Pickup tailgate thefts?

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Originally Posted by XJ

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.

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Oooo, I like that idea!

http://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgardta...LTQaAtml8P8HAQ

https://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Pilot...ve/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.

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by ColoradoTJ

http://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgardta...LTQaAtml8P8HAQ

https://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Pilot...ve/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.

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Thanks for the links. I'm buying a couple today (one to give to a buddy).

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.

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Originally Posted by rondog

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.

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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-8.../dp/B007OSL3DY
Mike Rowe endorsed

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Originally Posted by ColoradoTJ

http://www.xtremediesel.com/mcgardta...LTQaAtml8P8HAQ

https://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Pilot...ve/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.

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Yes, thank you! I like that McGard lock.