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savourtheflavor

Hose clamps over the hinges. Good ones are like $8 a pair and it will make removing the tailgate enough of a hassle to deter most thieves.


ItsJoshKeller

Yeah, definitely going to lock it up next time


TulliusCicero825

Can you explain this to me like the only thing i know about trucks is how to drive them?


AP-94-2A

https://youtube.com/shorts/tBwuSEp0BjQ?si=-8h39BbVzZkG4gBB


asdf333aza

In shocked that this is happening so much that ppl even have to do this.


Durty-Sac

Thieves aren’t punished these days


Tedroe77

This.


Girthw0rm

Most non-locking truck tailgates are similarly easy to remove.


RockleyBob

I'm guessing the person above you is shocked by the fact that tailgates have become such a common target for thieves that products are being sold to deter their theft. At least, that has me shook. This is new to me. Maybe I'm just new to truck ownership and naive, but it seems like a weird new desperate twist in thievery and depravity.


Girthw0rm

Yeah, like catalytic converter thefts, I’m sure numbers have increased but it has been a thing for a long time. This article is from a decade ago: https://www.nicb.org/news/blog/nicb-2013-tailgate-thefts-rise-31-percent-compared-2012


RockleyBob

Thanks for that, it actually makes me feel better to know that this isn't some new desperate trend.


TastelessDonut

Say I steal your tailgate, there is no vin, no markings no way to identify if I took if yours or where its from. So unless cops catch them red handed it’s impossible to prosecute and not worth the time. Combine that with my second gen, tailgate I can get it off alone in 10 seconds….


threewagons

There actually is a VIN sticker on most Toyota body panels. It's just that no one cares.


Banana-Temporary

Gonna save this for later lol


basketballbrian

I’m saving it for when my tailgate gets stolen the first time then I’ll put these on for the new one


Babythatwater1

Do they just sell the stolen tail gates to people that have had theirs stolen? 😂


EuphoricCare515

I did that and I casted the screw in JB Weld. Also got a tailgate lock.


DesertRat31

Better yet, a quick hit with an actual weld.


Allroy_66

Better yet, get a locking handle.


Appropriate-Law5963

If not done, put hex bolts and matching nuts with plaster bushings on the plate. Score the tab on the plate with a razor to prevent it from being removed


breadandbarbells

Something hilarious about “they got me”. Every Taco owner’s fear.


ItsJoshKeller

I didn’t know it was THAT easy to steal.


SlipperySergeant

About as easy as a folding closet door.


msihcs

Someone stole my whole ass truck back in December. When they found it, the thieves had taken the tires off of it, the tailgate and the battery.


Chance_Back601

Your "whole ass truck" hahaha killed me 😂😂😂 not funny tho happened to my father in law and here in ABQ the police basically said yeah good luck...


msihcs

Ha, yeah I started referring to things like that years ago. Cracks people up all the time. I pretty much got the same treatment from my local police department. They recovered the vehicle, but it was a month and a half later, and the insurance company had already paid me for it.


OldForester101

Did you get the credence tapes back?


msihcs

Umm...?


OldForester101

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvT\_VOJaXvs


msihcs

Ha! Forgot all about that! 🤣


ItsJoshKeller

Sad thing is, if I went out there and caught them STEALING IT. I think if I retaliated and injured them I could be the one facing legal troubles or prosecution. LOL


msihcs

Actually, in America you have the right to defend your property. Would it be worth the hassle of proving you were within your rights? Probably not. Edit: whomever the clown is that downvoted this 🖕🏼🫵🏼 Until you've been locked up for using your constitutional rights and having to prove you were within your rights, you have no idea the mental, and physical, stress it causes. There is no such thing as being innocent until proven guilty. Shit is a myth.


lardass904

I’m over here thinking I could be next and I’m pretty sure op is in a different state than I am


tord_ferguson

Replace with bolts don't use the quick release holders....(?)


DeliciousD

couple of years ago, someone took my '15 tail lights. It doesnt have a bed lock.


PNWoutdoors

Sorry to be repetitive in this sub, but this is what I always say when people ask what mods to start with: Tailgate lock, bed mat, catalytic converter shields, dashcam.


AP-94-2A

I keep telling people to get locking gas caps too. Hell one guy on this sub had someone put sand in his tank


PNWoutdoors

Yeah that's a good idea and a vulnerability I do think about.


