My 2013 is due to arrive in about a week and I'll be getting an ARE Z Series cap for the bed.

I want to add some more protection to the tailgate to make it more difficult to open and/or remove (since I'll have expensive equipment and tools in the back of the truck).

1) I've seen on the internet (I think here in this forum) that theives can use a screw driver to open the lock on the tailgate - is there a different kind of lock I can install that would be more secure and prevent that?

2) Has anyone used something like the Pilot Anti-Theft lock for the tailgate? Would it be worth getting? http://www.andysautosport.com/ford/2...o00001711.html

I know a thief can simply break the glass on the cap, but since that's never happened on any of the SUVs that I've owned, I think biggest the weak link after the glass is the tailgate - can anyone suggest other ways to make it more secure (without putting a deadbolt lock onto the exterior frame--I don't want to do that)?

I also want to find out how to extend the alarm that comes with the truck to cover the cap and the bed (and the tailgate). Has anyone done this and if so, how? I live in northeast PA, anyone recommend a good place for alarms for trucks?

Thanks in advance.

 

Jimmyjammer.com
I bought the tailgate lock and you never have to worry about it again.

 

I understand what your saying as far as wanting to secure your truck but no matter what you do if they are willing to damage your truck they will get in no matter what. I would just do the remote lock mod so your tailgate locks when you lock your truck. Also keep your items in the bed covered up, if they dont know exactly what they are risking less chance they will do it. I live in Phoenix so I'm always worried about someone breaking in and stealing my truck. So I have an after market shock sensor that ties into the factory system. Maybe you can get one of those to have it extend to the bed? I don't recall the name of it since my dealer added it.

 

In the past with trucks that have a cap or cover I just install a slideing dead bolt on the inside of the tailgate that when its extended the bolt extends in front of the side frame of the box so you have to open the cap door to slide the bolt open and it also has provision for a padlock. It aint pretty but its efective and cheap. As a side note I allso wrap a hose clamp around the pasenger side tailgate hinge it will realy slow someone down trying to steal your tail gate. this will not stop a determind thief but it will keep an honest man honest

 

Guys, thanks! Great advice. I know a determined thief will always get in, for them I have insurance. As a responsible person I feel I have an obligation to at least make it difficult for them, you know what I mean?

@FX4Black, just to confirm, the remote tailgate lock can be tied into the factory key fob or I have to carry a second keyfob? The dealer had no issue hooking up the shock sensor to the factory alarm? The dealer did both?

Again, thanks!

 

ARE sells a power lock for the glass, I have one on my Z series. It gets wired into your factory power locks, so it will lock and unlock just like any other door on the truck, and it still has the ARE key for manual operation.

and as suggested above you can also get an actuator to add a power lock feature to your tailgate. There are 2 popular ways to do this, buy a kit for about $100 like this: http://www.popandlock.net/Power_Tailgate_Lock
or buy a power lock actuator on ebay and build your own bracket for cheaper.
This will also lock/unlock your tailgate just like a truck door.

 

Like kjo43 said you can buy them from manufactures that make them but I've read they are plastic pieces and one good jerk of the handle would break it. There is a thread on here that has a DIY and what parts to get. You order it off eBay and it uses the factory locking mechanism. You run the wire from the tail gate and splice into your passanger door lock wires. The dealers out here put security systems in all their vehicles that sit on the lot. I'm told its an adjustable shock sensor and ties in with the factory security system. It works really good as I've tried it on their drivers and gets them every time. It turns on when you hit the lock button for your doors. I have to call the dealer later on so ill talk to the security guy and see if I can get the part #s.

 

My 2013 just came in today!! I am also going to purchase my second Z series ARE cap. Also purchase the pop and lock install it myself and have the ARE dealer tie it in with the cap lock when they install. Everything will then work off the factory key fob. I just don't have time to go the DIY mod.

 

I second the JimmiJammer (http://www.jimmijammer.com/)

 

Let's see some pics of your new ruby red plat!