abitoff59

What is everyone's opinion on installing an anti-theft device on the tailgate? The devices I've seen are simple designs and shouldn't get in the way of opening or closing the tailgate. Are the tailgates stolen often enough to make it worth the effort?

Thanks

2008__XL

Why not just lock your tailgate?

artsr2002

Porque no los dos?

1 Alibi 2

My tonneau cover provides a " little " extra security..
.

.

Flamingtaco

Locking alone doesn't stop anyone that wants your tailgate. The plastic latches covers use can be busted off with a $10 superbar, a few screws later you've got access to the lock mechnism, ten seconds later you've got a $1000 tailgate.

2008__XL

It’s just a deterrent. If someone wants something bad enough they’ll take it no matter what.

In the past, it’s always been unlocked tailgates that are stollen.

SSSam311

why wouldn't one just steal the whole vehicle???? Then you can get 10,000s of thousands of dollars worth of components...no??
Engine/trans = $4500+
Doors/interior panels = $1000
Dash $700
Seats $500
Glass $600
Axle = $500
Wheels $600
Cat(s) $1200
Bed/tailgate = $2500

Mikes1stF150

I have a locking tonneau cover on my 05 F150 which overlaps the top of the tailgate a little, & I keep the tailgate locked.

Flamingtaco

It's a bit more involved parting out a whole vehicle. A single person can easily sell off a part or two on craigslist by posting in nearby cities, but putting a whole bunch of parts from the same model year, same color, without an image of a busted *** vehicle to show you are parting out a wreck raises suspicions both with system moderators and with people browsing the ads.

To sell of parts of whole vehicles, you need someone connected to a network of people across the nation. Now you're involved in a criminal ring, which is often gang controlled. Occasional thieves don't want to involve themselves in such things, so they stick to crimes of opportunity and small potatoes.

That said, if you make your vehicle easy to steal, they may take it so they can pull a pricey part off in seclusion, although it's more likely the vehicle will be driven for fun for a week, then abandoned with a bunch of crunched panels.

Thieves may be dumb, but they know that stealing a tailgate does not earn them a grand theft auto charge when caught.

Scott91370

I put a worm style hose clamp on the passengers side. I turned it so it was pretty difficult to get tight. Cutting is always a possibility.
I know, if they want it they will get it but the more time it takes the quicker they will move on.