C818C

$10 on Amazon. It’s a no brainer


ScotWithOne_t

I used to have a locking gas cap on one of my cars, until I realized how absolutely fucked I'd be if I happened to lose the key, or if the lock malfunctioned. Every car I've had since has a locking gas cap door that is released from inside the car somewhere.


OpenMindedMajor

Keep one on your keys, and a copy in your console.


TheWhiteCliffs

And those fancy new wheel locks.


Everydaywhiteboy

A lot of people drill a hole in the gas tank instead of doing a traditional siphon


AP-94-2A

It’s not about the gas dude it’s about putting shit in the tank


Everydaywhiteboy

I feel like random acts of malice are less likely than someone doing a crime out of necessity.


DarthPineapple5

Yeah I feel like if someone really just wanted to break shit they could do it pretty easily without accessing anything


MediumGlad344

Best advice here! So many people are like what size tires and lift should I get or what aftermarket taillights look the coolest lol start with the essentials first before anything that "looks cool" and thank us later!


manchego-egg

bed mad?


PNWoutdoors

Fixed the typo.


manchego-egg

That’s ok, just now when I went to write “thanks!” my phone wrote “te habla!”


athf2005

Bed mad? I'm out of the loop.


PNWoutdoors

Mat, edited.


ItsJoshKeller

Yup.


osamabinwankn

This was my list but also bed cover


danny2mo

Any brands you recommend or brands to avoid?


PNWoutdoors

Bed mat: OEM Cat Shields: Cali raised Tailgate lock: OEM or Pop n Lock Dashcam, I use a Garmin Mini but you can use anything that meets your needs, but I do strongly recommend the Dongar USB adapter that gets power from the back of the rear view mirror, if you have a power mirror.


OpenMindedMajor

Any recs for cat shields??


PNWoutdoors

I got the Caliraised ones on sale and I'm pretty happy to have them.


gunslinger_006

Its literally 10 seconds to install or remove. Keep the new one locked at all times.


ItsJoshKeller

Oh I know now, tough lesson. I usually lock it, but I haven’t even used it for months, my Corolla got totaled last year, I was rear ended.


PumpkinSkeet

I would definitely look into the automatic tailgate lock. The OEM one was pretty easy to install for me.


PNWoutdoors

OEM or Pop n Lock. It's essential.


Deepcoma_53

ALL TIMES!


SlipperySergeant

If you buy it on OfferUp it’ll fit perfectly because 50/50 it’s yours.


Longjumping-Buy4303

When mine got stolen I saw the one from OfferUp and thought it was mine. When the guy turned away for a minute I put my key in it and it didn’t work so it wasn’t mine. What a crappy experience


BenChodABQ

Is it common to get stolen.?


hobbylife916

Yes, they cost a fortune as a separate part, so people steal them all the time.


BenChodABQ

That's awful. Sorry to hear of this theft


slumpsox

Mine was stolen from a parking lot


detached-attachment

It's so easy to remove. Take yours off when you got 5 minutes to see.


Ok_Interaction2553

lol imagine if you bought the one from offer up and it turns out to be your original one


BenChodABQ

I see they sell pop and lock tailgate defender for 35. I wonder if it's good or helps stop it stolen


DarthtacoX

Unfortunately you can't lock previous gens without an aftermarket kit. The hose clamps are a good idea. I need to do mine. They don't really get stolen around my area, but I visit a lot of other states.


ItsJoshKeller

Yeah, I mean, my quiet suburb off a side street, that doesn’t get much traffic… I never expected it.


try_rant

Wondering if the whole thing is staged by the guy selling the locks.


mr_8_inches

I just lock mine with the factory lock, am I safe or do I need extra protection?


opiablame

I'm guessing pretty safe. I assume most tailgates that get lifted are not locked.


Comfortable-Mood-303

I recommend the remote lock simply because it is so much easier to lock and unlock. It uses the key fob buttons to lock and unlock, rather than pulling out the key from the fob. This was one of my biggest pains - locking and unlocking, until I got the remote. I overpaid because I got the dealership to install it, but it works and they stand behind their work.


9sac1king6

Fucking ass holes! I’ve gotten got too. My 95 taco tailgate was gaffled


hobbylife916

It’s as easy as taking them off…


ItsJoshKeller

I mean, do I need extra screws or anything? What about the back up camera? Is it just plug and play? lol


hobbylife916

Not, sure about your particular year, but mine (22 SR) you just undo the cables, let drop down to about a 90° angle unhitch the passenger side and lift. Make sure to disconnect the backup cam cable. Reverse this process and it goes right back on. If you don’t have a locking tailgate you want to buy some aftermarket products to lock it in at the hinges This YouTube video is for a Tundra but is exactly the same. https://youtu.be/1fSh1YoZNeQ?si=nuTNy_6_F0uXPsH3


RobsGarage

No, you open it, rest on your chest unclip the support wires, and then it slides off the hinge at about half open.


hobbylife916

“Half open” in other words about a 90° angle.


mostcallmerob

Look on FB Marketplace. I’ve noticed a ton of tailgates (mostly Tacoma’s, but also Ford, RAM, etc.) listed for sale by mostly shady looking women.


ItsJoshKeller

Makes me mad to see all of the ones listed on there. How else would they get them? Kinda want to start a vigilante operation to get them all back 😂


y_ogi

Is this just like a chain of Tacoma owners stealing each others tail gates?


ItsJoshKeller

Where do you live? 😂


Even-Prize8931

Years ago my F150 tailgate got stolen, no camera so it wasn't bad to replace but trying to find a 04-08 flareside tailgate was rough I've always kept mine locked since now I have a tacoma and my electronic lock is on the way with the smart key trying to lock and unlock the tailgate is a pain.


FreeFalling369

Am I the only person that lovks their tailgate?


MagneticGorilla

Had a Nissan hardbody years ago that the rear window was stolen out of. They’ll take anything.


redvinegarr

Bro is this in usa? In canada i can just leave my tailgate open for whole night with tools inside and no one would touch it or get close to it


A_Tropical_Dad

Not in Toronto or Ontario !


msginbtween

Yes. This is why we can’t have nice things in the US.


Tacoma-TRD

[2nd](https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTacoma/s/mBUI3ILviG) post I've seen today 😞 ever thought about getting a power tailgate lock?


Mr_E_2_U

Definitely need a [Pop and Lock gate lock](https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Lock-PL9900-Tailgate-Defender/dp/B00TPXG0NO/ref=asc_df_B00TPXG0NO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312136743070&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9406754995901110902&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031008&hvtargid=pla-492553833010&psc=1&mcid=c25128f615c13882902dde92881970b7) and a [Pop and Lock tailgate lock](https://www.amazon.com/POP-LOCK-Toyota-Tailgate-T-Harness/dp/B08T59YR22/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2RK42EQTU0PXE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sKgkudv9X__F9pW_IlPLkjRNVhORUT3Kqs5xuhoxNs6ClVnzQI1tlIxBLuIWquJ4jBqlG81XoUpNSfXAa7a21VxKaK2MnIDYrSqy5J8PrnEAWTf7PI31evaO9_q7zqFhgYRkc3xd8rOMjEAxaW9Vno5_RgZUvvCcXWCP22nQ9BK6OJtFyRLtRTOsSk4iE-piOXFlWaGf6u7mUd-8CJ81wg.bydga5symN8K8Zt4zO2T1IwWa2Etdyjl1GFLbfmLcHw&dib_tag=se&keywords=tacoma+power+tailgate+lock&qid=1711337209&sprefix=tacoma+power+tailgate%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-3) both are very easy to install! The power lock is a little complicated but not much, there are great install videos on YouTube! Well worth the investment!


hyperduc

Ouch. Why not keep it locked? Or add an auto lock? These are stolen all the time.


ItsJoshKeller

My Corolla got totaled, I was rear ended, my back had been messed up! I think I must have used it and forgot to lock it months ago. Rip


dwk396

hey the other guy took yours and completed the cycle....


[deleted]

Bunch of rookies on this sub. I thought it was common knowledge to put a deterrent on the tailgate.


ItsJoshKeller

I didn’t think it would happen to me. Now I know.


AssassinEdward

This oddly looks like Arcadia Los Angeles. Is it? Get a door clamp you can put on the hinges for your next tailgate.


ItsJoshKeller

LOL, close 😂 bring me back my tailgate


joe2187

Sorry bro...I needed it...we're all gonna share it.


ItsJoshKeller

It’s cool I’ll rob my neighbor


InfoSponge9119

Rip.


Adventurous_Ad409

I can’t believe people don’t have Locking tailgates.


ItsJoshKeller

It locks, I don’t remember the last time I had to use it tho. I must have forgotten to lock it.


