It appears I will be moving across the country to our nation's heartland. And from a nice, secure rural home to a semi-city-ish duplex.

I'd like to install a locking tailgate mechanism on my 05 Ram 1500 (6'4" bed). I also read something about putting hoseclamps (loosely, I guess?) around the tailgate hinge pivots to help prevent people from ripping the gate out and stealing it.

So, I'd like to hear opinions on that. I love OEM stuff, and I did a little shopping, but I didn't turn up much on an OEM manual latch mechanism that accepts a key. Being able to use the key fob for the gate is the last thing on my mind. I see a Bully brand handle with key, it's less than 30 bucks, but people say it isn't too rugged and I question the longevity

I'd also like opinions on some kind of locking tonneau cover that would work along with this, to help protect my junk on the 2 day driving trip out there.

Bear in mind I am on a budget

thanks for any suggestions

You likely have lots of good options as your truck is relatively New.

Here is one type to consider.

Master Tailgate Lock

There are competing brands that are similar. The complaint on these is that many of the components are plastic. The best any security can do is slow a thief down or discourage them enough to move on.

There are also quite a few choices of Locking Tailgate Handles. I would give those extra consideration. They cost quite a bit more, but should be worth it.

Like this:

they're both relatively inexpensive, compared to the price of a new tailgate. get them both.

Thanks

anyone like any particular brands? I've got zero experience on this end of things

I put a bully tailgate lock and extang solid fold tonneau cover on the 2000 Dakota my daughter drove to college... she never had any one break in to her truck, close the cover, shut and lock tailgate. In the 4 and half years I have never had to adjust the lock. I have seen around 10 college girls standing on the cover at a larcross games with no damage, I did replace 1x2 inch of foam to stop a very small water leak, it was $5 fix from advance....

Bully lock
http://www.bullytruck.com/Tailgatelock.htm

Extang Solid Fold
http://tonneaucoversworld.com/extang-solid-fold.aspx

The cover is not cheep. I could install it by myself, my daughter could install and remove it with the help of one friend.

If you just need it to for a 2 day drive... I would think about a covering the load and driving, or try to find a used cap cheep, and then resale it once I got to where I was gong/

Thanks, Rodhall

I'll second the Bully locking handle. That was the very first thing I changed on my 07 when It was new. Still works just like it did.

Got a bully locking handle for my 2003 Ram and it's as sturdy as the factory one plus it's a snap to install.

Thanks! I really appreciate the comments