Tailgate closed?

Alexa, is my tailgate open?

 

Except Toyota decided to kill Alexa integration at the end of October. Well I enjoyed having Alexa start my Tacoma for 2 months at least.

 

Shift into reverse usually works for me before leaving. I’m lazy like that. I’ve done it at a stop light.

 

it’s not lazy, it’s “work smarter, not harder”

 

I do, more often than not.
With an automatic trans you have to pass by reverse in order to drive forward. Pause for a second in reverse to glance at the screen - you'll know then whether or not the tailgate is up or down. Might require some initial discipline to do this regularly, but it's worth the effort to make it a habit.
OR, you can spend the $$$ to jury-rig a flag that you can see in the rear-view mirror. Question is, will it register in your brain if it's not noticed?
Of course, if yours is a manual trans, you'll have to develop a different habit - like popping it into reverse, glancing at the screen, then shifting into 1st if all is good.

 

this is a simple problem that's already been solved in the commercial industry for dump trucks.
this goes in the back whenever the dump body is raised.

$32 Buyers Products B95W Body-Up Indicator Switch

https://www.amazon.com/Buyers-Products-B95W-Body-Up-Indicator/dp/B01D05YHV4

this goes into a hole drilled in the dash directly in front of the driver.

JAIZAIWJ 6pcs Red LED Metal Signal Indicator Light 12V/24V 12mm 1/2" Warning Lights Pilot Lights with 200mm Wire for Car Trucks Boats

https://www.amazon.com/JWJAN-Signal...=12v+indicator+light+red,automotive,96&sr=1-5

 

it's like it so easy and doable, some may have missed it.

 

your truck came with reverse?!?

 

I can't be bothered with using reverse. It takes too many seconds out of my day. Im looking for a dual entrance garage mod, because I'm tired of driving through walls.

 

i'm keen to the "barndominium large enough to turn around in" mod. but we all know turning around in it would only last the first week!

 

Nope, it’s an SR5. I had to go aftermarket