Affordable Tailgate Protection From Theft: Hose Clamp Hack Pickup Trucks

MTNYOTAS · 2025-12-11T18:36:38+00:00

What's up 4GTaco fam!! Check out this recent Trailhunter we wrapped up at the shop. John brought his 2025 Trailhunter in for a full 74Weld portal axle setup and supporting mods to make 37s fit and clear. The truck now runs 74Weld portals, 74Weld billet rear links, an ADD winch bumper, Warn VR Evo 10 S, Rigid SR lighting, hybrid power relocation, and Method 703s wrapped in 37" Toyo RT Pros. The goal was simple. Keep the hybrid system happy, keep the geometry correct with portals, and build a truck that actually works off-road without losing daily performance. Portal service was handled at the 500 mile mark, and the truck left with proper alignment and all clearances dialed in. This setup gives the Trailhunter more ground clearance, stronger axle geometry, better approach angle, and a clean front recovery system. If you’re looking at portals, 37s, hybrid routing, or you just want to know which parts actually work together on the new 4th Gen Tacoma, feel free to reach out. Mountain Yotas is always around for build questions, part recommendations, and helping you plan your setup the right way the first time. About us: https://mountainyotas.com/about/ Request a quote anytime: https://mountainyotas.com/request-quote/ Address 4975 Miller St Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Phone Call: (303) 834-7413

TrdMarkey

Member

Aug 6, 2025

#1

I’ve seen some owners putting a stainless steel hose clamp on their truck’s tailgate. Asked one owner, and he said he's been doing so for the past 38 years on all the trucks he has owned. Apparently, it helps with the security of your tailgate.

I guess most delinquents are opportunists and are not prepared to remove this. Thinking of adding it to my tailgate too. It'd be the same, just I plan to mount it 180° so it’s a little trickier for them to get to.

I remember one certain period where a ton of tailgates were reported stolen. I don’t think it’s as big an issue with the 4th gen, but with the gen3 it was a pretty big issue. The bad thing is they cut the cable for the rear camera when they take the tailgate. Ends up being a very expensive part to replace.