Tailgate gone

[mazboy]

Well, got back from a week in Mexico. Left F350 in a hotel--was a good deal to park--- came back and tailgate and camera gone.


Miami. What can I say.


I assume it'll cost about $2000 to replace it.


I guess F350s are popular...for its pieces.

[K0LCB]

Tailgates are too easy to remove unless modified. Easy cure is to place a small hose clamp around hinge.

[Eagleback]

You must have an older model F350 that the tail gate doesn't lock. that's too bad as there are lots of theft in south florida as we know it as they stole our golf cart.

[BB_TX]

After hearing about thefts of tailgates and trying mine, I couldn't believe how easy they are to remove. Lower about half way, lift right side out of hinge, and remove it. Just a few seconds. But a hose clamp placed placed around the right side hinge so it can't be removed without removing the hose clamp greatly improves the security. And if the clamp screw is turned in the most difficult position for access, even better. And a dab of epoxy or similar on the screw head helps even more.

[Dave W]

I don't knpw what year your tailgate is, but if it has a camera and a 'man' step. you and your insurance company will be looking at a bill somewhere north of $4000 by the tim its completely assembled and painted. Stolen tailgates, especially Ford SDs, seem to be epidemic. Take a look at your local salvage yards or ebay/craigslist (you might even find your original on those two sites). If you find one, it may end up lots less money if you have to dig into your wallet.for a replacement even if it has minor ding damage and needs correct paint.


I have a Master brand tailgate lock but prefer a worm drive hose clamp as it is stronger and a thief is less likely to waste time using a screw driver if it's dark.


Good luck!

[WeBeFulltime]

I would take this opportunity to install a "V" tailgate in place of original. Really like having mine.

[mlh]

Will your insurance company replace it?
Lynwood

[BuilderBob]

It happen all the time! I like the newer trucks with a lock.

[daveinaz]

Sorry to hear about that! I guess I'll have to do something to modify my tailgate so it's not so easily removed.

[Md.FireFighter 3791RD]

Two options for you. Hose clamp on the bottom pivot point of tailgate or go on Amazon type in Tailgate lock and pick the one you prefer. Stealing tailgates is a big time thing last couple years because of the rear built in camera.

[Montana Man]

Better check on your spare tire.

[Kyle and Lisa]

Originally Posted by mazboy

Well, got back from a week in Mexico. Left F350 in a hotel--was a good deal to park--- came back and tailgate and camera gone.


Miami. What can I say.


I assume it'll cost about $2000 to replace it.


I guess F350s are popular...for its pieces.

When we purchased our F350 the salesman told us to put a hose clamp on the right hand side to help prevent theft in case we forgot to lock the truck, so far no problems, nock on wood.

[Recumbent]

Eddie, I am so sorry to hear this and hope your insurance will step up and cover this loss. The hassle of taking care of the loss and the ding on your insurance could be more crap. We had a hose clamp and then bolted on chain on our 2012, but have not done anything for 2017 that locks. However, even though our 2017 locks, and because of your situation, tomorrow I am going to Hardware store and get hose clamp (max size and will put on just loose enough to make it a problem to unscrew) plus chains (about 4 links on each side) and bolts with nylon locking nuts to bolt our tailgate on. Then they will need to be able to unlock truck, unscrew hose clamp , and use bolt cutters to cut chains or use wrenches to take our tailgate away. Keep us informed.

[Golfmedik]

I added a McGard Tailgate lock to all of my trucks to keep mine from getting stolen. OR, at least slow them down. It is basically a plastic coated, stainless clamp with a specialty head on the screw. Won't stop the ones that desperately want it, but will stop the 'minute thief'.

[Carl n Susan]

I feel your pain! When they took my locked (easy to defeat with a screwdriver) tailgate the insurance paid $5.500 for the replacement. I highly recommenced the Jimmy Jammers Gate Keeper.

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by carl n susan

I feel your pain! When they took my locked (easy to defeat with a screwdriver) tailgate the insurance paid $5.500 for the replacement. I highly recommenced the Jimmy Jammers Gate Keeper.

Okay Carl, why is the Jimmy Jammers Gate Keeper better than a hose clamp?
I did look them up. Just not sure yet.

This site already spend too much of my money as it is.

[Carl n Susan]

The hose clamp works but it isn't hard to rotate it back to where a flat head screw driver can make quick work of it. The Gate Keeper uses the #50 Torx bolt to the right hinge (on a Ford) to cover the right hinge. Not many thieves carry a large Torx.
https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20GK.htm

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by carl n susan

The hose clamp works but it isn't hard to rotate it back to where a flat head screw driver can make quick work of it. The Gate Keeper uses the #50 Torx bolt to the right hinge (on a Ford) to cover the right hinge. Not many thieves carry a large Torx.
https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20GK.htm

thanks

[mazboy]

Update: WRONG, WAY WRONG ON ESTIMATE.


Quote: $8950.00 for tailgate and scratch on side. This quote includes a lock this time.



This is a Platinum F350 2015.

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by mazboy

Update: WRONG, WAY WRONG ON ESTIMATE.


Quote: $8950.00 for tailgate and scratch on side. This quote includes a lock this time.



This is a Platinum F350 2015.

Holy Moley!!!