The 5 Best bolt Tailgate Locks (2023 reviews)

Pilot Automotive makes beautiful and outstanding lock with classic and higher-grade materials. These patented tailgate locks are perfect for truck caps and truck bed covers. It fits pretty well, if you look close enough you can see that there is a small gap at the top of the handle. It's not bullet proof security, but it might be just enough to keep your tailgate while the thieves move on to easier prey.

The lock is a little bit hidden under the handle, and you have to aim the key upward at maybe a 30 degree angle, maybe more. It is a nice piece of mind when keeping extra camping/kayaking stuff in the bed while you are going down the river. The entire bed is secure. It is perfect fit and trouble-free installation.

Why We Like This:

Easy to use and works as design
Installs in minutes and keeps items locked up under the cap
Inexpensive and easy to install locking tailgate latch

Best With backup camera: Mcgard bolt Tailgate Lock

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The mcgard bolt tailgate lock is capable of outshining several other lock featured in this list in overall features for the price point. It may not stop a determined thief, but it should certainly slow them down. This device helps keep the honest people honest. The adapter causes the tailgate to push toward the driver side of the truck. It fits snug if not a thief can place wire snips and cut right off, but the snug fit slows this down.

This tailgate lock is incredibly easy to install according to the included instructions. It is easy to install and adds a layer of theft protection. It is nicer than just putting on a hose clamp. It is not much to it, but will keep your tailgate where it belongs and out of thiefs hands.

Why We Like This:

Easy to put on and difficult and time consuming to take off
Easy installation and no longer worry about leaving the tailgate down or unlocked
Easy and quick to install in any truck

Best With parts: Pilot bolt Tailgate Lock

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It is made for the locking tailgate. There is a lock on the other side of the benzel that works by blocking movement of the rods that control the latches at the ends of the tailgate. The metal in the lock that shows is shiny and the plastic has a glossy finish. The catches can then easily be bent upward (about 20 degrees), increasing engagement. The cover plate does not fit snug against the tailgate. It is easy to install, but a nice key to lock it. It helps with cover since there is no lock on the bed of the truck.

Why We Like This:

Easy to install and secures the tailgate
Excellent product, exact fit and function
New and hot release

Best For pickup Truck: Pop Lock bolt Tailgate Lock

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Tailgate locks are designed to be easily installed and give your truck a factory look. It blocks the tailgate handle from being pulled up to open the tailgate. The screw that comes with it is not reversible to back out once screwed in, and it takes a very large flat head. It provides security for things left in the truck bed.

The instructions on this pop and lock ( P&L) suggest a very easy 10 minute installation. It works as it should, easy to install, pretty sleek and you dont really notice it as a "aftermarket " part. The lock provides an increase of security, but is not fail proof. The lock provides an increase of security, but is not easy to install.

Why We Like This:

Fit like a glove and easy to install
Secures the latch from opening to protect stuff inside your truckbed
Good investment for long term

Best For Tacoma: Pop Lock Factory Tailgate Lock

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This locking device is ingenious. It takes average skill and common diy tools to install. The tailgate harness Green wire taps into the Gray wire on the truck, the Blue wire on the Tailgate harness taps into the Tan wire on the truck, which is too hard to put into the instructions. It locks and unlocks with your key fob wired to your door locks.

This device does not operate the key lockit has a slide bar that it moves over and locks the lift handle in placeso as long as the lift hanldes are same on each truck then it should workhope this helps. It provides one less thing to rust away in the midwest. This item will lock and unlock your tailgate even without the factory key lock. There is sufficient wiring to let you route the wire harness under the truck bed and chassis.

Why We Like This: