Pickup tailgate thefts?

[ColoradoTJ]

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]

Glad I saw this thread. I put a Gate Keeper on my truck today. Piece of cake, took less than 5 minutes.

[rondog]

Glad I saw this thread. I put a Gate Keeper on my truck today. Piece of cake, took less than 5 minutes.

Did you get that locally? Much nicer than a hose clamp!

[Fentonite]

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.

[brutal]

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.



Touch wood, it's never been messed with after 13 years sitting in the driveway.

[Jim B]

Glad I saw this thread. I put a Gate Keeper on my truck today. Piece of cake, took less than 5 minutes.

Looks like you should tack weld the bolt to the bracket.

[Fentonite]

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.

[Jim B]

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.

[Gman]

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.

[Jim B]

Versus having a wrench in the glove box so you can remove it anywhere...

Just like any semi-resourceful tailgate thief.