck tailgate. Family and friends in the LE community always warned me about it and to be careful. Luckily I have toppers on every truck that I keep locked as well. Still easy to steal but makes a little less accessible. Anybody can get something if they want it bad enough though.
That's such a crappy feeling when something expensive like that gets stolen, and you know nobody can even get any use out of it because it's specific to YOU.
And knowing that once the thieving shitbag puts them on, he'll throw them right out the window in disgust.
It's hard to imagine them selling tailgates for scrap, seems like scrappers wouldn't touch a shiny, pristine, late-model tailgate. I'd think you could get top dollar on Craigslist, selling them to people whose tailgate was stolen......
Fucking thieves.
Can someone post a pic of the hose clamp setup?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Can someone post a pic of the hose clamp setup?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just Google Images "hose clamp on tailgate". I can't post photos from my phone on this site for some reason.
clodhopper
03-13-2017, 11:15
Lil fancier than a hose clamp. Gatekeeper. http://www.jimmijammer.com/Product,%20GK.htm
clodhopper
03-13-2017, 11:19
Another option, just need a washer.
69600
StagLefty
03-13-2017, 12:26
Can someone post a pic of the hose clamp setup?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
69604 On my Ranger
Martinjmpr
03-13-2017, 12:34
Is there a huge market for tailgates? Or are they stealing tailgates and then selling them back to the people they stole them from?
StagLefty
03-13-2017, 13:29
Or are they stealing tailgates and then selling them back to the people they stole them from?
Hostage tailgates ? [Sarcasm2]
BPTactical
03-13-2017, 13:50
Almost as bad as the yayhoo's who were running around NW Denver with cordless SawZall's and cutting out catalytic converters......
This is good info when I get my new truck; I hadn't thought about the tailgates getting ripped off. My dually has a huge flatbed...they would need a fork lift to take that...LOL. I don't drive the truck into town unless I am getting a load of something, but I should make it harder to steal.
Is there a huge market for tailgates? Or are they stealing tailgates and then selling them back to the people they stole them from?
Some say scrappers, but I imagine there's a good demand on Craigslist. Not to mention "filling orders" placed by body shops for certain make/model/color/trim etc.
ColoradoTJ
03-14-2017, 04:35
Is there a huge market for tailgates? Or are they stealing tailgates and then selling them back to the people they stole them from?
Yeah Martin, there is...and the ones that are removed from Tacoma's, or 1/2 ton trucks make me wonder. Most likely not putting a Tommy lift, flatbed, or 5th wheel tailgate on those trucks.
https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/6028352635.html
https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/5991578812.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/pts/6038140051.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/pts/6007449073.html
https://boulder.craigslist.org/pts/6001030053.html
I was actually going to drive up and buy this one, since it is the exact color/liner/options I needed for mine. The owner does still have the truck, so I felt comfortable that it wasn't stolen. I ended up just repairing mine for cheaper.
https://denver.craigslist.org/pts/6039430196.html
Fentonite
03-17-2017, 19:44
Glad I saw this thread. I put a Gate Keeper on my truck today. Piece of cake, took less than 5 minutes.
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/4D2A2E1A-4828-4DEE-BBB6-46EED2ED2403.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/4D2A2E1A-4828-4DEE-BBB6-46EED2ED2403.jpg.html)
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/C2D946FF-C33B-4457-9A56-E76A42544CEB.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/C2D946FF-C33B-4457-9A56-E76A42544CEB.jpg.html)
Glad I saw this thread. I put a Gate Keeper on my truck today. Piece of cake, took less than 5 minutes.
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/4D2A2E1A-4828-4DEE-BBB6-46EED2ED2403.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/4D2A2E1A-4828-4DEE-BBB6-46EED2ED2403.jpg.html)
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/C2D946FF-C33B-4457-9A56-E76A42544CEB.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/C2D946FF-C33B-4457-9A56-E76A42544CEB.jpg.html)
Did you get that locally? Much nicer than a hose clamp!
