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Anyone added a tailgate down warning light?

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by tnbndr, Aug 21, 2021.

  1. Aug 21, 2021 at 8:04 AM
    #1
    tnbndr

    tnbndr [OP] New Member

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    I want to add a light on the dash that will warn me that the tailgate is down.
    Similar to the open door warning light.
    Anyone done this or seen a thread somewhere were it was accomplished?
    TIA
     
  2. Aug 21, 2021 at 8:08 AM
    #2
    TH1776

    TH1776 New Member

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    It's not a bad idea, especially when you have a bed cover. The backup camera let's me know though.
     
  3. Aug 21, 2021 at 8:10 AM
    #3
    tnbndr

    tnbndr [OP] New Member

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    My backup camera doesn't work anymore since changing over to LED reverse bulbs or some other modification.
     
  4. Aug 21, 2021 at 8:20 AM
    #4
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    coldcanuk and NewImprovedRon like this.
  5. Aug 21, 2021 at 3:00 PM
    #5
    Danny3737

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  6. Aug 21, 2021 at 6:41 PM
    #6
    Dr_Al

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    I don't think they will work very well. First you can't have any paint or the switch will not be grounded. At least up here I would want bare steel exposed to the elements. Secondly those switches are also not really made to be exposed to the elements. I think a magnetic reed switch might be a better option if salt is in your Tundra's future.
     
    tnbndr[OP] likes this.
  7. Aug 21, 2021 at 6:47 PM
    #7
    Danny3737

    Danny3737 New Member

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    I was thinking a hood pin switch like you get with a remote starter. You have to make sure it’s made of 316 stainless steel to keep it from rusting
     
  8. Aug 21, 2021 at 6:52 PM
    #8
    JimboSlice413

    JimboSlice413 Super Nice Guy

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    Any normally closed momentary switch should do the trick. I've used these on commercial freezer doors

    Edit: Not any switch. Avoid cheap china switches from Amazon/ebay unless you like to do things twice. Get an eaton,cutler-hammer, usa made switch. There's not really that much price difference and they'll survive the repeated switching and environment for years

    PXL_20210822_014807176.jpg
     
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  9. Aug 21, 2021 at 6:54 PM
    #9
    Dr_Al

    Dr_Al New Member

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    If you get stainless or gold plated and use a ring lug with a wire going to a ground it could work. But you'll need to find a place where you can mount it that the tailgate will push against it but will not be damaged and will hide the wire end. A magnetic reed switch could be mounted on the side by the taillight and a magnet on the tailgate tha would be pretty well protected.
     
    tnbndr[OP] and Danny3737 like this.
  10. Aug 23, 2021 at 3:12 PM
    #10
    07 Tundie

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    Sounds like a wiring issue and not a bulb thing, to be honest.
     
  11. Aug 23, 2021 at 4:19 PM
    #11
    ZeRussian

    ZeRussian New Member

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    Use a magnetic read switch like home security alarms use.
     
    tnbndr[OP] likes this.
  12. Aug 23, 2021 at 4:27 PM
    #12
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    Use a Magnetic Reed Switch like we use for overhead doors in Alarm Systems and then the thing will be armoured really including the wiring.
    Actually if you buy a Sentrol or GRI plastic reed switch and magnet they are sealed pretty tight already anyway and really small ones are available too. I would silicone them onto opposing surfaces and be good to go.

    The Plunger type switches will work too and though they look like they are like the pin switch which is an open metal rust prone switch these are also a reed switch inside and are sealed from the elements too!

    You can also get Alarm Contacts in an Open or Closed version where you would need no other components to light an indicator in the cab except a power tap somewhere.
     
    tnbndr[OP] likes this.
  13. Sep 12, 2021 at 9:43 PM
    #13
    NueveTundra

    NueveTundra Mod list in Bio

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    If you want to get really fancy, get a switch like A.R.E uses on there gas struts for canopy doors its triggers the inside canopy lights when the back glass is open, could easily rig that to easy down strut in the tundras tail gate (behind drivers side tail light) can't remember if the tail gate strut is in compression while close or not under compression. Either way it would work just two different route scenarios for the way the light would be triggered.
     
  14. Sep 12, 2021 at 9:46 PM
    #14
    NueveTundra

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    05821489-A7C2-4457-8DE5-4EC77BF99742.jpg You can find it as a replacement item

    this will not only be a really clean way to install, but also keep more out of the elements also in a way. Also a pretty much a drill free way also instead of drilling the bed for a switch.
     
    tnbndr[OP] likes this.
  15. Sep 16, 2021 at 11:06 AM
    #15
    tnbndr

    tnbndr [OP] New Member

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    Searched ARE site and cannot locate that switch as an item. Would you have a link to where you found it.
     