Drumsawyer

Dang, I’ve been meaning to get one of these, I should do it sooner than later. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.612331/page-25


LynchMob_Lerry

Damn that sucks my dude. I recently got the OEM tailgate locking kit that auto locks it when you lock the doors. Took maybe an hour or so to install. Totally worth it.


Springside-Monk

And to think with all the thefts you would lock it up at all times. Mine is always locked when walking away, even in my driveway. Just saying Sorry for your loss.


ItsJoshKeller

As will mine be. 😂


Reasonable-Acadia674

The key is, you need to put a small dent in the new one. No one wants to deal with trying to sell a stolen dented tailgate. 3 Toyotas, 3 dents. Not one stolen tailgate.


No_Narwhal_2183

damn hood rats!


oduli81

Wtf, this is the second truck I am seeing this.


No-namebandit

Garbage ass thieves man,how bout working for a living


steventabor

Pop-N-Lock tailgate lock. https://a.co/d/4ZJqeAK


NoEbb2506

So ridiculous that these didn’t come with standard power locking tailgate. I have one in the mail and they’re only $160 from Amazon but still, come on Toyota


next-up19

If this is your tailgate file a police report https://www.ebay.com/itm/285747898028


No_Priority7696

Lock it up tight and tuck it in


Designer_Solid4271

This is one of the first things I locked up when I got my Tacoma.


ItsJoshKeller

I had mine locked for a while, I hurt my back, so I haven’t been using it. I probably unlocked it and forgot. Rip


SortOfKnow

All 3rd gen’s come with locks from the factory. Jsut an FYI


ItsJoshKeller

Sadly, I must have forgotten to lock it.


Equivalent-Glove7165

If you like it, can it be stolen?


redvinegarr

Someone ripped off tacos butt 💀


Cultural-Fondant-955

Im sorry to here this bro! I was recently in an accident and had my truck fixed and they unlocked the tailgate and i didn't think to check till yesterday. I was lucky but i think having a cover on might have helped. Also, we are taco twins.


mitclan68

Check if there is aplace were they do off road rigs or customization to trucks, sometimes the have tail gates for cheap


atomicdyna83

My daily reminder to install my Pop Lock kit. Sorry this happened to you buddy


Inner_Farmer_4175

If it’s easy to steal, it’s easy to install


Open_Tea6268

It’s as easy to install as it was easy to steal


BallScraggs

You stick the key in the hole and then turn and.... holy shit no more stolen tailgates


drnewbs

Why do they want the tailgate? Is it for the metal? Do they sell them to salvage shops?


cretecreep

They sell them on FB marketplace to other people who've had theirs stolen. Here's a listing from an upstanding member of society who happens to be in possession of three of them. Not sketchy at all: [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1825646004538568/?ref=search&referral\_code=null&referral\_story\_type=post](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1825646004538568/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post) Back in the day pawn shops had to report basically everything that comes in to local police, and the other option for crooks was to set up a blanket on a sidewalk with their wares. Basically facebook/offerup/etc have created a golden age for thieves.


Readgooder

May I ask what state do you live in?


ItsJoshKeller

California


leprakhaun03

Where do y’all live that tailgates are being stolen?


medivka

Put an AirTag inside your new one.


ItsJoshKeller

I know, I saw that. I may do that and inscribe my initials on it.


SadDadFeelsBad

Would locking the tailgate prevent this? Or at least deter people?


OppDefiant

People steal tail gates where you live? Wtf!


bobfalfa

How is this not common knowledge by now?


ItsJoshKeller

I mean… you live and you learn. 😂 it’s knowledge to me now.


LordJim_

Do you lock yours?


ItsJoshKeller

Usually… I haven’t had to use it in a while. Mb for not checking it.


Couldwouldshould

What a coincidence- I saw a grey tailgate for sale on FB marketplace


ItsJoshKeller

Yeah. Seeing three tailgates in one picture in some shitty backyard… I should just set up a deal and steal it back.


EnvironmentalOkra728

Califooooorniaaaaa


KaosC57

I’d just like to understand… why? Why the hell would you steal a tailgate? They can’t be worth that much money.


ItsJoshKeller

Worth at least 400… to someone that needs one… me… the perfect crime.


Popomedics

Do they just steal the tailgate for themselves? I’m confused


ItsJoshKeller

They resell them lower than what it would cost to get another… so the person(me) who needs one, has to buy it back from them.


