DIY: Automatic Tailgate and Unlock/Lock Projects with Pics..

[WT]

Well I got a few actuators in the mail this weekend so I started working on 2 projects. 1st was the simple add a actuaor to unlock and lock the tailgate when you unlock all the doors, there is a DIY on this board already so I wont go into much detail on this just a few pictures of the actuator and the way I mounted mine. This was simple except the need for atleast a 1" throw on the actuator. Good news if I found a good model number to search for, Search for "524N" on ebay or other at a local auto alrm install shop, this is considered a slim extra heavy duty unit but it does have a 1" throw so it works just right. I got a unit for around $15.00 shipped.

The second project I am working on is being able to automaticly open the rear tailgate with the the stock keyless entry fob after you unlock. Since the tailgate has the shock thingy to help lower the tailgate slowly this looks cool or did when I ran it throw a quick test after mounting 2 more actuators for this. I cost for this project so far is around $10.00 shipped or so for the 2 actuators. I had the other parts (electronic module, and relay) I needed already from other projects I have done on my car a while back. If you need these you can probably get them for around another $20 - $30 bucks.

Sorry I dont have completed pictures yet since it got dark before I was able to run the needed wires to the tailgate from the cab this afternoon. I did have time to locate and pre-tested the wires I need at the passengers door sill. I wil get more pictures as I complete this project and make a small video of the tailgate opening automaticly when I get things further along, maybe next weekend if not sooner.

524N actuator:


Mounted to bracket I bent to shape:


Mounted in location in the tailgate:


The standard actuators for opening the tailgate (one for each side):


Close up on one side mounted:


Both units mounted:


Wire I found that I will be using:


I am still debating on doing a right up on the second project since I don't know how popular or much demand for some thing like this. I would just hate to waste to much time if there are not enough people that would like to see it. To me its pretty simple and strait forward but I know other like having a it on paper.

So let me know what you guys and gals think........

** Updated ** 11/28/07
Okay for simplcity some folks have had problems getting the files attached due to file size limits from there internet email provider. So I decided to toss up a quick web page with the file and a few other files I have collected along the way and doing other research so I thought I would share.
Let me know if anyone still has problems getting the file, sorry the speed may be a little slow its on my home server since I don't think there will be that much demand for the files....
WebSite: Tundra.Zapto.org

[wileetundra]

Nice work and good pics too. I had considered the auto-opening tailgate but was concerned about the following issues:

1. I assumed the actuators might not have enough power to unlatch the gate, or that they might burn up over time from the heavier load.
2. I didn't want to install a separate switch or new remote for this, and I couldn't think of a cheap easy way to use the factory remote but still only drop the gate when I wanted to.
3. I have a BAKFlip cover with a rubber seal which lays across the top rail of the tailgate and this might provide just enough friction to stop the gate from dropping when unlatched.
4. I assumed the gate would not open or drop when parked on a hill or angle, or if cargo was pressing against it from inside.
5. I didn't want the gate to be subject to opening while on the road, such as from a stray wireless signal or interference.

If you have completed your install and found a solution to the above then please post more info.

[WT]

Originally Posted by wileetundra

Nice work and good pics too. I had considered the auto-opening tailgate but was concerned about the following issues:

1. I assumed the actuators might not have enough power to unlatch the gate, or that they might burn up over time from the heavier load.
2. I didn't want to install a separate switch or new remote for this, and I couldn't think of a cheap easy way to use the factory remote but still only drop the gate when I wanted to.
3. I have a BAKFlip cover with a rubber seal which lays across the top rail of the tailgate and this might provide just enough friction to stop the gate from dropping when unlatched.
4. I assumed the gate would not open or drop when parked on a hill or angle, or if cargo was pressing against it from inside.
5. I didn't want the gate to be subject to opening while on the road, such as from a stray wireless signal or interference.

If you have completed your install and found a solution to the above then please post more info.

Let me try and address a few of your concerns for now but will have more details once I am done. Oh by the way great questions.

1. Each of the pistol type actuators are 3/4" throws and can handle roughly 7lbs each so with 2 thats more than enough to open the two latches on each side of the tailgate (15lbs of push or pull).
2. Oh my little project I plan to use the stock keyless key fob so no extra switchs or key fobs needed to do this.
3. Not to sure about how much drag the Bakflip will add but I will test it out once I get done since I too have one. If this causes any issues there a simple spring loaded push rod that can be added rather cheap to help get the tailgate started.
4. Not to sure but think the simple thing would be use the same idea as #3 on the spring loaded push rod (used for shaved door handles kits). I will be able to test it out more once I get it completed.
5. This should not be a issue but only time will tell for sure. If there is a concern with this occuring you could always add a relay to disable this as you have the truck started, simple safety measure.

I post more information once I get this done to give more information to anyone interested. Just thought this would be a nice addition to have when you have a hand full of stuff and walking up to the truck and want to put in in the crago area.

[bosh]

I really like the auto lock / unlock idea. Great idea! Good job on the install too.... very clean looking!
Does the part you connect the actuator to (on the lock / unlock pivot) seem strong enough to hold up? It looks plastic in the picture.
Also can you still use the key?

