Has anyone installed a locking tailgate handle on their XL? I am interested in doing so, I asked the dealer about it and they acted like it was a big ordeal.

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Sean

 

sean~

Have you considered using a Mcgard tailgate lock instead?
see www.mcgard.com/automotive/ for more info.

I installed on mine and it works real well. Plus you will not need to open the access panel on the gate.

Hope this option helps.

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"Silver Steed"
'00 XL flareside sprcab, 5 spd, 4.2 V6, 3.55 grs, factory cab steps ("nerf bars"), graphite cloth 60/40 split bench seats, 255/70/16s, K&N air filter, Mobil1 05-W30 tri-synth.
More upgrades soon (pay-check permitting)
Email: ferdi_n@f150driver.com

 

slvrsteed,
Does that lock show? Is the key big or can it fit on a key ring? If you have any pics of it installed please post. Thanks, sean

 

sean~

The lock I am currently using is a shackle type that goes on the open hinge of the tailgate. As far as it being visible "NO". Check out Mcgard's web site. Then decide for yourself. It cost me approx $27.00 +/- instead of $80.00 +/- for the Ford type.

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"Silver Steed"
'00 XL flareside sprcab, 5 spd, 4.2 V6, 3.55 grs, factory cab steps ("nerf bars"), graphite cloth 60/40 split bench seats, 255/70/16s, K&N air filter, Mobil1 05-W30 tri-synth.
More upgrades soon (pay-check permitting)
Email: ferdi_n@f150driver.com

 

So does this lock the tailgate closed? Or does it just prevent theft of the tailgate? I want one that locks it closed because I am going to buy a hard tonneau cover as well.

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Sean

 

sean~

Unfortunately it only prevents tailgate from being stolen. So this option may not work for you. However if you should still choose this option, I recently witnessed the installation of a hard bed cover where they added a security feature which prevented the tailgate on a Chevy which has no lock from being opened when the cover was closed and locked.

Just a suggestion.

[This message has been edited by slvrsteed (edited 08-01-2000).]

 

Sean~

If your concern is because of the tonneau cover, don't worry about it. I have the ARE cover. It and most other covers (snuglid, ********, etc.) loop over the tailgate to prevent it from being opened unless the cover is up. Ford was pretty much the only truck that had a locking tailgate handle when they came out, so the cover manufactures still have to keep security in mind when designing these things.

 

Thanks Chris, that is what I was worried about, but am now not.

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2000 F150 XL Wedgewood Blue. Eclipse flip down CD player, Eclipse point source door speakers. Rockford Fosgate 8' truck box speakers. Fosgate 160x4 punch AMP. Power and appearance mods to come.