Stolen Tailgates

[MargaritavilleNH]

I read an article last week stating that there have been a lot of stolen 24-25 Tacoma tailgates. Isn't it locked in position when you lock the truck? Doesn't it have to be lowered to remove it?

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[RokeHi]

They can still smash your window, unlock your truck, then steal it. I think I'm getting a lock. Cheaper than a new tailgate - then painted - then programed.

 

[EastonTaco]

They can still smash your window, unlock your truck, then steal it. I think I'm getting a lock. Cheaper than a new tailgate - then painted - then programed.

The lock is definitely worth the few extra dollars, just hide the key somewhere in the truck so you always have it with you. I have had tailgate locks for years on my trucks and quite frankly I have never found a need to remove my tailgate so the extra hassle of a lock vs the additional security is well worth it.

 

[OrienteeringMapGuy]

The lock is definitely worth the few extra dollars, just hide the key somewhere in the truck so you always have it with you. I have had tailgate locks for years on my trucks and quite frankly I have never found a need to remove my tailgate so the extra hassle of a lock vs the additional security is well worth it.

Are these locks commercially available? Do they require drilling to install?

 

[MargaritavilleNH]

No drilling, look up tacoma tailgate locks on Amazon. McGard makes one, less than $30

 

[StreeTaco]

I read an article last week stating that there have been a lot of stolen 24-25 Tacoma tailgates. Isn't it locked in position when you lock the truck? Doesn't it have to be lowered to remove it?

Please post a link or copy of the article. Thx

 

[EastonTaco]

Are these locks commercially available? Do they require drilling to install?

I have a McGard and it is an easy install, no drilling, and works perfectly.

https://mcgard.com/automotive/tailgate-lock/

 

[B-52 Gunner]

My thoughts are: The 24 & 25 tailgates are aluminum and have scrape value.

 

[TacoFreak]

I don't think the 4th gens have aluminum tailgates. People have been stealing tailgates since trucks were invented, so it is not just a 4th gen thing. They are usually stolen to replace a damaged tailgate, which can happen pretty easily.

I find that just locking the tailgate keeps me safe, but if you often leave it parked in a sketchy area one of the locks could be useful. Of course all manner of other things might be gone assuming they are willing to break into the cab, but at least you would still have a tailgate

 

[soupy1234]

I have a McGard and it is an easy install, no drilling, and works perfectly.

https://mcgard.com/automotive/tailgate-lock/

You've actually put this on a 2024?
The site only shows 2012 for Tacomas.

 

[SP4RUNNER]

I read an article last week stating that there have been a lot of stolen 24-25 Tacoma tailgates. Isn't it locked in position when you lock the truck? Doesn't it have to be lowered to remove it?

I was thinking the same exact thing. If I lock my truck and walk away , no one would be able to open the truck bed its locked. Am I missing something here? I literally just tried it ......cannot open with out being unlocked

 

[Sagebrush]

I read an article last week stating that there have been a lot of stolen 24-25 Tacoma tailgates.

Got a link?

I suspect it's a clickbait article. How would any "journalist" know about a stolen 2025 tailgate?

And I would think a tailgate theft story would have shown up here or on the other forums or on the Facebook groups. And I don't believe any have.

 

[EastonTaco]

You've actually put this on a 2024?
The site only shows 2012 for Tacomas.

Yes it’s on my 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport right now. I can send you a picture on Monday afternoon, we are away for the weekend.

 

[EastonTaco]

I was thinking the same exact thing. If I lock my truck and walk away , no one would be able to open the truck bed its locked. Am I missing something here? I literally just tried it ......cannot open with out being unlocked

When I purchased my Gen 3 in 2021 my tailgate lock did not work with my truck key. The dealer told me that two weeks prior all there Tacoma tailgates were stolen and some did not get rekeyed yet. He also told me that on trucks with an electronic tailgate lock, the thieves smashed a window and just unlocked it from inside. They fixed my key and agreed to install the electric lock for no labor charge if I purchased the part. They also installed a McGard lock for me. When I picked up my 2024 TRD Sport in October it already had the McGard lock installed. The dealer said it’s the first thing they add to trucks on the day they arrive on the lot.

 

[soupy1234]

Yes it’s on my 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport right now. I can send you a picture on Monday afternoon, we are away for the weekend.

No need for a pic. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't misunderstanding something.

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