Vvvv1010
San Antonio, Texas
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Joined: 07/12/2011
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I wanted to create more of an awareness than anything else. I'd hate for any of my fellow RVers get dinged for a tailgate. I don't understand why someone would steal a tailgate. I have asked a few of my colleagues why the theft of tailgates and there seems to be no logical answer. Is it a big ticket item?
Keep them locked!
2011 Jayco G2 32BHDS
2011 Ford F250 6.7L Turbo Diesel
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MaxThrust
Sierra Vista, AZ
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Joined: 02/13/2005
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Maybe it was stolen by someone who flunked physics and removed their tailgates to get better mileage and discovered it doesn't work. J/K
I'm not exactly sure, but I would guess they destroyed their own and then either didn't want to file a claim because of getting a rate increase or it's not worth filing a claim. Maybe they don't have insurance. I'm pretty sure there's many reasons for it, mostly they weren't raised properly and have no clue it's considered bad form to steal other's stuff. It can also be downright dangerous.
BTW, how much does a replacement cost? That could be the clue to this mystery.
I'm sorry you were ripped off.
Mike 
My computer beat me at chess, but I beat it at kick boxing!
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byronlj
Arizona
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Joined: 11/30/2002
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They are simple to steal(less than a minute) and expensive to buy.
If you want to make it harder to steal, put a hose clamp on the open hinge side.
Dave
byronlj
07.5 Silverado LTZ Ex. Cab 3500HD dually 4X4 duramax LMM/allison 6spd
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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From CNN....
"Thieves, especially in a tough economy and high unemployment, have been known to steal seemingly odd things that most people wouldn't think had much value. But the thieves know different. Among the vulnerable: copper pipes from building and vacant condos; freshly planted landscaping; plumbing fixtures from vacant condos. Now you can add tailgates from pickup trucks. Huh?
That's right. Law enforcement in at least eight states this year have been reporting rashes of tailgate thefts. Unlike the stuff you might leave on the seat of your truck, the tailgates are not protected by locks or barriers such as windows. Thieves have become adept at wrenching the tailgates, as well as pricey accessories, off the truck." Replacement costs $700.00 up.
Here in SoCal roving bands of thieves in broad daylight, driving full sized vans are hitting parking lots and parking structures in a coordinated scheme to break into full sized luxury SUV's and stealing the leather 3rd row seats! Replacement cost $900.00 plus!
They're out there amongst us! Slime of the earth!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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BobsYourUncle
Surrey, BC Canada
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Joined: 12/12/2003
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Camping last weekend, one of the family had an '08 Ford Crewcab, same color as mine.
While we were comparing trucks, I noticed his came with a keylock on the tailgate. Great idea, I think Ford offers this from the factory, but I'm pretty sure that GM doesn't. Not sure about Dodge.
Seems like a no-brainer for a good option to offer on pickups.
I have often wished that mine had one. However, if someone drops my tailgate, I have a hidden switch that triggers my alarm as soon as the tailgate is opened. Makes a lot of noise!
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portscanner
Georgia
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my 2011 Dodge came with a lock on the tailgate
One beautiful wife, two brittney spaniels
2011 Dodge 3500 4x4 DRW Crew Cab 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed auto, 3.73 rear end
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BobsYourUncle
Surrey, BC Canada
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Just did a little research and found this:
A site that sells aftermarket tailgate locks for GM trucks like mine - 99-07
Tailgate Locks
Once you are in the site, watch the short video if you want, but scroll down a bit and click the link on the very right that says "Bully Tailgate Locks for Removable Tailgates" (or click the link I provided here)
Scroll down and watch the short video here too.
This looks really good, does the same job as the hose clamp but it is lockable. And it's only 20 bucks.
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Air E Dawg
Georgia Coast
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I have a friend that had the tailgate stolen off of hid brand new f-250.this is the tailgate with the step... $2,000 was the replacement value. he locks it now. It was stolen in his driveway while he was home. The cops told him it has become more common recently.
1982 Airstream Limited
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Air E Dawg
Georgia Coast
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I have a friend that had the tailgate stolen off of hid brand new f-250.this is the tailgate with the step... $2,000 was the replacement value. he locks it now. It was stolen in his driveway while he was home. The cops told him it has become more common recently.
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blackeyed1
Michigan
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Joined: 04/25/2010
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I almost had mine stolen off my F-250. Fortunately I put a hose clamp on the pivot point a couple months earlier and it saved the day (and tailgate).
Lowered the tailgate one day and found the straps on either side were off. It took me a bit to realize someone had tried to steal the tailgate.
4 trucks up and down the street where I had recently rented a house, had theirs stolen in recent months.
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