Tailgate Theft Protector for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Cali Raised LED

Cali Raised · Ships from our Texas Facility

Tailgate Theft Protector for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

MPN: CR4405

Keep your tailgate where it belongs, on your truck. The Tailgate Theft Protector for 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma by Cali Raised LED is a heavy-duty, two-bolt security solution that helps deter tailgate theft without compromising functionality. Built for everyday drivers and off-roaders alike.

Tailgate Protection for Your 2016–2023 Tacoma

Tailgate theft is real, quick, and costly. This protector adds a layer of security to your Tacoma’s tailgate hinge, helping make unauthorized removal more difficult. Designed to fit all 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma models, it's the protection your truck deserves.

Durable, Two-Bolt Design

Crafted from laser-cut 304 stainless steel and left uncoated on purpose, this version features two high-strength security bolts to help deter removal. Stainless resists rust without paint or powder coat, so there is no finish to chip, scratch, or peel.

No-Drill Installation

Engineered for a perfect bolt-on fit, this protector installs in minutes using factory mounting points. No drilling, no modification, just solid, smart protection.

Before you buy

Other versions: For 2024+ Tacoma
For 2005–2015 Tacoma
Fitment: Fits all 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma models.
Laser-cut 304 stainless steel, left uncoated.

Key Features

FAQ

Installation / Vehicle Specs

What’s Included

Fits 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma (all trims)
Two-bolt configuration for enhanced theft resistance
Laser-cut 304 stainless steel
Uncoated by design, no paint or powder coat to chip or peel
Resists rust, corrosion, and trail abuse
Easy bolt-on installation, no drilling needed
Manufactured in-house in Fort Worth, Texas
2-year warranty from Cali Raised LED

Will this fit my 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma?

Yes, it fits all 2016-2023 Tacoma models and trims. It is CNC-cut from stainless steel specifically for the 3rd Gen tailgate hinge.

How does it help deter tailgate theft?

The protector shields access to the passenger-side tailgate hinge and uses two supplied tamper-resistant security bolts to make removal more difficult.

How long does installation take?

About 5–10 minutes with basic hand tools. It bolts to factory mounting points with no drilling, and the tamper-resistant security bit is included.

Is this better than a tailgate lock?

It does a different job. A lock secures the latch; this secures the hinge, which is how tailgates are actually removed. This version uses two high-strength security bolts. Many owners run both.

Is the protector painted or coated?

No. It is laser-cut 304 stainless steel left uncoated on purpose. Stainless resists rust without paint or powder coat, so there is no finish to chip, scratch, or peel.

Does it affect how the tailgate opens and closes?

No. It is designed to help deter tailgate theft without changing how the tailgate works.

Does it fit every 2016-2023 Tacoma trim?

Yes. It fits all 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma trims, including TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, SR5 and TRD Pro.

How is this different from the 2024+ Tacoma version?

This version is sized for 2016-2023 Tacomas and uses two supplied security bolts. The 2024+ Tacoma protector (CR4403) is a different part.

Does installation require drilling?

No. It installs at the factory hinge points with no drilling or permanent changes. You supply a 3/8-inch ratchet with a 10 mm socket and a 1/4-inch bit driver for the included security bit.

What is the protector made from?

Laser-cut 304 stainless steel, manufactured in-house by Cali Raised LED in Fort Worth, Texas.

Can I paint the protector?

You can, but you don't need to. It is stainless steel, so it resists rust without paint.

Fits: 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma (All trims)
Install Time: 5–10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy bolt-on install (no drilling required)
Material: Laser-cut 304 stainless steel, uncoated
Security: Two supplied security bolts

Tools you supply

3/8-inch ratchet and 10 mm socket to remove the two factory bolts
1/4-inch bit driver or ratchet that accepts the included security bit

See the Installation section for the full procedure and installation video.

One tailgate theft protector plate for 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma
Two supplied security bolts
Two supplied washers
One included security bit

Installation

5–10 minutes · No drilling · 5 steps

Watch video Download PDF

Read installation steps

Tailgate Theft Protector Installation Instructions — CR4405

CR4405 tailgate theft protector with CR logo cutout shown installed at the passenger-side hinge of a 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma, secured with two security bolts.

Install the Cali Raised LED Tailgate Theft Protector (CR4405) on your third-generation Toyota Tacoma using the instructions below. The protector helps deter tailgate theft by shielding access to the passenger-side hinge and adding two supplied tamper-resistant security bolts.

Fitment and installation time

Fits 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma (3rd Gen), all trims, including TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, SR5 and TRD Pro. Does not fit the 2024+ Tacoma, which uses a different part (CR4403). Estimated installation time: 5–10 minutes. No drilling or permanent changes required.

Included in the kit

One protector plate (laser-cut 304 stainless steel, uncoated)
Two supplied security bolts
Two supplied washers
One included security bit

Tools you supply

3/8-inch ratchet and 10 mm socket to remove the two factory bolts
1/4-inch bit driver or ratchet that accepts the included security bit

Before you start

Park on level ground and lower the tailgate. The installation takes place on the passenger side with the tailgate down. The chrome latch striker and the tailgate support-cable anchor sit right above the work area. Leave both alone.

Photos show a protector with the CR logo cutout. The plate shape and mounting holes identify its orientation. The ratchet, socket and bit driver are customer-supplied tools.

