Truck Camping: How do I lock my tailgate at night?

[@BakerBaker1-9]

Sad world when we have to lock ourselves in ... Slept many times under the truck cap and never thought much about it thanks to Ruger....and God

[@prmath]

A magnetic sign by the handles...... “ .44 magnum lives inside this camper “

[@zach_horowitz]

That should do it!

[@prmath]

@Daniel Pearce feel safer already 😄👍🏼😄

[@hazel555]

I would put a bell on the window rope so if anybody tries to get in you will wake up and the noise might scare them away.

[@1942Dreamer]

Great idea. I thought of this bell idea if I ever wanted to boondock in my CW "A" tent. Just tie a small bell to the door flap. And have a .38 and flashlight at my bedside. Cheers.

[@hazel555]

@@1942Dreamer ...heck with the bell, maybe just tie one end of rope to your well-aimed protection and you won't even have to get up from your warm covers.

[@phuckindrummer5537]

Add 12v security lights outside, I have an auxiliary 12v train air horn I can use while I’m in the sleeping bag, mounted under the truck bed.

[@patrickdolan.]

My pit mix is a big friendly baby but instinctively protective at night. He sits watch out the window and makes his rounds around the house b4 he comes to bed. Same thing out camping, he'll sit up watching with his ears perked until he feels it's safe. I'd hate to be the guy breaking into my house or camper and pissing off an 80 pound dog lol

[@royking7298]

If someone is tampering with your rig you can hit the panic button on the key fob. If you have one.

[@Brett235]

Get a sign that says "SNAKE TRANSPORTER- BEWARE OF LIVE SNAKES" You won't have a single issue with anyone breaking in.

[@IowaKim]

Hahaha.

[@getoutside8202]

Good idea, i use a pair of small vise grips on the rod preventing it from rotating when in the locked position

[@zach_horowitz]

Ive seen that before! Heard it works well!

[@Youtubeiscool865]

I do the vice grip lock as well lol and the string. So if the vice grip fails, the string will hold it

[@stevegabbert9626]

Yep, I do that too.

[@jimmycecil1287]

Same here, works great!

[@vannemocilac274]

I’m going to see about putting some holes in the frame and then drilling holes in the latch pins. Then I can put a nail or similar in each latch and pin it shut. Gives me time to get the gun out. Or hotdog spear. Whatever.

[@ShortyG724]

Vanne Mocilac only few will get the hot dog spear reference 😂

[@zach_horowitz]

Fantastic Idea.

[@zach_horowitz]

@@ShortyG724 Very true, only a few will.

[@zone4garlicfarm]

@@ShortyG724 That's sad.

[@cameronstoddard9947]

Don't cheap out. I bought the Leer 100xr. The keyless back window links to my trucks factory key fob. So i can climb in hit the lock on my key fob and everything locks. All doors tailgate and cap glass.

[@Huntatroll]

unless the battery dies

[@FrameRot]

Idk if you have guns, but it may be a good investment.

[@zach_horowitz]

Always a good idea to have protection!

[@jacksbackable]

Think you should take the string and tie it to your toe........🤔 💭 😆😎🏖🌴☀️🇦🇺

[@gorillaninja78]

At least in the states you can have a handgun but I’m in Canada so I have a hockey stick! 👍🏻🇨🇦Lol

[@barbaranneboyer7997]

no guns and be thankful for it....carry spray

[@Voltaic_Fire]

You can have a gun in Canada, if you're a criminal. It's only the law a abiding citizen that can't defend themselves.

[@alanschroeder71]

also you should get a tailgate lock ..you can lock it before you close the window and than once it is locked ,close the window and put your rope lock on... i know for a fact a person can lift up the latch on the tailgate (if its not locked) and open it while the topper / window is down... i have this set up ... i think i bought the tailgate lock at walmart..if you dont see it there go online. hope this helps

[@danielsmith2447]

As you said, if someone wants in they are going to get in. With your system you at least buy yourself the time to get your gun out and defend yourself.

