Looking for creative way to monitor tail gate open and closed position

I have seen some that are magnetic contacts vs a standard pin switch .

let me know your ideas

 

Eyes are the best method I know...

 

Anitmatter "container". Closing the tailgate breaks the vacuum causing matter and antimatter to mix....

..."BOOM" means the tailgate is closed.

 

Have a friend sit in the back with a cell phone. Tell him to call you whenever the gate opens or there is a status change.

 

I used this for my bed lights, could be used to power an “open trunk” lamp in the cab somewhere. It’s just an OEM door lamp switch like in the door jamb.

 

I was joshing!

You must be doing some activity where this is an issue. What exactly are you doing that would require this kind of monitoring?

When you start the truck, and then move the gear selector to D, you pass R, which gives you a rear cam view that would tell you if the gate is open or closed.
Would that suffice for you, or do you do something that requires your gate to open and close while you are in motion?

I installed a new head unit that allows me a full time chase view:

 

Do you have a link for that switch?

 

The switch/gate ajar lamp combo could get real annoying hauling long cargo, especially in the dark. If it is opening by itself, just fix the mechanism.

 

Get another camera and insert it in your 3rd brake light. Then you can on command see your tailgate and bed as necessary.

I've been considering this instead of getting a front camera in the grille.

 

1998-2020 Toyota Door Jamb Switch (Front, Rear) 84231-08030 | Toyota of Cool Springs vParts

$13 Genuine Door Ajar/Jamb Switch 84231-08030

Amazon.com: Genuine Door Ajar/Jamb Switch 84231-08030 : Automotive

 

No, I stopped by the local salvage yard and got one from a Toyota truck they had there.

 

I think they charged me 5 bucks for it and the screw.

 

Can't beat that.

 

That OEM Toyota one is nice but would have to find a connector to match. Thats the idea and water tight

 

I did something similar. I used a magnetic switch to change the rear camera video signal when the tailgate is open. I added a second camera on top of the tailgate.

 

Thanks guys what I am looking to do is create a switch to add into aftermarket security

so basically if tail gate opened triggers alarm

so it would be simple single wire to make ground when tailgate is open