tailgate theives?

[canadian booster]

i just bought a new chevy silverado and so far i've had a couple people mention to me about theives who target tailgates and apparently steal them off the back of your truck at night or when you're at work.

say what?

i didn't realize they were that easy to rip off of a truck, is there any way of preventing such theft of my new truck? the tailgate handle doesn't have a lock on it, maybe i need to find a handle with a lock and buy the tunneau cover sooner than later?

[ExtraSlow]

Tailgates are big business. Probably the most commonly stolen item. Ask your dealer what a new one costs and you'll know why.

Also check kijiji for "used" ones.

Best security for it is to take a sledgehammer and dent the crap out of it.

[ZMan2k2]

The cheapest method of preventing theft, is to put a worm-drive hose clamp around the tailgate hinge. If you want to be really creative, round off the edges, or file down the screwdriver end after. Then you can be sure there's no way your tailgate goes missing.

Another option is the Pop-n-lock add-on. You basically replace the factory handle with one with a key and lock. Again, once locked, the tailgate goes nowhere.

[benyl]

I always lock mine.

With the reverse camera, the step and the handle, I think my tailgate would cost over $1,500 to replace.

[canadian booster]

i just called the parts guy, i work at a dealership ;) he said he can get me a lock handle today for $43 and takes 5 mins to install. i'd say it's worth the $40 by the sounds of things, going to put that on today during lunch break

[ercchry]

http://www.mcgard.com/automotive-2/tailgate-lock

[CanmoreOrLess]

Real easy to steal, takes less than 30 seconds. My coworker had his tailgate stolen in Banff National Park, he was off hiking, the thieves watched him leave the parking lot and ten minutes later took the tailgate. He ordered three of these products (fits all truck brands) for tail lights, licence plate and tailgate from the Edmonton distributor:

http://www.jimmijammer.com/index.html

Freedom Ford Sales
7505 75 Street
Edmonton, AB
Phone 780-465-6141
Contact: Karl Kibler, Performance Specialist

[Thaco]

Originally posted by canadian booster
i just called the parts guy, i work at a dealership ;) he said he can get me a lock handle today for $43 and takes 5 mins to install. i'd say it's worth the $40 by the sounds of things, going to put that on today during lunch break also good insurance for your tail lights.

[Thaco]

i don't get why manufacturers don't just include the tailgate in to the power locks system... oh i know why, because they make money off thieves.

[FraserB]

Originally posted by Thaco
i don't get why manufacturers don't just include the tailgate in to the power locks system... oh i know why, because they make money off thieves.

It's pretty easy to do with the aftermarket stuff, I'm debating doing it. But $45 for a lock seems a bit nicer.

canadianbooster: Can you post up a part number (2008 Sierra QCSB)

[spikerS]

Originally posted by Thaco
i don't get why manufacturers don't just include the tailgate in to the power locks system... oh i know why, because they make money off thieves.

My f-150 has it stock...

[benyl]

is it powered on the new F150s??

I have to use my key.

[spikerS]

mine isnt powered, but i think they can be on higher trim levels.

[Type_S1]

People will do anything to make a buck hey.

Def. get a locking tailgate, no problems anymore.

[danno]

My 2012 ram has a non powered lock. I put the baby stroller back there and I have a rear camera so I wanted to make sure it locks with out the key. I ordered the mopar power locking kit for $180 and installed it around Christmas. Took about 3 hrs to do. But it's not its not plug and play you have to cut into some wires.

[Masked Bandit]

I think the new GM's come with the power locking tailgates on the higher trim levels. I think it was starting somewhere around 2009 or 2010 with the Avalanches for sure.

[Supa Dexta]

Yeah some gates are like 2 grand. I always keep mine locked, but really the chincy 43 dollar lock only slows them down.. Tonneaus as well, Ive seen some just get slashed to see whats under them, and one guy I knew had his stolen right off the truck, rails and all.

[OzzyOzzman]

Originally posted by benyl
is it powered on the new F150s??

I have to use my key.

Same here, I have a 2010

[HuMz]

Weird I always assumed all tailgates came with locks from the factory.

[96GrandAMGT]

iv got a 2009 f150 lariat with tailgate step and back up camera and was told $4000 roughly to replace..... i keep it locked at all times

[spikerS]

Originally posted by Supa Dexta
Yeah some gates are like 2 grand. I always keep mine locked, but really the chincy 43 dollar lock only slows them down.. Tonneaus as well, Ive seen some just get slashed to see whats under them, and one guy I knew had his stolen right off the truck, rails and all.

yeah, fabric tonneaus are a waste of time if you are looking for any type of security. anyone with a knife or screw driver is just going to slash a hole in it to see if there is anything worthwhile under it.

Get one of the aluminium tri fold ones. Still not 100% safe, but it would take a lot more to get into it. and it is better protection for your tailgate, but only if it is locked....

[heavyfuel]

Maybe if wreckers and dealerships weren't thieves themselves, this wouldn't happen as much. There is no reason for a tailgate to cost 1000's of dollars, and even less for a wrecker to sell one for $900, off of a truck they probably paid less than $500 for.

[SkiBum5.0]

I believe the only trucks with the integrated power locks are the Chevy's. Avalanches must have them because of the access from the bed into the cab. Drove a 2500 denali that had power locking tailgate too. Great feature which I wish my truck had.

[bspot]

My father in law had the tailgate stolen off of his newly acquired F-350.

He bought a used one for $900, sent it to a body shop to have it painted, and then the entire truck was stolen.

Poor guy.

Looks like F-350s of various years make up 4 out of the top 10 most stolen vehicles...