6/28/16

Own A Pickup? Watch Your Tailgate

 

If you own a pickup truck in Texas (and we know there are a lot of you), be sure to keep a close eye on your tailgate. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Texas is the riskiest state for thieves to steal your tailgate. But don't think if you live in another state you're safe; tailgate theft rates are climbing everywhere.

According to Cars.com and the NICB crime statistics the number of tailgate thefts likely is growing due to the extra technology truckmakers are packing into the drop-down (or swing-out) gate. Features such as cameras, hidden steps, exotic materials, and specialty locking mechanisms mean today's tailgates can cost as much as $1,500 to $2,000 to replace and that's making them a bigger target for theft.

Traditionally, taking a tailgate off a pickup bed has been as simple as unclipping the cables, unplugging a wire loom and pivoting the tailgate. Thankfully, many new-truck makers now are integrating an electronic tailgate locking system into the key fob so gear inside the bed -- or the tailgate itself - is more protected.

But if your truck isn't equipped with that kind of system, there are plenty of high- and low-dollar choices you can add to keep your tailgate more secure. Our advice is to play it safe and be prepared, especially if you don't want to have to purchase an expensive new tailgate for your unlucky pickup.

Image from YouTube.com

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