$6 tailgate lock

[Tcape]

I have seen two homemade tailgate locks on the forum, and I liked both of them. Thanks to those two guys, I started experimenting with my own version. I wanted something that's very strudy and would be very hard to break. I played around with several versions, and finally settled on this one. Pics below.

I used two 1 3/4" S hooks, a brass snap-type connector, and two 1/8" "Quick Link" chain links. The whole thing is very easy to put on and take off, and can easily be stored in the trunk, console, or glove compartment when you don't need it. It's sturdy enough that any thief would have to work very hard to break it.

For the tailgate S hook, I closed both ends, then bent it at a 90-degree angle so it would fit in the hole in the tailgate. The other S hook I just looped over the rear tie-down so it would be easy to take off.

I realize this won't appeal to everybody, but for me, it should work great. And it's cheap!
Tom

[c_duncan_pe]

I like it. While I do not have a need for a tailgate lock at this time, I will certainly keep your solution in mind.
CD

[shovelhd]

I must be missing something, like a few brain cells. How do you unlock it from the outside if you have a cover?

[Tcape]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

I must be missing something, like a few brain cells. How do you unlock it from the outside if you have a cover?

The cover retracts (Retrax...where'd they get that name?? ), so that gives me access to the tailgate lock. I just lean over the tailgate and lock/unlock it. Once I fasten the tailgate lock and close the cover, and I'm all set. Since the Retrax cover locks, the whole bed is secure. Does all that make sense?? It's just a matter of reaching over the (closed) tailgate to fasten or unfasten it.
Tom

[kwoodman]

I love it. Nice and simple. I might not use it in freezing temps though. A couple times my Leer cap lock was frozen and I just opened the tailgate, and then the cap door from the inside.

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by kwoodman

I might not use it in freezing temps though.

I know not of these f r e e z i n g temps of which you speak?

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by Tcape

...I started experimenting with my own version.

Nice! I like it!... don't need it myself.... but I like it!

[brich]

That little missing piece of information about the Retrax clears this up for me as well. Without knowing that part I nearly itched a hole right through my scalp...
Nifty idea Tom....

[shovelhd]

brich...you're missing some brain cells, too, brotha!!!

Tom, thanks for clearing this up.

I have a Torza soft top so this wouldn't work for me. I need a ChrisM special.

[Truckin']

Nice, cheap lock that gets out of the way when not in use! It looks better than ours.

If you're reading this and curious about the other locks on the cheap that Tcape is referring to, here's ours:

Another homemade tailgate lock w/Retrax cover

And here's UltraHog's:

Retrax Tonneau Cover AVAILABLE NOW + Di$count for ROC Members!