D-Max Tailgate Central Locking: How to Add it To Your Ute
The Isuzu D-MAX is one of the most capable and well-regarded utes in Australia, but it shares a common oversight with almost every other ute on the market: the tailgate does not come with central locking from the factory. Lock the vehicle and walk away, and the tub is secured by nothing more than a […]
The Isuzu D-MAX is one of the most capable and well-regarded utes in Australia, but it shares a common oversight with almost every other ute on the market: the tailgate does not come with central locking from the factory. Lock the vehicle and walk away, and the tub is secured by nothing more than a basic latch. For owners carrying tools, camping gear, or any valuables in the tub, that is a meaningful gap in the vehicle’s security.
The good news is that adding D-MAX tailgate central locking is a straightforward fix, and the HSP Tail Lock does it properly — syncing your tailgate directly with the factory remote so it locks and unlocks in step with the rest of the vehicle. Here is everything you need to know about the D-Max Tailgate Central Locking Kit.
Why the D-MAX Tailgate Needs a Lock
The Factory Security Gap
The D-MAX’s factory remote locks the cabin doors reliably. The tailgate, however, operates independently. Without an aftermarket solution, anyone with access to the outside of the vehicle can lift the tailgate handle and open the tub regardless of whether the vehicle is locked. This is a particular concern for owners who regularly park on job sites, in public car parks, or in remote locations where the vehicle is left unattended for extended periods.
It is also worth noting that most canopies and roller covers lip over the tailgate rather than locking independently. If the tailgate is unsecured, those covers are only as secure as the latch beneath them: which is not very secure at all.
The Award-Winning Solution
The HSP Tail Lock is the proud winner of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards for Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product, recognising the straightforward but genuinely useful problem it solves. It is compatible with the D-MAX’s factory remote, proximity sensors, door handles, and automatic timed lock functions, meaning it behaves exactly like a factory-fitted system once installed.
How the HSP Tail Lock Works on the D-MAX
Full Factory Remote Integration
The HSP Tail Lock fully integrates with the existing factory key and runs in sync with the vehicle’s pre-programmed key functionality, including proximity sensors, door handles and automatic timed lock functions. Lock the D-MAX via the key fob, door handle sensor, or auto-lock timer and the tailgate locks with it. Unlock the vehicle and the tailgate unlocks. No separate step, no second remote, no manual process to remember.
Invisible Installation
The mechanism installs completely inside the tailgate and is invisible from the outside. There are no visible components, no aftermarket handles, and nothing to indicate the system is fitted. From the outside, the tailgate looks completely standard. The handle can be lifted when locked but the gate will not open, which removes the risk of forced entry at the latch point.
No Drilling, No Auto Electrician
Installation takes around 45 minutes with no drilling required and simple wiring that does not require a professional auto electrician. The kit can be fitted at home with basic tools or through any of HSP’s 500+ fitting centres across Australia. Step-by-step installation instructions are included with the kit.
Which D-MAX Models Are Covered?
HSP offers dedicated Tail Lock kits for both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 D-MAX platforms.
Gen 3 D-MAX (2021 Onwards)
The Gen 3 Tail Lock kit is engineered specifically for the updated tailgate configuration of the 2020 onwards D-MAX, covering all current variants. It integrates with the Gen 3’s factory remote and proximity locking system as standard. From $249, backed by a 2-year warranty.
Gen 2 D-MAX (2013 to 2020)
For Gen 2 D-MAX owners, HSP offers a dedicated Tail Lock kit engineered to the earlier tailgate configuration. It provides the same factory remote integration and no-drill installation as the Gen 3 kit. From $249, backed by a 2-year warranty.
Pair It With the Tailgate Assist
If you are upgrading the tailgate security, it is worth addressing the other common D-MAX tailgate frustration at the same time. The factory tailgate drops hard without any dampening, creating wear on the hinges and a jarring experience every time you open it.
The HSP Tailgate Assist fits a twin-strut system that dampens the drop on the way down and reduces the effort required to lift it back up. No drilling required on most models, tested to between 20,000 and 100,000 cycles, and compatible with the Tail Lock for a complete tailgate solution. Backed by a 1-year warranty on struts and a 2-year warranty on brackets. From $249.
Browse the full HSP Isuzu D-MAX accessories range and use the HSP 3D Ute Builder to configure your complete D-MAX setup.
Yes. HSP offers dedicated Tail Lock kits for both the Gen 2 D-MAX (2013 to 2020) and the Gen 3 D-MAX (2021 onwards), each engineered specifically for the tailgate configuration of their respective platforms.
Yes. The Tail Lock integrates fully with the D-MAX factory remote including proximity sensors, door handle locking, and automatic timed lock functions, so it behaves exactly like a factory-fitted central locking system.
No. Installation involves simple wiring that does not require a professional auto electrician and can be completed at home in around 45 minutes. Alternatively it can be fitted through any of HSP’s 500+ authorised fitting centres.
No. The Tail Lock installs without drilling and does not interfere with the vehicle’s existing systems or affect the factory warranty.
Yes. The Tail Lock is compatible with the HSP Roll R Cover and works alongside canopies and other tub covers to provide a fully secured tub setup.
The Tail Lock is backed by a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.