[WT]

Originally Posted by bosh

I really like the auto lock / unlock idea. Great idea! Good job on the install too.... very clean looking!
Does the part you connect the actuator to (on the lock / unlock pivot) seem strong enough to hold up? It looks plastic in the picture.
Also can you still use the key?

I think it be fine it is a pretty solid part and this in no way affect the function of the key or the anything else. In other words this just adds auto lock and unlock functions to the tailgate which I think Toyota should of had on the truck from the begining. Like I said this has been done by a few other members here and no one has reported any issues yet, so we will see after more time.

[blackgts2002]

What happens if you lock the tailgate and try to open it, will the actuators burn out? my thought is that the lock just disables the handle, so it if disabled the handle, you could technically leave it locked all the time and just use the remote to open it right? Negating the locking actuator..??

also, the way you did it, can you still open by hand without hurting the actuators?

[WT]

Originally Posted by blackgts2002

What happens if you lock the tailgate and try to open it, will the actuators burn out? my thought is that the lock just disables the handle, so it if disabled the handle, you could technically leave it locked all the time and just use the remote to open it right? Negating the locking actuator..??

also, the way you did it, can you still open by hand without hurting the actuators?

They would try to open the tailgate but wont be able to since its still locked but when I am done with my setup the only time you can open the tailgate is once the tailgate has been unlocked first so this should not be a issue and even if not the motors can handle the load since its just a short pulse your sending to the actuators not a constant voltage so they wont burn out (most actuators also have thermo circuit breakers built in to eliminate this problem).

Once I am done the tailgate will function as if it was stock just that I have some control over it via the stock keyless remote. This will not cause harm to the actuators either since there not energized at rest, so they move freely forward and backwards when needed.

Hope this answers some of your questions if not let me know....

[blackgts2002]

answers em all! thanks!

[cwit]

I have the lock system already. Really want the open system please eather post or e-mail how to when you can so I can install. Need part list, and wire diagram.

[Austin Aggie]

Please keep us updated, this is a cool project!

[DTundra578]

Is it done yet?? Anxiously awaiting the final pics and instructions!

[WT]

Originally Posted by DTundra578

Is it done yet?? Anxiously awaiting the final pics and instructions!

Sorry nope no time this week so far been raining and dark when I get home from work so no time yet. I should hopefuly have time this weekend if the weather holds and nothing pops up.

[WT]

Okay it warmed enough to go out and run the wire under the truck and in to the tailgate and the cab to wire it all up.... on to a few pics and a teaser video for the ones of you who care. I think this is a neat little project to do and you can do it all from your current keyless key fob.
I still got some final tweeking to do tomorrow and cleanup but its working as I invisioned it would. The ones of you will a top that resting on the tailgate will need to add a spring loaded popper to get it to pop open when released.
Well enough of my rambiling and on to a few more pics and the video as promised. If anyone is interested I will try and get around to doing a little writeup nothing to detailed but enough to get you there.

Under the truck were I came through the floor board area


wiring


Relay for safety probbaly could of left it off but better safe than sorry


The TR-7 module, this is a great module to do neat stuff lots of features but all I am using it for in this project is to be a pulse counter and to trigger my relay at the end of set pulse count.



Last the video of it working....
This was before I added the popper as you can see I had my bakflip with one panel flipped during testing.


Hope you all enjoy this and let me know what you think of my little project or have any questions the pictures don't answer.

[DTundra578]

awesome...I would def. like to see the write-up...like the wiring directions for those two relay's you threw in.

From the vid it looked like 4 presses of the unlock pops the tailgate? Can you change the number or how does that all work?

I am assuming you have those to actuators mounted on the inside of the tailgate like your previous pictures show....did you have to run more wires aside from the auto lock/unlock or can I splice into those? If I can splice into those does that mean I can put all the relays in the tailgate??

Awesome mod again btw.

[WT]

Originally Posted by DTundra578

awesome...I would def. like to see the write-up...like the wiring directions for those two relay's you threw in.

From the vid it looked like 4 presses of the unlock pops the tailgate? Can you change the number or how does that all work?

I am assuming you have those to actuators mounted on the inside of the tailgate like your previous pictures show....did you have to run more wires aside from the auto lock/unlock or can I splice into those? If I can splice into those does that mean I can put all the relays in the tailgate??

Awesome mod again btw.

I do a more detailed write up when I get more free time but it may be a week or so since next weeks a holiday week and have to get some stuff done before family shows up. Let me try and explain what this is doing a little more and the wiring.
Yes I set the TR-7 to count 3 pulses which is really 4 on the tundra cause the first one unlocks the drivers door only then the second unlock opens all doors and tailgate, the decided to skip the 3 cause of safety in case someone else is messing with your remote and hit it that many times it opens the tailgate by accident, thats the reason I choose 4 but you can set it to count 2 if you like totaly up to you. The TR-7 modules are realy handy modules that can be used for lots of things if you wanted.
The complete setup if you include the tailgate lock is 4 wires to the tailgate from the cab. I decided to put the TR-7 module and relay for the auto open in the cab to keep things dry and easier to service if needed.
You basicly tap into 3 wires in the cab, 2 are for the tailgate lock (the smaller gauge wires in the picture) the larger blue one is the one I used for my source of 12V and for a ground source I just used a wire in a frame bold in the door sill there. The other 2 wires are for the auto open motors.