[@Davidipac]

A gun? I have a speaker with a recording of a vicious dog barking

[@mkortemeier]

Definitely something I’ve been wondering myself. Going to be truck camping and no one talks about locking up at night so thank you for this! Very helpful. Also plan On having mace and a knife, can never be too prepared 😉

[@Huntatroll]

still looking for how to prevent someone from locking you in lol

[@sicchuckie]

I have the same camper and handle. Thanks great idea, plus the string helps pull it closed. I’m going to copy that idea.

[@imxploring]

Great video Zach.... perhaps you can add a spear to your setup like the "Homeless Firefighter".... just incase someone is intent on trying to invade your home!

[@michaelpellegrino3220]

the legendary hot dog spear.........deadly

[@imxploring]

@@michaelpellegrino3220 Perfect home defense tool.... you can always claim you were just toasting some wieners!

[@zach_horowitz]

Thank you! Not a bad idea at all.

[@imxploring]

@@zach_horowitz The Homeless Firefighter has some very funny truck camping videos.... his humor is a bit dry.... but you'd enjoy his content as a fellow truck camper traveler!

[@jonnyt16]

Leave the spears for the mud hutters. I keep a Dan Wesson 1911 next to me. Someone wants to break in to my truck it will be the last crime they ever commit.

[@thomascronquist1604]

Always carry some protection…

[@slackerdog007slackerdog8]

" Thank you, good info. ". Maybe add some kind of lite motion detector, or bracket to temporarily keep matters secure from inside……. Yours is an Excellent idea. Bless your soul young man.

[@juancarlosverdugosanchez4296]

Are you sleeping in your camper when you travel or you live in your camper?. if you live in it, what do you do during the day? Thank you man.

[@zach_horowitz]

Absolutely! Spending time outside, enjoying nature, seeing friends. The vehicle exists to sleep and eat!

[@carlosnava8485]

some RVers attach a motion sensor light around their RV's. Maybe attach one at the rear of the truck.

[@Fkidd702]

If you want you can get rid of the tail gate latch They sell a kit for those low trucks 🛻 that gets rid of the tailgate latch outside and you can put the latch inside . So as long as you have a camper shell that opens from the top you can you can go inside and latch it . And I’ve seen them having locks from the inside for the wail gate window

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

sometimes simple solutions are the best - good going Zach! Stay safe and enjoy life....

[@grominwithrob1339]

I was thinking a ratchet strap would work well and be very strong. Or drilling small holes on the locking ends for hitch pins. You could tie a rope between the pins so in an emergency you could yank the rope to quickly pull the pins.

[@stevegabbert9626]

Here's the interesting thing, if I'm in my tent I'm not worried about locking anything, but in my truck cap it does concern me. I think it's because the handle is right there for someone to mess with, even if it's just to see if it's locked.

[@FrankGreenway]

My tailgate has no lock on the outside. I’m thinking about installing a barn style sliding latch for the inside when I get my camper top and setup for camping.

[@ConsidertheWonders]

That’s pretty straight forward 🤙

[@zach_horowitz]

Very!

[@morgenhoop]

30 second video stretched to 6 minutes. Amateur. A seasoned KZbinr would of stretched it out to 20 minutes easy.

[@keithkuckler2551]

Not a bad idea, but, i am going to install a couple of padlock hasps to the inside of the camper door, and, tailgate. I am thinking of replacing the flat glass in the door, with a piece of sheet aluminum about 1/8 of an inch thick, i can paint it out to match the topper color. The side windows are too small for anyone to crawl in, only about 10 inches high. I do not need the back window, i use my mirrors and backup camera to do any parking anyway. It will make the camper area a bit darker, but, i only plan on sleeping there anyway. I have an old classic double 12 guage that i could carry if i was really nervous. I also have a sweet little corgi dog, she is small, but, has a big voice and, is protective of her space.

[@sandlove-i7w]

Hi, notice you didn't lock the tailgate, did I see a lock on the tailgate?

[@lucky2knight]

You can easily install a slide bolt lock on each side of the window. Attach to the back window bolted across to the frame or tailgate of the truck.

[@alive-awake]

I was thinking the same thing. I'd like to see a video of someone doing it.

[@DeusVolo]

drill a hole in the rod and add a drop pin thru the rod into the tailgate and it will not unlock.

