Auto-Open Tailgate Mod / Build

I originally posted this in the What Have You Done Today thread, but thought it might see more action here.

I wired up my tailgate to open automatically when I hit the unlock button on my key fob three times within 4 seconds. It is glorious, cool and borderline useless all at the same time.

Took one of these ($11): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002J22BO/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, two of these ($33.50):

$19 Directed Electronics Install Essentials 524N High Power Door Lock Motor

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009SWLE6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, some wire, an in-line fuse and a standard Bosch relay that I had laying around. Since I have a Backflip MX4 that adds a bit of friction to the top of the tailgate, I also ended up needing one of these $6.00 door poppers: https://www.amazon.com/Baosity-Stai...=door+popper&qid=1555095721&s=gateway&sr=8-41 Total of $52 invested.

My truck came with the Toyota/ Pop-A-Lock tailgate lock dealer installed, so I just had to add two wires going to the tailgate, add the actuators to the handle, and wire it up to the passenger side footwell where the tailgate lock was already wired into. I downloaded the directions from an old post on a different Tundra forum years ago as a pdf. FOR INSTRUCTIONS SEE POST #12 BELOW.

Link to video: https://youtu.be/oKlFF1lOt1c

 

Your version of them wimminz who waive their foot underneath the ass end of their Tahoe or **cough cough** gas guzzling Suburban.

 

I had to read it three of four times, but yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head....

I did this on my 2011 Tundra a few years ago and remember a guy getting out of a brand new King Ranch in the grocery store parking lot as I walked up to load groceries see me do it... the look of disgust on his face when I told him that it was standard on all Tundras was worth every second it took me to do it!!!

 

That’s awesome, strong work. I’ll take the pdf...jrharvey02@gmail.com

Oh, and could you wire me up something that closes my wife’s mouth when I hit the unlock button 4 times? TIA.

 

Do you have a write up? I have the everything else except the popper. Thank you

Edit...I’ll send you a PM

 

In for the install instructions. I love badass/borderline useless mods!

 

If one had a choice between the unlock button 4 times doing this ^^^ or making your c*ck bigger.........I do believe that you really do have a decision to make!!!!

 

E-Mail sent.

If someone wants to take the pdf and post or host it somewhere, that'd be GREAT!

 

I'm definitely interested on how to install. I added a diy pop and lock. Do I need a second actuator to move the tailgate handle? I assume that's what it takes. They are cheap enough that I would definitely pick one up and do this mod.

 

Takes two additional actuators for the auto-tailgate drop. I think the pop-a-lock uses one.

I've e-mailed 12 or 14 members the pdf instructions and think I sent one to everyone that requested them. I sent out about 10 about 5 minutes ago on Monday (4/15) morning. If I missed someone, please send another message.

 

BUTTTTT, is there an auto close?!

sweet write up, OP!

 

@ncorry Thanks for the instructions. I've attached it for anyone else that might like it.

 

Very interesting, now we just have to get it to close with a push of a button.

 

Actually just rented n XL Burban and they get better mileage than us...

 

Wanting to do this mod but can’t seem to find a picture of the wires that are connected to the relay and tr7. The struggles of a visual learner

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Are there any differences in the instructions for a 2019?

 

Nope, I did it on my 2019 that is in the video in the first post.

 

Hey guys!...new member here, just brought my 2020 Platinum, and want to add both the lock and auto open feature...never did anything like this before, I’m trying to look up the Bosch relay but there’s a million of them, which one do I need???...I’m somewhat handy so I know I could do this all myself but never used anything quite like this...and what gauge wiring should I use to run from tailgate to cab, 16 or 18?...thanks in advance!

 

I bought these

$16 EPAuto 30/40 AMP Relay Harness Spdt 12V, 5-PIN SPDT Bosch Style - 5 Pack

relays from Amazon, although any "Bosch Style 12V relays" should work just fine, and yes, there are a million of them. I've used 18 gauge wire from the cab to the tailgate every time I've done these runs. If you don't have any on hand, you might also want some crimp-on terminals, a wire stripper/ crimper, T-taps or Posi-taps (18 gauge to match the wire), an in-line fuse holder or three. And maybe some 1/4" or 3/8" wire loom to protect the wires on the run through firewall (or body gasket) and under the truck and bed, and then up into the tailgate next to the wires going to the rear camera. And maybe a voltage meter to ensure you don't royally screw the pooch and short out the head unit- to be avoided at all costs.

 

Ok awesome, thanks for the help man!...yea that’s the part I’m a little nervous about, what wire goes where...seems like a lot of wiring involved and I don’t wanna screw it up!...I have in lines, taps, and all other stuff needed, so I should be good, just hopefully make the right connections...hahaha

 

i tried downloading the pdf and for some reason it won’t work. Can you email it to me?

 

Sure. PM your email.

 

This is really awesome! Great detail on the write-up and the pictures are really helpful!

I was about to click Buy now on all of the things listed then I thought about it....

My ARE topper won't let the tailgate open unless the glass door is open.. hashtag-dangit Maybe I'll look into an option where I press the unlock button 4 times to open the glass (it's on gas shocks), wait 4 seconds, and press unlock 4 times again.

Or I'll continue to be jealous of those who have done this.

 

Thank you for this @ncorry. I downloaded your instructions and purchased all the parts I was just about to do this when I realized I have no idea how to install the two Pistol type door actuators. The instructions do not mention how you mounted these or have pictures that show them installed. Can you please provide additional details on how you attached these to the rods that release the tailgate and where are they mounted inside the tailgate? Lastly, can you still open the tailgate manually or do you have to use the remote going forward when this is installed?

FYI, like you, I already have the locking/unlocking functionality so I just need to do the steps to add auto open. Attached is a photo of how my locking/unlocking actuator is installed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bQJAvV3vBB9HBud99


EDIT: Nevermind. I am an idiot. I just realized the top part of page 4 showed this.

 

Did you get it figured out? Yes, you can still manually open tailgate.

 

I did, thank you for the details.

 

NCorry, those poppers aren't available on Amazon.
I found these though:

$18 Jdmspeed New Stainless Chrome Door Poppers Trunk Popper Street Rod 2 PCS

https://www.amazon.com/JDMSPEED-Sta...Y0REXPW0T87&psc=1&refRID=VQQYRGXJHY0REXPW0T87
They look like they'll work.

 

Also, if your pop & lock is already installed, you only need 2 wires to the cab, right? For the opening actuators only?

 

Thank you for this. Looking forward to some quality covid19 quarantine time this weekend. I've found several diy projects I'd like to test out. Between naps.