I came up with this idea, since about 50% of the time i forget to put up my tail gate... so i was thinkin, maybe put a light in the cab that comes on when the tailgate is down..... but as far as a switch, im not sure... any ideas?

 

I am thinking a push buttom momentary off switch might work. But where to mount it ? Basicly what i am thinking is get a normally on momentary off push button switch . mount it somewhere so that when the tailgate shuts it pushes the switch and turns off a light. Then when the tail gate is open the button springs up and turns on a light.

its an idea

 

oh thats a really good idea! cant wait to see how it works out.

 

i just use the rear view mirror... angle it so just the top of the tailgate is on the bottom of mirror. Cool idea tho, go for it if your bored

 

like ranger1 said. Something like your refrigerator light has if that helps with the concept.

 

If you use a push button door contact type switch, you will need to find one that is rated for outdoor use. The better way is a magnetic reed door contact switch so it is totally sealed. (the same thing used on burglar alarms in your house).

 

I'd personaly just angle the rear view mirrow as stated above. you gonna go threw with all this wiring, switch mounting etc just to notice your tailgate is down? It seems its not worth it to me

 

If you have a tonneau cover, you can't see the tailgate. Believe me, I've sent stuff flying out the back of my truck many times because I can't see it in the mirror and I forgot it was down.

 

You could get a small pushbutton door ajar switch like most older cars had. Some newer cars also use them (Contour, for example).

It would be rated for outside use and often includes a rubber boot for weather protection. I believe that it could be installed in the bed side where the gate closes although it might be necessary to add a small hidden bracket to the tailgate to contact the switch. Then just wire it to activate a dash indicator when open.

 

I know Soundper4mance(Bob) did it on his F-150. Hopefully he will chime in.

 

This is a mod that I've been wanting to do for a while, perhaps this thread will renew my motivation. In the last year, I've lost my tractor's mower deck, my fire gear, boxes of electrical supplies, my 1000 piece electrical connector set, roadside emergency supplies, etc. Nothing makes you look dumber then when you step on the gas and all this crap falls out the back.

I think I would try to find a way to integrate it into the gearshift. If it is in park or N, it would just have a flashing LED. If I put it in gear, a beeper would come on. A silence button would be needed for the beeper since there occasions to drive with it down (loads).

 

yeah ive done it, but i used a contact switch that was NOT rated for outdoor use, so i have to go and change the switch out. i got a blinking LED from autozone to do it, and it worked kind of well but the light didnt catch my attention, so i have a buzzer but i havent installed it yet

i need it because i have a tonnau cover and cant tell unless i get out and look

 

hmm cool idea, i like the clean look of the LED, Bob where did ya get yer contact button from?..i suppose a trip to the J-yard and i could find some and they would more than likely be outdoor use

and yea, with the cover on its impossible to tell, until someone tells you that yer about to lose some ****, heh, i almost lost my bodylift on the way to our shop.

 

i got my contact from best buy and it sucks

cant find a good waterproof one... anyone?

 

Automotive door ajar switch from the dealer or junkyard.

 

cool idea, i have forgot to close mine once the way to work. I backed in a parking spot and didnt see it was open, it stayed open flashing my 33 spare all day. surprised no one stole it.