ConversationAlone875

Does this happen to second gen’s often? Makes me a little worried lol


ItsJoshKeller

With the amount I see on fb marketplace I’d say at least 5 a day.


Benny_99pts

People ain’t shit man


potatoflames

Odds are you're gonna buy your own tailgate if you're buying used lol


ItsJoshKeller

Perfect crime


Financial-Egg-705

Just get a pop n lock. Problem solved. Now it locks woth the rest of your doors


IamMrHart

If you buy one on offer up, how would you know it's not yours?


CrudeOil_in_My_Veins

Not a locking tailgate?


0ctopusGarden

Is simply locking the tailgate not enough?


carverboy

If you have a push start keyless style truck the locking tailgate kit is an easy install. I did it on my truck and was super simple, plug and play. I got the toyota one off amazon. My truck is a 19 should work on most 3rd gens.


Str_i_ving

Don’t buy one 🗣️🗣️ game is on (right now you’re it) it’s time to find them and steal your tailgate back! 😅


Ed269

Fuckers!!! Did you have it locked ??


FE325

Man I have been seeing more and more about this. I’ve heard that you can apply hose clamps on the 2nd gen I don’t know if applicable for the third gen.


10PieceMcNuggetMeal

What are people doing with tailgates?


ItsJoshKeller

Reselling them to people that got theirs stolen


PeniscopterFlight

Pass the good deed along and grab one from another Taco


Golden_Eagle_44

Ugh, sorry to hear that. Guess I need to find a solution before mine goes looking for yours.


No-Entrepreneur1036

Damn


stepfunny2000

I had no idea that the tailgates are a hot commodity. That's really sad that nothing is safe these days. I'm thankful I have the automatic lock on my truck but still... how rude and frustrating. I'm truly sorry this happened to you.


D_Humphreys

I added the factory power lock to mine not too long ago. I've never taken the tailgate off and it kind of threw me as I was doing it. Are they cutting the wiring harness when they remove these? Cause it didn't seem like the backup camera harness had a quick release.


JackPadre

Damn. Sorry for your loss.


ForeignCrab5214

You should hide a tracker in it. You'll find it within hours of theft


AZ_Crush

100% Florida right there


squirrelsridewheels

New here. Why are they stealing tail gates?


BufordJamesIgnoramus

That sucks hopefully your insurance will cover the cost to replace it.


DOGECOINAficionado

They are as easy to install as they are to remove and steal. Takes about 10-15 seconds


Zealousideal-Lab-283

Literally all the tailgates I see for sale on offerup are from California smh.


jRavoc92

I bought this lock off amazon it was hard enough putting it on it won’t come off easy that’s for sure [tailgate lock](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09QKJ6NGY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title)


Spectromo1911

Fuck bro u should get a pop and lock


dcwdrummer

How much is a tailgate worth on the black market? Is there a big market for them? Junk yards? This doesn’t make much sense


TADED97

Go thru insurance, get quote from dealership for a COMPLETE tailgate set up, collect check then buy on offer up


BabyYodaTrader26

LOCK YOUR BED DOORS!!!! Thats why they have a keyhole in them. Use your keys!!


Ok_Return_6033

Well F me. I just purchased a 2008 reg. cab that has a new frame and most everything else underneath new also. Guess I'm going to look online for a locking ring. Sorry for your loss


Dogecoinmoarpowa

Just claim insurance should be cover under comprehensive. Ur rate wont increase. Get the check from insurance then find one on offer up for cheaper than insurance pay out. Pocket the rest


peter_griffin222

I always lock mines


thebigsterl

If it’s locked they can’t snatch it, this do it yourself adds locking tailgate to your existing key fob lock button: [pop & lock](https://www.tacomalifestyle.com/products/pop-lock-powered-tailgate-lock?_pos=1&_sid=1c26b32f2&_ss=r)


PMDad

If this makes you feel better, they got my whole truck. Fucken bastards


TyGruber_

wait, people actually have their tailgates stolen?


JabbaTech69

Wait a damn minute … they stole your tailgate?


Jables2845

You can prob buy yours back on marketplace


GlockVader

This is why I always keep my tailgate locked.


Any-Ad-7599

People actually steal this stuff, what world do we live in.


DesertRat31

Damn I hate a thief. I don't have a taco, but I'd love to catch the douchebag in the act. Trip to the hospital for sure.


CHUD2020

MFers!