The Machine

Im using a slightly larger one than the 522t, it's a 60# solenoid.

jreimers62

Ok Guys.. I have yet to add the Trunk Popper Solenoid to my truck. I have my TR-7 in hand.. and I am going to order the solenoid. I have a question about the wiring. I understand everything except the relay. What relay do you order and what purpose does it serve? The reason I am asking is I also have Ranch Legacy Tonneau that has solenoids for popping it. I want to hook the tr-7 up to pop my tonneau and my tailgate at the same time. I currently have my tailgate unlocking on the 2nd button click. I'd like to pop both on a 4 button click.

Can someone help me understand what the relay mentioned previously is used for?

The Machine

I'll let someone else with more electrical expertise answer about the type and size of relay because the solenoids pull a lot of amps but here's two good links that explains what they do in an easy to understand language.

http://www.mp3car.com/the-faq-empori...ire-it-up.html

http://www.bcae1.com/relays.htm

jreimers62

Thank you. Very helpful. I really appreciate the links.

atpufs

I tried the 522 and it won't pull the latch at all. I don't know if I got a bad one but I could hold onto it and it wouldn't pull very hard at all. I'm going to return it if I can. I ordered the 60 lb. solenoid and will try that install next week.

I have a question for someone with some electrical knowledge.

I had run some 14 gauge wire back for the 522 solenoid, and now that I'm going to the higher torque, 60 lb. solenoid, will the 14 gauge wire be adequate?

If not, could I use both of the 14 gauge wires I ran back there as one, (connect both to power) and then run a separate ground to frame (not tailgate)? Will this be a problem with the TR7 if I run it's ground to the frame?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam

The Machine

I ran 14 for mine and I keep blowing fuses, I'm unfortunately going to pull that out and use 10g so I can comfortably run a 25a fuse. Not sure on running two 14g lines, maybe someone else does. The census seems to be to run a seperate ground for the solenoid so if you do, you can tie the tr7 into that.

atpufs

The Machine,

I was looking on the Electric Life website at the 60 lb. solenoids. If you look at the wire package they sell for these, the largest wire they use is 12 gauge. In the picture the fuse is blue which I think is 15 amp. I've emailed them and asked the proper wire and fuse for this solenoid. I'll post as soon as they get back to me.

Here's my theory. I think your relay circuit is staying closed too long and blowing fuses.

Are you using option #14 or #13 for programming your TR7? I think option #14 is the one to use, but not sure.

I really would like to get this to work on the 14 gauge wires I ran.



Sam

atpufs

Well, I finished this mod a little while ago.

I ended up using the DEI 522 solenoid for opening the tailgate. I was worried about the big power draw with the 60 lb. Electric Life and the 14 gauge wires I ran.

It works incredibly well. I just mounted the servo straight back from the latch, adjusted the slack out of the handle, and it worked great. I tried not to make the cable to tight so that when the solenoid triggered, it would have a little to move prior to pulling the handle. The first time I tried with the 522, I had the cable pulled tight and the servo wouldn't activate. But I was also using the 90 degree mount and a pulley. I don't think this will work with the DEI 522.

Now I just need to reprogram my TR7. I thought I had it setup for a 4 button press, but it's taking 5. I guess I'm less likely to accidentally open it that way though.

I have a 60 lb. Electric Life solenoid coming from Amazon but I think I'm going to return it after a week or so as long as this setup keeps working.

Thanks everyone for the information and input. This is a useful mod along with the power lock.

The Machine

Finally finished this!!! Here's a link to the video, I'll do a formal write up in the next day or two, thanks everyone for all the help and teaching this noob how to do stuff like this!!

Red13

My wifes Subaru Outback opens the gate with a touch of button or a swift swipe of your foot under the tow hitch. it is a cool idea.