Tailgate theft an issue with current gen?

[SilasB]

Last pickup I drove was a mid-90s Chevy and had the tailgate stolen while in a taqueria parking lot. The joint was full of cops and competitive shooters to boot! Asked the dealer about tailgate theft with the 2021 Ram and he waved it off, saying with the locking tailgate it wasn't an issue. Call me skeptical. Punch the lock and then home free?

Nothing really popped up searching here. Either my search params are bad or it's not an issue. What say you?

 

[NorthStar]

Yes it can be an issue. The way to ensure it never happens is to install the following:

https://www.autozone.com/truck-bed-accessories/tailgate-lock/mcgard-tailgate-lock-76029/362614_0_0?cmpid=PLA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:PAC:71700000043798163&msclkid=e26ee7b442e7157b5db48784c52e7506&gclid=e26ee7b442e7157b5db48784c52e7506&gclsrc=3p.ds

 

[piening2150]

If your truck is locked, the tailgate won't open. There is no lock to punch, it's all electric and it's deactivated when the truck is locked.

I'm sure it could still be taken if someone was really determined, but it's about as secure as it can be.

Edit- the item above isn't a bad idea, but it's a glorified hose clamp with a funky keyed head. Better than nothing.

 

[Rexx]

I live in Canada but I have never heard of tailgate theft being a big issue.

Not to say it couldn’t happen but it’s not likely at all where I live.

 

[Fatherof3]

I live in Canada but I have never heard of tailgate theft being a big issue.

Not to say it couldn’t happen but it’s not likely at all where I live.

True , they might take the tailgate to use as a sled .

 

[NorthStar]

If your truck is locked, the tailgate won't open. There is no lock to punch, it's all electric and it's deactivated when the truck is locked.

I'm sure it could still be taken if someone was really determined, but it's about as secure as it can be.

Edit- the item above isn't a bad idea, but it's a glorified hose clamp with a funky keyed head. Better than nothing.

I’ve utilized both - Tail Gate Lock or a hose clamp with a chunk of rubber hose - through the years and they are simply utilized to slow down the theft. Nothing is fool proof including the electronic lock.

The electronic lock hasn't slowed down tailgate theft as it is still an issue in Texas. Just Google it and you’ll see it is all too common here.

As for the OP question concerning our DT Rams and theft of the tailgate, see the third linknbelow

Harris County man gets truck tailgate stolen for second time | abc13.com

With%20tailgate%20theft%20happening%20more%20than%20usual%2C%20here%20are%20some%20tips%20to%20help%20in%20protecting%20yours.

www.google.com

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=845339499170948

New Ram Tech Leads to Fewer Stolen Tailgates - DodgeForum.com

Ram truck tailgates are harder to steal thanks to power control, the backup camera and power locks, lowering the rate of tailgates being stolen around the US.

dodgeforum.com

 

[BigD]

In my 43 yrs on this planet, I've never heard of people stealing tailgates. I have heard of catalytic converter theft though.

 

[Borsig]

Jesus christ. People will steal anything. I've never even heard of this.

Too bad every state isn't like texas and allows you to shoot to protect property. Something something risk / reward

 

[NorthStar]

In my 43 yrs on this planet, I've never heard of people stealing tailgates. I have heard of catalytic converter theft though.

Agree 100%. Was surprised to learn it was actually something that was stolen until it happened to three of my neighbors down the street - all Fords. I can better understand ripping off four rims and tires (easy to sell) but a tailgate is about as useful as ripping off a side window.

 

[Neurobit]

In my 43 yrs on this planet, I've never heard of people stealing tailgates. I have heard of catalytic converter theft though.

You‘d be surprised what folks steal.
In Houston, tailgate thefts are rampant and have been for years.

 

[SpeedyV]

When I heard of people digging up others’ flowering plants in their front yards and stealing them, I thought, “Now I’ve heard everything.” As stated above, certain people will steal anything—and apparently have no respect whatsoever for fellow human beings.

 

[piening2150]

I’ve utilized both - Tail Gate Lock or a hose clamp with a chunk of rubber hose - through the years and they are simply utilized to slow down the theft. Nothing is fool proof including the electronic lock.

