DISCLAIMER: If you're a thief...Don't read this post.

I'm always leery about making security posts public but hopefully the good guys will win this one. This DIY mod takes just 10 minutes and costs nothing.

First remove your tailgate...It's scary how easy & fast you can do it. As you know the right side has the open ended bracket...Remove the bracket using the appropriate tool (not mentioned for security reasons).

Next place the bracket in a vice...Heat the tabs and close the gap using a pair of pliers. If I have to warn you that it will burn the s**t out of you then stop now...You shouldn't be playing with fire.


That's it...Now clean it up and paint it.


The final step of course is placing the tailgate back on the truck. Keep in mind you have to install the modified bracket after the tailgate is into position. Use the tailgate cables to secure it just in case you lose your grip because of your burnt hand. Now for added protection you might consider using a specialty bolt/screw etc..

Yes it can still be stolen but the jerk will have to bring his big boy tools to do it.

BONUS...You can also install a tail gate lock. I found this one - Tailgatelock - but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I was hoping someone might know of a better deal...Thanks.

 

I put a hose clamp around my right side bracket. It's not as secure as your way, but it would slow a thief down enough that he'd probably look for an easier target. And I'm hoping nobody wants an orange tailgate, anyway.

 

Good post, thanks for the tips. I believe I heard on the news the other day that tail gate theft is on the rise here in Florida, probably the rest of the country too. The dirtbags don't care what color the tail gate is painted, they are not stealing them to sell as stolen parts, they are selling the tail gates to the scrap yards and metal recyclers.

A few years ago there were dirtbags around Tampa that were sliding up under trucks and SUV's that had a high enough ground clearance, they were using a cordless sawzall and cutting the exhaust pipes to steal the catalytic convertors off of trucks in parking lots and dealership lots. They were stealing the cats for the small content of precious metals inside. I guess even a small amount is still worth some money to a dirtbag thief or crack head. It's amazing what people will steal and how low they will go to get money for crack or whatever else..

Jimmy

 

That works.

My first thought was to use a solid piece of pipe attached similar to your hose clamp. When I saw that I had to cut off the flared openings for the pipe to fit...That's when the bending idea took over.

They're called cat burglars Jimmy.

 

I have honestly never even heard of this being a problem...weird stuff.

 

I forgot to mention, if you purchase an extra left hand side bracket (full circle) you can flip it over to the right side.