I always used a simple, 50 cent hose clamp right where that Tuffy $25 piece goes. It doesn't make the tailgate as secure as a locking unit but does ensure someone can't just lift the tailgate right off. At least they need a few minutes with a tool to get it off which in most cases woukd have a would be thief move on to a truck where they can simply lift the tailgate off and be on their way...

 

Hammer, that's a great suggestion, but I'm wondering how much force it would take to break a hose clamp. Some thieves carry a few tools to break or disable mechanical items. I agree that a hose clamp is a deterrent to the average tweaker it may be prudent to have something more effective in place. I'm thinking the Tuffy Lock secured with thread locker would be perfect as it would require heat and time to break it.