Anyone install one of these? Online reviews are extremely polarized; 50% of the respondents say it's total s***, and the rest think it's good.

Note - I did read a few reviews that said it didn't work properly and/or could not be installed until it was modified...in one case quite extensively, with grinding! and multiple test-fittings.

Hmm.

 

I had a lock in my old truck... pretty sure it was a PL8200 though. Worked just fine for me as it came out of the box.

 

I had one that I bought from a member on here. Did not work very good. If you pulled the tailgate handle hard the tailgate would still open. So it was kind of useless.

 

but if you have a lazy thief, or a female child theif, you should be good to go!

 

I see the difference now... mine was a power tailgate lock the one you're talking about is a manual one.

 

Thank you, gentlemen. Hopefully there'll be a few more opinions posted, 'cuz right now I'm not feeling too good about the $55 investment [that I am contemplating].

And since we're talking about T/G security...

Does anyone have the locking band/strap/cuff on their pass side tailgate pivot? It's unsettling how easily it lifts off without one! I realize it's intended as a convenience thing [for the owner] but sheesh!

The McGard locking band looks pretty good, and I have no complaints with McGard products.

 

Never used that part specifically but I've never had an issue with any McGard product I've owned.

 

Didn't someone post a how to on using a hose clamp to secure the tailgate? That would be a much cheaper and easier to replace.

 

This. Mine actually died 1-2 years ago. It's either the wiring or the part itself. I never attempted to fix it. I was annoyed but at the same time dgaf. It's also only protecting the tailgate, anyone can open the tonneau or reef hard enough as quoted above...

 

Hose clamp the tailgate
Simple security for sure but keeps someone from quickly walking away with your tailgate

Install it so you can only access it to remove from the bottom with the tailgate partially open making it harder to remove quickly.

 

For a tailgate lock I'll be going with the PaceEdwards PowerGate... just looks like a better idea

Pace-Edwards Tailgate Lock

 

Well...I'm pretty handy, so I've ordered the Pop & Lock, and we'll see how it turns out.

 

I installed the [manual] P/L. It was simple, and it is unobtrusive, but it only resists the swing-out action of the handle on one side...so I think it offers minimal deterrent.

Against little kids - sure, otherwise...I'd say give it a pass unless it is installed in conjunction with a good-quality hard cover locking system (like mine is)

$0.02

 

I got one this past summer. It took me a couple of tries, but it works great. When re-assembling it you have to move the threaded bars just a little (1/4") further apart than the factory setting. Once you've done that it locks perfectly. The instructions tell you that one side may become unlocked when you lift the handle, but it will stay locked. I found that once I'd moved the bars far enough apart both sides stay locked no matter how hard I try to open the tailgate.