Fentonite
03-17-2017, 21:29
Did you get that locally? Much nicer than a hose clamp!
No, I ordered it from TrucksnVans.com. $28, delivered. Sure, it's seriously overpriced for what went into it, but it works great, easy to install, and I don't mind that someone makes some money coming up with/making something I can use. I just wasn't impressed with a hose clamp or the plastic thing.
I don't have my truck at the moment, so I'm unsure if it will clearance, but I'm hoping to just go to Murdoch's or NAPA and get a big heaver washer to put on the cable post when my truck gets back from the shop.
http://www.factorychryslerparts.com/images/uploads/SimplePart%20-%20Chrysler/fullsize/a_20151019_1149047550.png
Touch wood, it's never been messed with after 13 years sitting in the driveway.
Glad I saw this thread. I put a Gate Keeper on my truck today. Piece of cake, took less than 5 minutes.
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/4D2A2E1A-4828-4DEE-BBB6-46EED2ED2403.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/4D2A2E1A-4828-4DEE-BBB6-46EED2ED2403.jpg.html)
Looks like you should tack weld the bolt to the bracket.
Fentonite
03-18-2017, 17:26
Looks like you should tack weld the bolt to the bracket.
I'd still like to be able to remove the tailgate if needed. This could certainly be defeated, but I think most of these thefts are quick crimes of opportunity. My hope is that this would slow someone down enough that they'd just move on. I'll probably add an oversized washer to the cable as well.
I'd still like to be able to remove the tailgate if needed.
That's why you tack weld it; it's easy enough to grind away the weld.
That's why you tack weld it; it's easy enough to grind away the weld.
Versus having a wrench in the glove box so you can remove it anywhere, including when you don't have access to a grinder.
Versus having a wrench in the glove box so you can remove it anywhere...
Just like any semi-resourceful tailgate thief. [Awesom]
SideShow Bob
03-19-2017, 19:34
Just like any semi-resourceful tailgate thief. [Awesom]
You could replace the screw with a vandal proof type, and keep the bit for it stashed somewhere in the vehicle. Not a common item for a thief to carry around, not even a semi-resourceful one............
It's a crime of opportunity. You're taking something that can be done with no tools to requiring a thief to actually have tools. At least it's more than a hose clamp that only requires a screwdriver.
cableguy11
03-19-2017, 20:13
Doesn't take too many tools to get in!
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/agsmv1/Big%20Red/IMG_1502_zps4ewkcqcz.jpg (http://s757.photobucket.com/user/agsmv1/media/Big%20Red/IMG_1502_zps4ewkcqcz.jpg.html)
You could replace the screw with a vandal proof type, and keep the bit for it stashed somewhere in the vehicle. Not a common item for a thief to carry around, not even a semi-resourceful one............
Great idea!
gnihcraes
03-20-2017, 20:00
Doesn't take too many tools to get in!
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/agsmv1/Big%20Red/IMG_1502_zps4ewkcqcz.jpg (http://s757.photobucket.com/user/agsmv1/media/Big%20Red/IMG_1502_zps4ewkcqcz.jpg.html)
similar situation with my old chebby. Slotted screwdriver placed properly can crack it open in seconds. Lost a Sig P226 that day.
similar situation with my old chebby. Slotted screwdriver placed properly can crack it open in seconds. Lost a Sig P226 that day.
Rat bastards......
gnihcraes
03-21-2017, 09:28
Rat bastards......
P226
Got it back about a year later, found in a car full of gang bangers in Glendale AZ. Sig had been tossed several times from moving cars. :( Sig cleaned it up for me though.
Fentonite
03-25-2017, 18:30
You could replace the screw with a vandal proof type, and keep the bit for it stashed somewhere in the vehicle. Not a common item for a thief to carry around, not even a semi-resourceful one............
Good idea, thanks!69797
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