I have searched here and can't find anything about adding the ability to add remote tailgate release ability to the 15-18 models (not using OEM materials as this would probably be cost prohibitive.) I did find some info on earlier models, and I think I have acquired all necessary materials besides wire (more on that below.) I had this feature on my 15 Lariat 502A and really miss it, actually. I traded that truck in on a new 17 XLT 302A last June and it obviously does not have this option.

Materials:
to release the tailgate. This model has 50 lbs of pull force.
this will be used to receive the pulse from the tailgate lock wire (it is programmable.)
OEM tailgate assist shock or Dee Zee (I already had the Dee Zee one installed.)
Standard 4 or 5 pin relay
Wire and various wiring components (heat shrink, connectors, etc.)
Small piece of flat steel for mounting the solenoid
This should be a sub 100 dollar project including the Dee Zee assist shock.

I started tinkering with the materials yesterday and have so far determined where the solenoid can be placed. Space is open and fairly easy to work in, but where the solenoid can actually be mounted is limited. I should add that I have the tailgate step. I have welded in a small piece of flat steel along the square tubing the step slides out of. This is really the best mounting solution I was able to come up with. Yes my welds are terrible. Yes I used white spray paint, its all I had, but its not visible anyway. I was using 16 gauge wire ran to the solenoid straight from the battery as a test. It's not large enough and the solenoid will not fully engage. This will be ran on a relay and I will pick up some 12 or 10 gauge wire to power the solenoid today.

This is where I am currently. More to come later. Taking it slow....mainly because I don't have a lot of fee time to mess with it.


The pull cable will attach right by the green piece you see in the top of the photo. I drilled a very small hole just large enough for the pull cable to run through. It is obscured in the photo and the cable is not in place.

Crappy weld with white spray paint.


Tight fit, but this will hopefully work.

 

I haven't abandoned this post or project, in case anyone that looked was wondering. I just haven't had the time to complete it. Hoping to get it wrapped up soon, though. Maybe this weekend. Basically all that is left to do is run the wiring, program the TR-7 and test to make sure it works. I did purchase some 12 gauge wire and tested to make sure it was large enough to run the length of the truck and engage the solenoid, and it is good.

 

 

Interesting. How do you plan to activate the release? I'm thinking it may not be good to activate with the FOB when unlocking doors, if someone is parked behind you. I like the idea though.

 

It will be with the FOB. The PAC TR-7 will be programmed to engage the solenoid with a series of 3 or 4 pulses from the unlock button. So it would only release when intentionally pressing the unlock button 3 or 4 times (depending on how I program) within a 5 second period. The only difference will be that I don't have the dedicated tailgate release on my FOB like my Lariat. Otherwise, one should be intentional of what is behind their truck when releasing the tailgate.

 

Gotcha. I'll be watching, I like this idea.

 

Everything is installed and working....for the most part. I have fabricated several cable pulls for the handle and am having a hard time getting the tension just right on the cable. Too lose and it doesn't pull the handle far enough. Too tight and the solenoid doesn't have quiet enough strength to pull the handle. I will probably opt for a solid pull rod, like what is used from the handle to the latches in the tailgate. I think I could use something like a metal hanger for this or something similar. Just need to find the time to tinker with it. Everything else IS working, though, so this is a doable mod as long as I can get the solenoid pull just right. Hopefully I won't need to upgrade to a stronger solenoid. I will provide an update on that once i have it dialed in.

 

 

That seems like a lot of work for such a basic function but congrats!

 

Did you end up using a rod or the cable? Any updates on how it is working?