The bikes are loaded. Somebody's hungry. And the ride home now includes a stop that wasn't part of the plan. That's the part we built our locking system for: getting your bikes secured before you step away from the truck.
- Basecamp 3.0's integrated locking strap secures the tailgate bike pad to your truck.
- The Anchor Lock cable connects your bike frames to the pad's built-in locking carabiner.
- Bike straps hold bikes for transport; the locking system adds theft resistance when you step away.
Our Basecamp 3.0 locking tailgate pad doesn't ask you to hunt around the truck bed for somewhere to attach a lock. The anchor is already part of the pad. Pair it with the Anchor Lock cable, and your bikes connect to the same system that locks the pad to your tailgate.
How to lock your bikes on Basecamp 3.0
There are two parts to the setup, and they work together.
First, the pad locks to the truck. Basecamp's integrated strap feeds underneath the tailgate and connects to the locking carabiner on the front of the pad. A 5mm steel-wire beaded cable sits inside that reinforced strap, which is riveted directly to the pad. The carabiner uses a 3-digit combination lock.
Then, your bikes lock to that anchor. The Anchor Lock is the gear cable, not another strap you thread underneath the tailgate. Its looped ends connect to the pad's locking carabiner, as shown in our product photos.
Here's the routine:
- Secure the pad. Feed the integrated locking strap underneath the tailgate and connect it to the built-in carabiner.
- Load and strap your bikes. Fasten the bike straps for transport. Keep those doing their job while you add the cable.
- Connect your bikes to the pad. Pass the Anchor Lock cable through each bike frame you want to secure, then capture both cable loops in the integrated locking carabiner along with the pad's locking strap.
- Close and lock the carabiner. Move the combination dials away from your code and check that the gate won't open. Make sure every bike you're leaving is included in the cable route.
Pad to tailgate. Bikes to pad. One connected setup. You don't need a separate padlock to use the Anchor Lock with Basecamp's built-in carabiner.
The distinction is simple: bike straps keep your bikes positioned for the drive. The Anchor Lock cable and integrated carabiner give you theft resistance for the stop. A tight bike strap doesn't do both jobs, and locking the pad alone doesn't capture a bike that isn't connected to it.
That was the point of building a locking tailgate system in the first place. The tailgate is where the crew comes together, where the gear lands, and where the next plan usually gets made. Securing it shouldn't mean cobbling together another setup every time you park.
No lock makes a bike theft-proof. Our system is built to add theft resistance, not promise the impossible. Connect the bikes, check the lock, and use the bike straps for transport.
FAQ
How does Basecamp 3.0 lock to the truck?
Its integrated locking strap feeds underneath the tailgate and connects to the pad's built-in 3-digit locking carabiner. The reinforced strap contains a 5mm steel-wire beaded cable.
How do I lock my bikes to Basecamp 3.0?
Route the Anchor Lock cable through the bike frames, capture its looped ends in the pad's integrated locking carabiner, and lock the carabiner.
Do I need another padlock for the Anchor Lock?
Not when you connect it to Basecamp's integrated locking carabiner. The built-in combination lock closes the connection.
Does locking the pad automatically lock my bikes?
No. Connect the bike frames to the integrated locking system with the Anchor Lock cable.
Do I still use the bike straps?
Yes. Keep the bike straps fastened for transport; the cable lock has a separate job.
Can I secure several bikes with the Anchor Lock?
Yes, when the cable reaches through every bike frame and connects back to the pad's locking carabiner. Check the actual route rather than assuming a neighboring bike is included.
If you need a hand with your setup, reach out to our team at support@trustcache.com. We'd rather help you get it right than leave you guessing at the tailgate.