[@zach_horowitz]

This is a great idea.

[@PositiveVibes360]

still not safe. sometimes u cook at night or go out to use bathroom in the middle of the night.i hope and pray for your safety

[@zach_horowitz]

Fair point

[@athiest4you]

I used a board cut to fit tightly from door latch to ceiling , friction fit

[@wadewilliston5424]

That's about the same way I keep my camper shell door locked. In my case I use cambuckle straps (that are used for my kayaks as well) and thread it through a camper shell mount in the back of the camper shell, then pull it tight. Has about the same strength. If I have to go outside to use a bathroom, I just unloosen the cam buckle.

[@joesalemi2414]

It is law that all trunks and toppers have way to unlatch the locked tailgate and window.

[@zach_horowitz]

Very interesting. Didn't know that!

[@gregflores8959]

Joe- Prove it, I’m calling B S.

[@joesalemi2414]

@@gregflores8959 I don’t speak to children I don’t know. Go back to the playground.

[@joesalemi2414]

@@gregflores8959 www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/10/20/00-27038/federal-motor-vehicle-safety-standards-interior-trunk-release.

[@outdoorenthusiastenl4907]

Awesome video!!! I’m Ed Peppler. I changed my KZbin account. Thanks for mentioning my name and also that was exactly what I was looking for.

[@zach_horowitz]

Thanks Ed. Glad to hear, thanks for the question!

[@officialcarzilla6849]

How would you open the tailgate in your truck when are inside the bed

[@rescuehoundemtd]

Hi there. I like this idea. I just got a leer 122 high top cap for my 22 ram 3500 dually. Looking forward to doing some camping out of the back of it. I have a 28 foot tow behind toy hauler but I like how you can go anywheres and have a lot more freedom with truck camping and the cost of campgrounds and even state parks in the east is so damn expensive. Got my sub. Have a good one.

[@roguebull3548]

My lock rhimes with GLOCK.

[@MyIronman8]

they sell the battery squalrs that use magents they open the rear an boom

[@DesertButterfly]

What if someone locked it from outside could u get out

[@zach_horowitz]

No way out, but only way to lock from outside is with the key.

[@DesertButterfly]

@@zach_horowitz I always assumed until I tested it recently that if you pushed the red button from the inside (which mine has) you could get out, but nope. I’m not sure the point of having that on the inside is for. It would have been nice to have that extra security.

[@yuripillow4589]

anyone touches window chamber the shotgun... game over

[@zach_horowitz]

Fair play!

[@ninez5740]

Thinking of a poplock system for my cap.

[@PositiveVibes360]

come back zac.miss u

[@davidrobertson5881]

Good grief dude, get to the point !

[@kurtspears1908]

you can do way more than that

[@markalford5406]

I would also hang a little bell on it, if someone did manage to open the door you always have the second amendment.

[@myaccountishacked6417]

I wish us Canadians had that same second amendment 😕

[@dcmore8488]

On your type of truck cap you should check out "Off-Grid Backcountry Adventures" Truck Camping: locking your topper from the inside. I think you might like this idea a little better if you have not seen this one!

[@zach_horowitz]

Thanks for the rec! Ill have to check it out.

[@marilyngatson2289]

Do you push the panic button if someone is trying to get in?

[@zach_horowitz]

I have never had to utilize any safety features. Ive had some pretty solid luck.

[@WillemLuntungan]

Thankbyou

[@TheMarksilva]

Thank You

[@jsmith3427]

I'd recognize that Walmart anywhere!! That's Lexington Nebraska!!! Best Walmart in the entire USA!! Been there MANY times. Very very friendly to overnight truckers and RVers. I'd recognize that makeshift truck stop area anywhere. I ALWAYS make my stops at that Walmart in Nebraska.

[@thomasprieto7482]

Good job. I am going to use your rope technique. You should install a tapered screw that can be fastened after you turn down handle. That way it gives the impression that window is locked and maybe turn away any would be thief.

[@alive-awake]

Do you put a "club" on your steering wheel also? My shell handle has a key but you have to push the handle in to lock it from the outside. What would keep someone from locking me in by pushing in that handle?

