simple, light, and attached to the rear door sounds perfect.
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Simple, light, sliding mechanism seems like a good way to go to me. Not sure exactly what you have in mind. I have a lame latching system (not locking) on my GFC to help on windy nights that I threw together with junk I had in the garage. I’d be happy to remove that…
Always on the gate is preferred.
Peace.
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Third vote for light and on the door. I’m more concerned with wind than anything else.
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Finally getting somewhere with this. And first off yes I understand that a bungee works for this, but where is the fun in that? 
. I have been running a thin steel prototype of two different options. The first simple one was good for security, but when @oddball mentioned wind I had to revisit it. While it kept the panel closed, it had enough slop that it banged worse than the unlocked panel. The pic below is my current version. With tight tolerances against the panel there is plenty of stability for the one bolt to lock it in. I have 2 made of steel in right now that seem to be working awesome. You have to pull the door a bit to close it so it has tension from the door seal and seems solid. It also blocks the latch from being closed from the outside.
I am getting some parts cut from 1/8" aluminum this week that should be way lighter and much nicer looking, and I’ll post up some pics as soon as I have them installed.
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Awesome work, man! I’ll put in an order as soon as they’re available!
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Wow! Looks like this could be a home run. I’ll definitely order a set if you bring this to market. Great job. Again…
I hope this works out. I’ll certainly support your efforts. Strong work, sir.
Peace.
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Thats an awesome design! Can’t wait to get whatever product you put out!
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Very interested. Looking forward to seeing the final product.
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Following this thread. My wife will be stoked
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Just got the final design done other than a few very small tweaks for fitment. Going to give these a test for a few weeks on a few different trucks, but hopefully good to go after that. Made of aluminum with stainless steel hardware, and the best part is it only weighs 3.5oz! Will keep everyone posted as I’d like to offer these for anyone that wants some.
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Nice work! Def interested in a set
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Oh man, I bet you’re gonna sell the shit out of these!
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Agreed. I believe that you will “sell the shit out of these”. They look great. Great work.
Peace.
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Can’t wait to get some! My wife has been excited as well which is a first 
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I am so down for these!
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I’ll drink that kool aid. Nice work!
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I’m in…just sell them already! We will all be your R&D test dummies
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I’ll probably end up getting these because I like gadgets. But…is the main concern not being locked in or keeping others out or ???
My arms are long enough to reach the latches and you can always do a reverse muscle up to shimmy down. And to keep others out, I’d need to get into the practice of locking the tailgate.
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Mostly for me when the tent is popped it is an easy way to keep the panel from moving in the wind, as well as a little bit of security (my tailgate locks with the fob).
For the times I sleep in the bed and don’t pop the tent (super windy conditions and stealth camping mostly), it makes it so someone can’t lock me in from the outside.
And I like gadgets and making things!
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