$10 DIY Power Lock Tailgate

I'll have an extra actuator we can use on your truck

 

Sold!

 

I accidentally bought a two pack so if you provide the wire you're more than welcome to the actuator

 

Well, the first chance of us meeting I will remind you and at that time you can tell me what kind of beer or spirits you like

 

great write-up

 

I have a couple of questions for you and @mesojdm - I have the smart key entry where I just place my hand near the driver side door handle and it unlocks every door (I programmed it that way)...so my questions are 1) Would it unlock the tailgate as well (after I install the actuator)? 2) And so which side should I run the wires along and splice into (driver's or passenger's)? Does it make a difference? *Note - I previously went into the driver's side to tap into wires there for a switch to some LEDs for the side step bars...well my neighbor did the labor actually LOL. Thanks for any advice and thanks for the great and informative posts with pics!

Also, would this wire work?https://www.ebay.com/itm/Monster-Ca...+2+Conductor&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0|0

 

That wire would work, but it is designed as speaker wire. I personally would opt for something with a little thicker insulation because this will be running under your truck.

I ran my wire up the passenger side. I wanted it on a door other than the drivers door, and the passenger kick panel is easy to get to.

But it will unlock with whatever door you splice into. So yes, it will unlock the tailgate with the touch-unlock (whatever Toyota calls it)

Edit* the reason I went passenger instead of driver is so that if I ever change it back to only unlock the drivers door, I won’t have to redo my wiring, keep it simple and plan long term

 

All my parts just came in the mail yesterday. I'm going to tackle this one tonight or tomorrow night. So excited!

 

Thanks for your response! In regards to the wire I asked about, I also plan to get some wire loom (like you did I believe?), to get some extra protection.

 

Yeah definitely do that as well!

 

I did the tailgate lock today. It was a little scary tapping into “new” truck wires but thanks to @mesojdm and @destin_meeks it was easy. This is a must do if you have a tonneau cover. Thanks again!

 

Glad you joined the club! Now time to start modding! The truck isn’t new anymore!

 

That’s funny. I’ve done the bolt-ons- grill, wheels, speakers. Just not any electrical. Thanks again guys!

 

Thanks to all that blazed a trail on this project. I went a slightly different route. I noticed we were needing a 1-1/2" thick offset for the actuator. I decided to buy a set of rubber 1-1/2" long spacers to mount the actuator to. This helped with the offset and isolated the noise. Also seems to add a little give for the actuator so lock and unlock isn't as violent.

 

I like it. Mind if I ask where you got the spacers from

 

Not at all.

I got these:

$18 4-Pack - Made in USA - Premium Quality Multi-Purpose Rubber Spacer 1" OD x 1/4" ID x 1.5" Thick (AVS-X19-11), for Home-Industrial-Automotive-Marine & More! Buy The Best!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BVY3KPG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Went in with a buddy on this so 4 worked perfect.

 

Nicely done. I love this mod!

 

did this mod this weekend as well! I had a spare electrical outlet box laying around and decided to have some fun and try it. Worked out perfectly as a holder for the actuator. Dremel the hole, screws in, then wrapped the whole thing in Dynamat I had laying around (not pictured) and y'all know the rest as far as wiring and installing goes.

 

^Awesome!

Love this thread lol. From 2X4's, rubber spacers, and now single gang electrical boxes. merica'

 

Yea, I've been wondering about a replacement for the wood spacer, considering we get a lot of rain and high humidity here. Great job!!

Except now we need to change the title of the thread to $16.50 DIY Power Tailgate Lock