Tailgate Open Indicator

[jguns2002]

For those of us w/bed covers, you know it's impossible to tell if the tailgate is open w/out getting out to look. It would be nice if there was a dash light, similar to the "Door Open" light, for the tailgate.

[Blackbeauty]

Just put an ADT or Altronics sensor on there. Then when you forget to disarm it, and the alarm goes off, and the cops come by, well..... let's just say, you won't forget to disarm the alarm the next time....

I would think this is something that would be possible. The only problem I see is that pickup beds are used for dirty loads sometimes, like hauling dirt, lumber, and other stuff that can bang around back there. I would think this could make the sensors susceptible to damge quite easily if you haul more than azz in your truck.

[kokopelli]

Perhaps a magnetic reed switch? Something like you would use on a home window. It would resist dirt and water. Just need to decide what to wire it to.


J

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty

Just put an ADT or Altronics sensor on there. Then when you forget to disarm it, and the alarm goes off, and the cops come by, well..... let's just say, you won't forget to disarm the alarm the next time....

I would think this is something that would be possible. The only problem I see is that pickup beds are used for dirty loads sometimes, like hauling dirt, lumber, and other stuff that can bang around back there. I would think this could make the sensors susceptible to damge quite easily if you haul more than azz in your truck.

[Saliavin]

I don't know if this happens for anybody else, but when I backup with the tailgate down the backup alarm goes nuts. I guess you could just get in the habit of leaving it in reverse for a second to see if the alarm beeps, then keep going down into drive knowing if the tailgate is up or down.

[Bhudda454]

Not sure that I have anything helpful as far as a light or not to offer you. But for me, as the thing cost in the neighborhood of $1100 I never leave mine unlocked, let alone down. The local dealers have been hit lately to the tune of 10 to 15 per night missing.

[jguns2002]

Originally Posted by Saliavin

I don't know if this happens for anybody else, but when I backup with the tailgate down the backup alarm goes nuts. I guess you could just get in the habit of leaving it in reverse for a second to see if the alarm beeps, then keep going down into drive knowing if the tailgate is up or down.

Mine doesn't always beep when it's down, but I've thought of that.

[jguns2002]

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty

I would think this is something that would be possible. The only problem I see is that pickup beds are used for dirty loads sometimes, like hauling dirt, lumber, and other stuff that can bang around back there. I would think this could make the sensors susceptible to damge quite easily if you haul more than azz in your truck.

If you used a covered switch, similar to the one in the doors that activates the interior lights, mounted toward the top of the bed rail, it should be out of the way enough that it wouldn't be a problem.

[jguns2002]

Originally Posted by Bhudda454

Not sure that I have anything helpful as far as a light or not to offer you. But for me, as the thing cost in the neighborhood of $1100 I never leave mine unlocked, let alone down. The local dealers have been hit lately to the tune of 10 to 15 per night missing.

Doesn't seem to be a problem in my neck of the woods.

[Steamguy]

Great idea, jguns. Put it into the "Future Features" thread.

<forehead slap> This is what I could have used when I left my gate down after hooking up my travel trailer. First tight corner I went around, I heard this noise, and after I stopped, I was cursing my stupidity.

[ICTredTitan]

I would go for something like this. Last winter I drove almost 100 miles to a job site and found my tailgate open when I got there. Thank God no tools were missing so I didn't have to walk the interstate backwards.

[jguns2002]

I've driven away from a stores a couple times w/the tailgate down & almost lost some pretty expensive things. Most recently a brand new Dyson Vacuum this past weekend.

[jguns2002]

I just started a thread in GD to see if anyone can help us figure out if there is a way to add this to our trucks.

[Helinut1970]

Originally Posted by jguns2002

I just started a thread in GD to see if anyone can help us figure out if there is a way to add this to our trucks.

I thought that looked like another thread! I answered that one and not this one. Most of the guys use active topics on here anyways so its not a good idea to have two threads about the same thing up. I can post that other one over here and you can delete that one.

[Helinut1970]

I would think you could run from one of the door pins back to the tailgate and that would set it off without tapping in behind the dash. I think it is a single wire on the pin that grounds when the door is opened so if you run a wire form that wire to the back all it will need to do is ground when you open it. I have never opened up the wireing, so I am going just on the memory of other cars I have had in the past.

[white_titan05]

or u could just look at your truck before u get in it lol or when u open the tailgate just pop up the cover so when u see the cover up u know the tail gate is down.