  16. Sep 16, 2021 at 12:22 PM
    #16
    RdKing

    RdKing Not A Roll Model

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    @tnbndr take the LED bulb out of your highmount brake light.
     
    tnbndr[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  17. Sep 20, 2021 at 4:41 PM
    #17
    tnbndr

    tnbndr [OP] New Member

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    Pretty sure the high mount is not LED but I will check.
     
  18. Nov 6, 2021 at 11:32 PM
    #18
    NueveTundra

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    Yikes some how this one missed my feed. Here ya go , sorry for the late response.
    https://www.siraweb.com/gas-prop-switch
     
  19. May 28, 2022 at 10:16 AM
    #19
    tnbndr

    tnbndr [OP] New Member

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    I bought one of these but it won't work for the tailgate as the strut is compressed when the tailgate is open which would close the switch, cutting the circuit thus turning off a warning light. It is a normally open switch and this application would need it to be normally closed.
    Oh well, worth the try.
     
  20. May 28, 2022 at 10:23 AM
    #20
    Tundra1D6

    Tundra1D6 Well that escalated quickly…

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    Look for a mercury switch, or a tilt sensor for an aftermarket alarm.

    This is very easy to do. Mount the tilt switch inside of the tailgate , run the wires trough the factory camera opening to the cab and add a small led.
     
  21. May 28, 2022 at 5:22 PM
    #21
    PhotoNerd

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    I put this in the tailgate:

    DaierTek 3Pcs Door Jamb Flange Light Hood Mount Pin Switch Nickel Plated Universal with Rubber Boot for Car Truck Boat 20A 12VDC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081MTFTDL

    I use it to automatically turn on the bed lights, but you could turn on a warning lamp by grounding the light to the switch.

    Drill holes and remove paint so the switch is grounded.

    AB09C974-6F6C-4AC7-BD1E-5B24A3B51528.jpg

    Connect light ground wire to switch.EBA6D005-03A4-4DD6-B7EC-4B8D63AFF220.jpg
    Glue a screw to your finger so you can fish it through the brake light opening behind the switch. Maybe you'll figure out a better way lol.A4D223AA-7EF7-4AB5-9E2B-CD5B4909E633.jpg
    Trim the plastic plunger to the right length so the tailgate closes properly.
    3CE9A8C2-5D8B-48B7-A5C1-86892C4B56B8.jpg
     
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  22. May 28, 2022 at 5:52 PM
    #22
    ColoradoTJ

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    Sounds like troubleshooting the camera would be a better option....
     
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  23. May 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM
    #23
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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  24. May 28, 2022 at 6:05 PM
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    ColoradoTJ

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  25. May 28, 2022 at 6:15 PM
    #25
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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    :eek:

    :101010:
     
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  26. May 31, 2022 at 7:47 AM
    #26
    azimuth

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    Funny this thread should pop up. My buddy installed a switch on his Taco to indicate when the tailgate is down. Turned out so nice, I've been considering it for my Tundra since with a tonneau cover, I can't see if it is down in the mirror and I don't remember to check with the camera.
     
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  27. Jun 19, 2022 at 3:13 PM
    #27
    Hyperforming

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    I’d love to have one. Can’t count how many times I’ve ended up at work or across town with the trash still sitting on my tailgate. I’ve got a long driveway and will 100% forget it’s there by the time I get to the trash cans. ‍♂️
     
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  28. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:03 AM
    #28
    tnbndr

    tnbndr [OP] New Member

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    Trash would be ok, what about a shotgun and all your hunting gear??
     
  29. Jun 21, 2022 at 9:41 AM
    #29
    Hyperforming

    Hyperforming New Member

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    That’s no good at all
     
  30. Jul 7, 2022 at 8:09 PM
    #30
    azimuth

    azimuth New Member

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    A few weeks ago I was stopped at a traffic light and noticed unusual activity in my mirror. I looked up at it to see a very sharply dressed woman in her mid 40s climbing out of her Mercedes SUV and walking up to my truck. We made eye contact as she reached my tailgate. She smiled at the curious look on my face, lifted my gate up and closed it. I smiled back sheepishly and mouthed "thank you”. She politely waved and boarded her 80,000.00 black beauty. The light turned green and off we went.
    I need a flashing light.
     

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