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LatchLid
Our Story
In 2021, the tail lights on our 2017 F250 Platinum were stolen twice. The two repair bills added up to more $10,000.
Everyone told us we must have left the truck unlocked. There is no way to remove the tail lights with the tailgate locked. They were wrong.
A neighbor, who was also hit by the thieves, caught the theft on video. In the video you can see the thief walk up, reach into the bed on each side of the truck, and then open the tailgate. After that, it took only seconds and a cordless drill to remove the tail lights.
After a bit of investigation, we realized that the thief was able to access the tail light latch mechanisms through small openings on the inside of the tailgate. They reached in, and with their finger, flipped a small detent to release the latches. This is a significant design vulnerability.
The second time our tail lights were stolen, the thieves used a different method. They inserted a screwdriver into a hole on the bed side of the tailgate, to actuate a release lever hidden inside the tailgate. Few truck owners (or service techs) know that this hidden release lever exists.
We were determined to create something to deter thieves. After testing a variety of different possible solutions, we landed on what we now call LatchLid. (USPTO Patent Pending, 63/283,335)
LatchLid is a simple, easy to install solution designed to slow down the thieves and hopefully deter them from stealing the tail lights or tailgate from your truck. If you don't own a tailgate hinge lock, we recommend installing one of those as well.
Obviously, every security device and theft deterrent can be overcome if the thief has time, the right tools, and determination to steal.
LatchLid is designed for 2017 to 2023 Ford F-Series pickup trucks. If you are interested in learning more, please review our website for details, pictures, and more information about the LatchLid solution.
Margot & Tim McGuire
Dallas, Texas
