Locking the Tailgate but Not the Doors?

[Mango&Moose]

Future soft top owner here and am looking at lockbox options for the trunk/bed. Can the Bronco lock only the trunk and keep it locked if even if the doors stay unlocked? Not wanting to have my top slashed I'll likely keep the doors open for all. Some of these strongboxes rely on locking the tailgate which would be nulled if thieves can simply get in the cab and release the tailgate.

Option B is waiting for under-the-seat rear seat safe.

Thanks in advance.

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[Scott R Nelson]

Don't know about other models, but on a Base 2-door it's all or nothing. Everything is locked or nothing is locked.

 

[MontyMoose]

Haven't tried this myself, but you could try disconnecting the doors, and then use either the fob or the lock sensor that's built into the tailgate handle (if equipped) to test and see if it's at least possible. Granted this would be a royal PITA if you had to do this every time, but if it works, perhaps it could lead to a work around?

 

[‘21OBX]

I haven’t tried to lock only the tailgate but I do believe that when I grab the tailgate handle it only unlocks the tailgate. I believe it’s the same if I tap the lock button on the handle. There is no inside release to the tailgate and with the doors off there is no unlock button either. My lockable drawer has its own lock on it so even if they open the gate they will still have to take the time to destroy the lock drawer. Most theives seem to want fast in/out. At least that’s what I’m hoping lol.

 

[Daktari]

it's all or nothing I think, as far as I can tell. I don't think a thief would slash the top unless they are 8ft tall or bring a ladder, but the windows yes. Still faster and easier to pop a glass window though.

I think once there's no key anywhere near the unlock buttons on the doors don't work anymore, you can physically unlock the door with the lever, but nothing else should open. I have not tried it though.

I asked a similar question a while ago, if there's a way to keep the rear locked at all times there's no need for a drawer with a lock (that's usually flimsy anyway).

I won't ever leave anything "interesting" visible, but a nice drawer platform in the rear that also levels out with the seats folded down to allow sleeping is in my plans. Somewhat secure is a must for camera gear etc. All insured but I prefer to only pay for insurance and never talk to them otherwise.

 

[elseminoleguapo]

Big brain move: unlock the doors, remove them, then lock the trunk.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Wouldn't they only have to lower the rear seat back to gain access to your cargo area?

 

[CjDuncan]

I have the Ford raised lid cargo cage. (there are some aftermarkets too I have seen) This secured the cargo area even if the rear seats are folded down. A key fob must be present to unlock any door, even using the button on the door. Therefore, if a person opened your driver door somehow, they could not unlock the tailgate without a key fob.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

A key fob must be present to unlock any door, even using the button on the door.

Or a Keyless Entry Keypad, that will also open the doors without a key fob present. Maybe the more expensive trim levels are different, but on the Base, all doors unlock, including the tailgate, when any of them are unlocked.

 

[Murph914]

Just unplug the power to the tailgate lock?

 

[Mango&Moose]

I have the Ford raised lid cargo cage. (there are some aftermarkets too I have seen) This secured the cargo area even if the rear seats are folded down. A key fob must be present to unlock any door, even using the button on the door. Therefore, if a person opened your driver door somehow, they could not unlock the tailgate without a key fob.

Thank you

 

[JaxGtc]

There was a thread on this topic a while back but I could not find it. Here is a related video:

Ford Bronco Auto Unlock Doesn't Work While Doors are Off | Key Fob locked in Trunk | Ignition Starts - YouTube

 

[drew707]

I have the Ford raised lid cargo cage. (there are some aftermarkets too I have seen) This secured the cargo area even if the rear seats are folded down. A key fob must be present to unlock any door, even using the button on the door. Therefore, if a person opened your driver door somehow, they could not unlock the tailgate without a key fob.

I rolled my windows down, locked the vehicle and put the fob 60 feet away inside my house. Hitting the button on the door unlocked all doors including the swingate

 

[CjDuncan]

I rolled my windows down, locked the vehicle and put the fob 60 feet away inside my house. Hitting the button on the door unlocked all doors including the swingate

Wow, we had different results. That is strange. My alarm went off when i tried to do this and tailgate remained locked.
I have the High package. Not sure if that makes a difference.

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