Installation steps

Locate the two mounting bolts. With the tailgate down, look at the rear-facing jamb at the end of the passenger-side bedside panel. The two mounting bolts sit in a vertical pair on the flat face. Leave the latch striker and the support-cable anchor above them alone.
Remove both factory bolts. Back both factory bolts out with a 10 mm socket on your 3/8-inch ratchet. Keep them with your truck. Video clarification: remove only the two factory bolts used to mount the protector. The video's reference to three bolts is incorrect.
Set the protector in place. The plate has two flanges. Hold the flat flange, the one with a slotted hole above a round hole, against the panel so the two holes line up, and let the cutout flange wrap down around the tailgate hinge.
Start both bolts by hand. Install one supplied washer on each supplied security bolt, then start both bolts through the plate by hand. Turn them until the protector pulls in flat against the panel.
Tighten both bolts. Tighten both supplied security bolts with the included security bit until the plate sits flat and does not move. Do not over-tighten. If the hardware will not seat the way it should, stop and email support before you force it.

Check your work

The plate sits flat against the panel, with no gap.
Both bolts are seated and the plate does not move when you pull on it.
The tailgate opens, closes and latches normally.

Keep the included security bit safe; it is needed to remove the plate.

Need help?

If the hardware will not seat correctly, stop before forcing it and contact support@caliraisedled.com.

Instructions based on the approved CR4405 installation guide, Rev D, September 18, 2026.

Recently Viewed

5 stars: 72 (91%)
4 stars: 6 (8%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 1 (1%)

Product feels sturdy to handle the elements. Item arrived out of the torn zip lock type of bag. Seemed to me it was possible a previously returned item.

The part works flawlessly

Thanks, Bill! We appreciate you choosing the Tailgate Theft Protector for your Tacoma and taking the time to leave a review.

Fit good

Thanks, Branden! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector fit well on your Tacoma. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

A simple and easy fix against tailgate fix - point 15-20 minutes installing this on my ‘23 Tacoma - I did add thread locker to the bolts for added safety and sprayed the the plate with a flat black paint so it looks better installed - my first purchase from this company, great customer service, quick shipping and high customer satisfaction- thanks

Thanks, Dave! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector was an easy install on your 2023 Tacoma and that your first experience with us was a good one. We really appreciate the feedback on the product, quick shipping, and customer service.

Piece of mind. Quality product. If you value your tailgate, ya got to get one.

Thanks, Gary! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector gives you some added peace of mind and that you’re happy with the quality. We appreciate the recommendation.

Easy to install arrived on time.

Thanks, Gualberto! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector arrived on time and was easy to install. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Great product peace mind knowing that part keep safe

Thanks, Roberto! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector gives you some extra peace of mind knowing your Tacoma tailgate is better protected. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Fast delivery.

Thanks, David! Glad to hear your Tailgate Theft Protector arrived quickly. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Fast and easy install. Great quality and fit.

Thanks, James! Glad to hear the Tailgate Theft Protector was a fast, easy install with great fit and quality. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Well made . Super easy install.

Thanks, Beth! Glad to hear the Tailgate Theft Protector is well made and was super easy to install. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

I received my tailgate protector is record time. It went on in about five minutes and now I feel better about not letting someone steal my tailgate on my TACO. Thank you so much.

Thanks, David! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector arrived quickly and only took a few minutes to install. Even better that it gives you some extra peace of mind knowing your Tacoma tailgate is better protected.

It's exactly what I need , because I always forget to look my truck thanks.

Thanks, Miguel! Glad the Tailgate Theft Protector was exactly what you needed and gives you some extra peace of mind. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Easy install for a little peace of mind.

Thanks, Phil! Glad to hear the Tailgate Theft Protector was an easy install and gives you a little extra peace of mind. We appreciate the review.

Installed in a matter of minutes. Thank you!

Thanks, Stephanie! Glad to hear the Tailgate Theft Protector was a quick and easy install. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Easy to install and added peace of mind

Was installed in less than 5 minutes. It’s nice to have added security.

Highly recommend.

Tailgate theft protector

Simple yet effective. Easy and a quick installation. At a great price, you can't pass up for what it does wich is to protect your investment. A no brainer.

A good deterrent.

This was a cake walk to install. I just used a 1/4" Impact and 10mm socket to remove the stock bolts. Aligned the bracket to the tailgate pin and tightened the security bolts with the security bit that came with the bracket
. Took all of 10 minutes. The bracket is strong. Not a piece of flimsy steel.
Just remember to put the security bit in the truck for future work.

Tailgate Theft Protector

Great device to safely secure your tailgate from theft. Glad to add it to my Tacoma.

Good work

Thank you for the review. We’re glad to hear you’re happy with the Tailgate Theft Protector for your 2016-2023 Tacoma. We appreciate your support.

Easy install

Easy to install. Comes with everything you need. Fits right in and doesn't impede opening or closing. Solid metal.

Easy install.

Thank you for the review. We’re glad to hear the Tailgate Theft Protector for your 2016-2023 Tacoma was easy to install. We appreciate your support.

Yup

Works as described, super easy to install. My only gripe is that it didn’t come with a sticker. But I love the product

Good product

Good product

Tailgate Protector

Arrived on time and was installed in 10 minutes

I feel safer now!

Got the item and it looks to be very well made. I painted mine with some black caliper paint and baked it on. Installation is very straightforward and I like the fact that security screws were provided. As mine is black now, you don't really even see that it's there but if someone tries to steal my tailgate, they'll figure that out pretty quick.

2022 Tacoma TRD off road

I bought the tailgate protector and it is a very well made good looking product. Installation is a breeze and it will help deter tailgate theft. It also looks really cool!

Tailgate secured!

Easy install and I like that it came with security screws!

Very easy to install

Even tho i have power lock for my tailgate, i still installed for extra protection

Tailgate protector

Very easy to install, shipping was fast. Appreciate having a little more peace of mind. Product quality looks solid.

Security

Easy install, about two minutes. Nice thick stainless steel, it fits perfectly, and looks good with the design. This will definitely slow down a thief. And hopefully they will move on to a easier target.