The electronic lock hasn't slowed down tailgate theft as it is still an issue in Texas. Just Google it and you’ll see it is all too common here.

As for the OP question concerning our DT Rams and theft of the tailgate, see the third linknbelow

Harris County man gets truck tailgate stolen for second time | abc13.com

With%20tailgate%20theft%20happening%20more%20than%20usual%2C%20here%20are%20some%20tips%20to%20help%20in%20protecting%20yours.

www.google.com

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=845339499170948

New Ram Tech Leads to Fewer Stolen Tailgates - DodgeForum.com

Ram truck tailgates are harder to steal thanks to power control, the backup camera and power locks, lowering the rate of tailgates being stolen around the US.

dodgeforum.com

Absolutely. You're right, any anti-theft measures will only slow them down a bit, hopefully enough for them to get caught or move on to a softer target. Nothing is ever 100% secure. As I said above, if they are determined, they will get it.

There is another thread on here about Faraday bags and such to eliminate the possibility of someone cloning/amplifying the FOB signal to get into and steal a car. My son uses one for his Charger because there are a lot of Charger/Challenger thefts around here. Several have been taken from his workplace. After watching some videos of thieves plugging a device into their OBD2 ports and driving away with the car we also relocated his OBD2 port and replaced it with a dummy plug. Will it guarantee his car will be safe? Not a chance, just slow them down. They could always scoop it up with a tow truck.

Tailgates, catalytic converters, wheels, yard plants, nothing is truly safe. I've even seen people steal aluminum siding and copper plumbing out of unoccupied houses!

 

[securityguy]

Yes it can be an issue. The way to ensure it never happens is to install the following:

https://www.autozone.com/truck-bed-...e26ee7b442e7157b5db48784c52e7506&gclsrc=3p.ds

How will this work on our trucks???

 

[NorthStar]

How will this work on our trucks???

I have it on both of our 2020 Ram 1500s...works great!

 

[Jeffjad]

If anyone needs a tailgate I have a few extras

 

[LaxDfns15]

How will this work on our trucks???

Looks like it covers the bracket where you'd slide one end of the tailgate out. Almost tempted to get this just to prevent myself from pulling the gate out when I close it. I've done it twice on this truck, and never before done it on any other truck.

 

[Trippi]

You‘d be surprised what folks steal.
In Houston, tailgate thefts are rampant and have been for years.

What are they doing with them? Assume selling...but how many could there be a market for? I have literally never heard of or considered this to be a thing.

 

[SD Rebel]

Tailgate theft is usually done in spur of the moment thing, especially with modern locking tailgates, it can't easily or quickly be done without the tailgate down, like someone who just off-loaded their truck and is away from it.

They can steal a tailgate in seconds if it's unlocked, taking away a piece of expensive body work with an often pricey rear camera. I do have a tailgate locking clamp in case I forget and leave it down for some reason, they are cheap, most people just use a hose clamp since thieves only have seconds and usually won't bother.

 

[NorthStar]

Looks like it covers the bracket where you'd slide one end of the tailgate out. Almost tempted to get this just to prevent myself from pulling the gate out when I close it. I've done it twice on this truck, and never before done it on any other truck.

Yes, they simply cover the open side of the tailgate. Like I said above, I’ve used both (hose clamp with a split piece of radiator hose or the McGard unit) and either will do the job. All you need is something to slow the dumb SOB down so he moves on to the Ford or Chevy down the street. I’m trying to find the YouTube video that shows a locked tailgate being stolen as they used a tool on both sides this able to lay it down and take it away.

I also have a Ring camera pointed right at the truck and it’s prevented snooping little *******s as they reached for my door handle. I live in an upper middle class neighborhood but we get visited by teens with nothing to do and groups intent on stealing rims/tires, tailgates or whatever is inside a locked vehicle.

So if everyone reading this could do me a favor... next time your teenage kid looks at you, please slap the **** out of him/her and let them know that is from anyone they are thinking about screwing with or jacking their stuff!! And yes, Grandpa is looking to pay his grandkids a visit right now!

 

[Buz]

For less than a buck get a hose clamp, tighten it over the right hand hinge. Then take a dremmel and grind the bolt on the clamp down far enough that neither a Phillips nor socket will work on it.
An opportunistic thief would need to cut off if with a power tool.