jreimers62

I've been using the search feature trying to find install instructions for adding an actuator in my tailgate to remotely lock and unlock it. Most of the threads point to post in this link
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/keyless-tailgate-73513/

For some reason this link keeps coming up dead for me. Can someone help me out please?

cslf150

You can use this link ..

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/tailgate-lock-32346/

It's the one I referenced , as the other link's not working. Good luck finding the correct wires in the driver side door sill . I just went directly to the drivers side rear door to tap into the actuator wires.

Adobe2X

Post #7

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/pop-lock-2013-a-197350/

ianinedm

Those last few threads are good info.

I see you have a '13 screw, the wires in the front pass side to use are: purple/white and grey/brown. reverse if the polarity it wrong (locks when should unlock etc) and there is a small grommet under the pass rear side where you can bring the wire in.

I would also recommend using the pass side versus the drivers side as a means to reduce wear on the actuator (assuming you are using two stage unlocking). If you are using one stage unlocking to unlock all the doors at once, use whatever side you want, but i am unsure if the colours are the same on the drivers side.

jreimers62

Thank you all for the help. The wiring information is very helpful. And the photos showing the actuator placement are as well. I have been debating the Pop and Lock vs. the $5 Actuator from ebay for a few days now. The P&L at least has video installation guides on Youtube. This is my 1st new truck in 20 years and I don't want to mess it up with a bad hack job. The savings make the ebay route extremely tempting. But the plug and play kit from P&L makes it seem so easy.

I have already ordered the DeeZee Tailgate Assist, just waiting for it to arrive and I am also looking into installing a reverse camera as that is the one option my Lariat didn't come with. I will be tying it into the MFT screen probably using the LockPick II. I am assuming that is the easiest method.

Toddman38

iTrader: (5)

I have the Pop N Lock and the DeeZee, love both for the Ease of install! Would buy both again, as well as recommend them! I went through the pass. Side to connect my Pop N Lock... I was lucky enough to score my Pop N Lock from a member who Sold his truck, so it was new in the box for $50.00!

jreimers62

Thanks, Toddman34. You didn't make my decision any easier I saw I could get the P&L on Amazon for about $75.

Toddman38

iTrader: (5)

Id get it then!

Ive had mine installed for a yr... Works flawlessly, and like you said didn't have to Rig anything up! Wires come covered in Wire Loom, so no Worries of Chaffing or Shorting out inside the Frame where I ran my wires...

Simply connects to one bolt on the tailgate handle, run wire into cab sill plate, tap 2 wires and Done! Took me bout 40 minutes!

ianinedm

If you have the cash, get the pop and lock, it's idiot proof. If you go with the actuator, you have find a mounting spot and rig up something to account for the arcing movement of the lock itself.

I have installed both, the PNL has nice cabling and a weather proof connection for disconnecting at the tailgate and installs in less than an hour. The only complaint i had with the PNL is that the wiring that we got with our kit was white and the truck was black. Nothing a little split loom couldn't fix. Cost = $100/cad.

I used the actuator method on my truck and it took a while to rig something up that works. Cost = $20/cad with lots of wire, split loom and connectors.

It's a super cheap mod if you do it yourself, but if you have the cash, go with the pnl, it's just a easy all in one package.

jreimers62

Arrghh.. I bit the bullet and went for the easy route. Thanks guys. I also purchased a Master Lock 8253DAT Tailgate Lock at the same time. Wish me luck on the install when it shows...