It seems that every so often, a bunch of tailgate thefts happen in a short interval. An acquaintance I know from a local watering hole was griping about how he now has to pay a good chunk of change for the tailgate... and have his vehicle repainted so everything matches.I personally never lock the tailgate handle. It just means the lock tumblers in the handle eat the business end of a screwdriver. Instead, something like this, this, this, or even using a hose clamp (the McGard offering is pretty much a hose clamp with a funky bit surrounded by plastic to keep from scratching) will ensure that your day doesn't get ruined.Of course, this hit home a few days ago when the tailgate on my truck which is normally up was in the down position when I got back to it (but it was still there). Were it not for the hinge lock, I'd probably be looking at spending $300 for a black el cheapo louvered tailgate, and be cursing that the backup camera is gone as well.

It's not just truck tailgates, a fellow snowmobiler had his aluminum ramp/tailgate stolen last week. Thieves like aluminum for it's scrap value.

I don't know how other trucks work, but Ford tailgates can easily be lifted off when you open them a few inches. A solution that I use, while not foolproof, will discourage a thief to where hopefully he will decide to move on to greener pastures.Get a radiator hose clamp that uses a screwdriver or socket to tighten and is large enough to go around the metal tube on the passenger side that attaches the tailgate to the truck. Put the clamp around the tube and tighten it. The slot that allows the tailgate to be removed is now covered thus preventing quick and easy theft.

Apart from my tailgate and tonneau cover locking, I have a hinge lock so it can't be removed when it's open. If someone really wants it I guess they could somehow get it off but it sure is a deterrent.http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/MCG76029.htm

What do they do with something like this after they steal it ??? If we want to stop this sort of thing we have to find a way to make it harder for them to sell it. Does no good to steal it if they don't have a outlet. The people that buy them from the thieves should get a long time is jail.

ralphnjoann wrote:I don't know how other trucks work, but Ford tailgates can easily be lifted off when you open them a few inches. A solution that I use, while not foolproof, will discourage a thief to where hopefully he will decide to move on to greener pastures.Get a radiator hose clamp that uses a screwdriver or socket to tighten and is large enough to go around the metal tube on the passenger side that attaches the tailgate to the truck. Put the clamp around the tube and tighten it. The slot that allows the tailgate to be removed is now covered thus preventing quick and easy theft.Great idea.....and cheap!!I had a stainless hose clamp laying around and now it lives on that doodad tight and secure.And the rotten thief will now need to be packing a 5/16th socket to get it off.

Careful all... tailgate thieves are out and about

Eric_Lisa
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2017
allen8106 wrote:
Wow....I didn't know tailgate theft was a thing.

Learned something today.

Yeah, I never heard about it before now either. My tailgate is always right where I left it when I get home and off-load the truck camper. Must be one of those weird towed or 5th-wheel issues.

:B :B :B
allen8106
Explorer
Feb 24, 2017
Wow....I didn't know tailgate theft was a thing.

Learned something today.
ralphnjoann
Explorer
Feb 24, 2017
I had to replace my tailgate when it was damaged. I got a used one off of eBay, took it to MAACO with my paint code, and the problem was solved.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Feb 24, 2017
ctilsie242 wrote:
It seems that every so often, a bunch of tailgate thefts happen in a short interval. An acquaintance I know from a local watering hole was griping about how he now has to pay a good chunk of change for the tailgate... and have his vehicle repainted so everything matches.

I'm sorry for this to have happened to anyone, but wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) to just paint the replacement tailgate to match the truck? :H
Whiskey_River
Explorer
Feb 23, 2017
Thanks ctilsie242 for stopping at your local watering hole & sharing your friends unfortunate tail gate loss. I did know about tail gate theft some years ago but had forgot about it. Just finished putting a hose clamp on the gate & backed it up with a cable tie.
If someone wants it they will get it, but this will slow them down. Taking a tail gate off is about as easy as opening one of the doors.
RPreeb
Explorer
Feb 23, 2017
MikeInOregon wrote:
I had never heard of tailgate theft. On my 2015 F150 the tailgate automatically locks when the passenger doors are locked. It's sad that even a tailgate must be locked to prevent theft.

I've certainly heard of it, and I suppose that it's even more vulnerable with the attraction of back up cameras in them now. My F-150 locks when I lock the other doors, so I'm probably pretty safe unless they break into the truck. I'm lucky enough to live in a small town in a very rural area, so the chances of anyone messing with it are slim. It also lives in the garage, so that's another level of protection.

That all goes away when I spend a night or 2 in Denver where I feel almost like my pretty truck has a target on it, but life's too short to spend time worrying about it. I keep my insurance paid up, and cross my fingers that nobody picks my F-150 over the 1000's that are available. I try to park in well lighted areas that are undesirable for thieves, and I always lock up.
Tvov
Explorer II
Feb 23, 2017
MikeInOregon wrote:
I had never heard of tailgate theft. On my 2015 F150 the tailgate automatically locks when the passenger doors are locked. It's sad that even a tailgate must be locked to prevent theft.

That's different! I didn't know they had power tailgate locks now.

Back in 2005 when I bought a used 2000 F250... everything went fine, test drove it, loved the 7.3 diesel. Went home, planning on picking it up the next day. Arrive at dealership, truck is missing its' tailgate. Took dealership a week to get a new one - and this is part of large dealership chain.

When we travel, I lock the cap (camper cap depending on where you are from), which prevents the tailgate from opening.
ralphnjoann
Explorer
Feb 23, 2017
Then don't use JB Weld.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Feb 23, 2017
Horizon170 wrote:
ralphnjoann wrote:
I don't know how other trucks work, but Ford tailgates can easily be lifted off when you open them a few inches. A solution that I use, while not foolproof, will discourage a thief to where hopefully he will decide to move on to greener pastures.

Get a radiator hose clamp that uses a screwdriver or socket to tighten and is large enough to go around the metal tube on the passenger side that attaches the tailgate to the truck. Put the clamp around the tube and tighten it. The slot that allows the tailgate to be removed is now covered thus preventing quick and easy theft.

I have been doing this since I first bought my new '96 p'up. When ya finish with the clamp put quick dry JB Weld over the screw. Even I cant get it off without a hammer ans chisel.

I like the clamp idea but, sometimes I want to take the tailgate off.
Horizon170
Explorer
Feb 22, 2017
ralphnjoann wrote:
I don't know how other trucks work, but Ford tailgates can easily be lifted off when you open them a few inches. A solution that I use, while not foolproof, will discourage a thief to where hopefully he will decide to move on to greener pastures.

Get a radiator hose clamp that uses a screwdriver or socket to tighten and is large enough to go around the metal tube on the passenger side that attaches the tailgate to the truck. Put the clamp around the tube and tighten it. The slot that allows the tailgate to be removed is now covered thus preventing quick and easy theft.

I have been doing this since I first bought my new '96 p'up. When ya finish with the clamp put quick dry JB Weld over the screw. Even I cant get it off without a hammer ans chisel.

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