While getting the truck ready for traveling, I added a locking Tonneau Truck Bed Cover, and I needed a way to lock the tailgate to create a safe place to store stuff. While tailgate and truck bed covers are not perfect protection, they certainly go a long way to making it really inconvenient to dig through the contents of our truck bed.

The bed of the truck is a perfect place to keep the things not generally welcome inside an Airstream: generators, tools, and emergency supplies, as well as some long-term storage items in plastic storage bins.

Our truck did not have a locking tailgate when we bought it, but I found two reasonably priced options: The Pop Lock, and the Bully Lock.

Both of these aftermarket tailgate locks have models that fit most trucks on the market. These I linked to fit my Dodge Ram 1500, so make sure you find the right one for your vehicle.

I went with the bully lock, as it looked like a better install, and was less than half the price. The installation was fast and easy, provided you have the right star screwdriver and socket. I paid around $19 for the bully lock, and I’m happy with the result. It carries an OEM look, locks securely, and gives me the security I was looking for. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and have no complaints.

I recorded the install, so have a look if you are considering installing one yourself.