[@captainandrewcrabtree6535]

Very true... there's an old saying, locks only keep out honest criminals... nice setup!

[@campgoerOne]

I. On the process of insulating my truck cap. I have two side end locks so I'll have to figure that one out!

[@timepass5680]

Great 👌 Video You are. Superman of out door camping.... Love and care from Pakistan, I invite you to come to Pakistan sometime in future and explore this amazingly beautiful country

[@montanamike7948]

Why we love our right to defend ourselves! I feel much safer with my trusted firearm when doing this, if you don't like firearms buy some bear spray. Same difference... Kinda

[@John-ms3zk]

Something like this might work, too. It'd be a little harder to cut and might help you feel more secure. It's supposedly a strong adhesive, so I'd think it'd stick well. I envision one half on the window and the other half on the tailgate. www.amazon.com/dp/B07R3YXP3L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_9P-EFb27MS40D My only concern would be how effective it is in extreme temperatures and humidity. Condensation or other factors might affect the adhesion. I have not tested this, nor have I heard of anyone doing this, just a thought. Hope this helps!

[@zach_horowitz]

Thanks for the rec John. Will have to check this out.

[@John-ms3zk]

@@zach_horowitz No problem! Keep up the great vids, Zach!

[@happydays2741]

Buys him time to grab his .45 and blow their head completely off.

[@michaelryan3818]

Conveniently, one of my camping buddies is a locksmith, so he just installs locks for everyone.

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

There exist shells that lock (electronically or otherwise) but can be opened from the inside. I saw a Snugtop model yesterday that had this feature. The string shown here would not stop an intent thief but a locked shell would pose bigger problems for them.

[@erroleabrown4317]

If you weld some steel to the door like an L shape and put a piece of steel that stretched right across the window to each side so it can’t be pulled out, something like that, or drill a hole and put some sort of bolt on the window so it can’t open out but put some sort of stopper so the bolt doesn’t drop in when you get out.

[@georgemorrison9962]

You could also drill a hole into one of the locking pins on the end so as to put in a small padlock. That would keep someone from turning the handle. And at least give the semblance of it being locked. Only down side is emergency. Or you could just put a pin in it.

[@butnarucristi6465]

You know you live in a crazy country with bad people when you have to take precautions. It's awful to know that there are people who can steal you or even hurt you.

[@rvhelp5633]

What about the tailgate itself? How do you keep that secure?

[@andrewburton7468]

What stops people from just breaking into a tent though?

[@anthonyruiz8451]

Crude yet simple and effective, nice idea pal.

[@markmastrangelo1139]

Why not tie the rope on the inside so they can’t see and cut it?

[@MrPoseidonSays]

Remote locks work great 😮

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR A.R.E. CAP ?

[@armandoayala1923]

Nice set up stay safe out there

[@barbaranneboyer7997]

best l've seen, thank you

[@Rix284]

Nice set up.

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Great ideas

[@cpt.shepherd255]

What about the actual tailgate itself? Like i plan to do something like this for the cap but with steel cables but how would you go about locking the tailgate if that can be opened even with the cap shut?

[@gryn20117]

He keeps the window up and pulls the tailgate up, then reaches out and locks the tailgate from the outside before pulling the window shut and tying it off.

[@jelwood0314]

You can’t open the tailgate with the window closed.

[@1111bubbletoes]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm thinking of getting a cap and converting the back of my truck into a camper for full-time living, and I just started watching a bunch of builds and got all carried away with thinking about what my setup would be before I realized that I don't know a few basic things like how to lock myself into the back. Also, my tailgate is very heavy; I always open it with two hands and I realized that I may not be able to close it from the inside like you did yours because I can't pull it up with one hand. I just did a test and I couldn't do it. I guess I can close the tailgate from the outside, leave the cap window open, climb in over the tailgate and then close the cap window once I'm inside. That seems to be my only option! Any advice? Thanks!

[@carlosnava8485]

how about maybe attaching rope to the tailgate, mabye one on each side so that you can raise the tailgate up as you put your body into it. What kind of truck you have?

[@jacoeckley4029]

use mechanical pully to bring it in to close position . . .