if your hands are full, how are you gonna hit a switch?

With out the key/fob you cant open the tailgate....so youll have to use the key pad on the door to unlock the truck (to unlock the tailgate)....and well....since youre already at the (drivers door)....you might as well just OPEN the door and hit the button on the dash (above the light switch)! Further, youll want to lock the truck (tailgate open or closed)....and you might as well use the door keypad & hit the button to close the tailgate (same as you did to open it)!

sounds like you just want a switch (hope its weather sealed)....know this....when you run the wire (thru the tail gate)...if you have to UNPLUG the tailgate (likely)...you'll set the alarm off (same as you would if you disconnect a trailer w/ the alarm on)!

 

You may need to bump it a bit further. I tried this with my truck today, and had to lift the gate 3-4 inches to get it to automatically close from there.

 

all you have to do is raise it a couple inches and PAUSE....the motor will take over and close it.

 

I tried the keypad version and pressing "5" after unlocking didn't work. The Taurus switch I have mounts under the trunk lid lip kinda in the same position as the tailgate and it's possibly the same switch. I appreciate all of the suggestions but the switch however will provide the convenience im looking for. I just need to figure out how to wire.

 

Look at it this way if lifting your knee with your hands full is awkward and presents a threat of falling.

Reaching in with your arms full and maneuvering into the right position to push a button to activate a tailgate that your already leaning over. That surely sounds like a hold my beer and watch this moment in the making. It is never a good idea to put yourself in harms way of self activated device.

It's actions like yours is one of the reasons we all have electric windows on our modern F150's that have a mind of their own when closing.

Ford supplied 3 fairly safe manners to open and close your tailgate stop trying to find a easier and better way to injure yourself.

 

door keypad "option 5" is BS....its an internet joke - there is no such operation/option.

If youre at the door / using the keypad (w/out your key fob) and you want to open (or close) the tailgate all you have to do is open the door and hit the button on the dash....

 

All you have to do from the keypad is unlock the doors and the press the button on the tailgate.

 

OR you can just open the door and hit the button on the dash and the tailgate will open OR close....the point is, there are multiple options.
If youre unlocking the truck (to unlock the tailgate) anyway....just open the door and hit the button on the dash....by the time you walk back to the tailgate itll be fully open.....same if you leave the tailgate down and are too weak to lift the tailgate 3 inches, you can just hit the button (on the tailgate) or the dash.

Anymore I dont even bother to lift the tailgate if im leaving....or I need to lock the truck....I just use the button on the dash (or the remote)!