Tailgate Release Handle

[banessi]

Has anybody messed with the tailgate latch at all? I've been sleeping in the back of the JL and I wanted to be able to open the tailgate from inside. I found this video of somebody doing this in a JK. I was hoping somebody had looked at this and maybe even did it already. I'd love to be able to release it with the standard trunk pull like in the video but it would be even better to have an actual handle to easily close it from inside too. Any thoughts/ideas?

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[jeremyjeep]

Have you figured this one out yet?

 

[banessi]

Not yet. I'm a little surprised there isn't an aftermarket solution out there for at least JKs. One of these days I'm going to pop that back plate off and look and the innards. I might wait until the Trail Rail system comes out and do both at the same time. I'll probably just do something similar to what he did but attach some kind of handle to actually yank the door closed. I was thinking about using a soft handle from a JK like this and bolting to the back gate to close (https://www.quadratec.com/products/14018_1113.htm). I could thread a release through the same handle.

 

[Majestic]

Ask your wife if you can sleep in the house next time.

 

[banessi]

I think I may have a plan. Assuming a similar release to the JK I’ll use a coated cable like the one below (one foot lengths on Amazon) and connect that to this paracord bracelet I already had. For the handle to close the gate I’m thinking about using this other paracord handle to some of the anchor points for the Trail Rail Management System. Once that or some aftermarket solution is purchased I can move the handle to that. I’ll do some investigation and will post further.

 

[banessi]

Pulled the trigger on this project today. Very happy how things turned out. Here’s my write up.

I used the parts I had mentioned above. Used a paracord bracelet for the release. Bought a six inch cable (King Marine Bimini Top 6" Nylon Clear Coated SS Cable with loop - 2 pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DVJBKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zd77AbGKV30CM) and shackles (Cosmos ® 10 PCS ½ inch Silver Color Stainless Steel D Shackles with Cosmos Fastening Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KYDZE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ne77AbGD08EPR) along with this handle (Bartact TAOGHRPBR - Jeep Wrangler JK Rear Side Sound Bar Paracord Grab Handles (PAIR) - Made in USA - BLACK/RED https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PO17GDO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6e77AbN1ZSCMS).

I popped off the rear trim using a trim tool. Popped off easily. I used a shackle to attach the cable to the mechanism pictured. I initially tried the plug port in the pics but didn’t have the downward angle I needed to release. So I drilled a hole in the plastic and put a rubber grommet in the plastic.

For the handle I used the two unused threaded holes. The top hole is an M8 and the bottom is an M6. Both are fine (28) thread. I had an M8 but didn’t have an M6 that was long enough. I bought a 35mm and it worked but would have preferred a 40 or 45 for mor depth in the threads.

I drilled through the plastic and screwed them through after replacing the trim. Painted the washer and bolts but the paint came off when torquing down. Will paint in place. I hope some of you can make used of this. Used the extra handle and a shackle as a handle for my Hydroflask. See pics below.

View attachment 41333

 

[wanderer]

pretty cool

 

[Euro JEEP]

Pulled the trigger on this project today. Very happy how things turned out. Here’s my right up.

I used the parts I had mentioned above. Used a paracord bracelet for the release. Bought a six inch cable (King Marine Bimini Top 6" Nylon Clear Coated SS Cable with loop - 2 pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DVJBKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zd77AbGKV30CM) and shackles (Cosmos ® 10 PCS ½ inch Silver Color Stainless Steel D Shackles with Cosmos Fastening Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KYDZE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ne77AbGD08EPR) along with this handle (Bartact TAOGHRPBR - Jeep Wrangler JK Rear Side Sound Bar Paracord Grab Handles (PAIR) - Made in USA - BLACK/RED https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PO17GDO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6e77AbN1ZSCMS).

I popped off the rear trim using a trim tool. Popped off easily. I used a shackle to attach the cable to the mechanism pictured. I initially tried the plug port in the pics but didn’t have the downward angle I needed to release. So I drilled a hole in the plastic and put a rubber grommet in the plastic.

For the handle I used the two unused threaded holes. The top hole is an M8 and the bottom is an M6. Both are fine (28) thread. I had an M8 but didn’t have an M6 that was long enough. I bought a 35mm and it worked but would have preferred a 40 or 45 for mor depth in the threads.

I drilled through the plastic and screwed them through after replacing the trim. Painted the washer and bolts but the paint came off when torquing down. Will paint in place. I hope some of you can make used of this. Used the extra handle and a shackle as a handle for my Hydroflask. See pics below.

View attachment 41333

One of the best and most useful mods I have seen.

 

[JIMBOX]

I used the same system on my Xterra/JKUR and had real success, but-

If you have children, or ever carry children, you could have TROUBLE-

Check with your insurance co,

Ever notice why this tailgate internal release is never offered by any AMERICAN MFG, without a failproof lock ??

Whatever

JIMBO

 

[Billy]

I used the same system on my Xterra/JKUR and had real success, but-

If you have children, or ever carry children, you could have TROUBLE-

Check with your insurance co,

Ever notice why this tailgate internal release is never offered by any AMERICAN MFG, without a failproof lock ??

Whatever

JIMBO

Seems like a really bad idea to carry small children in the cargo area.

Just sayin...

 

[JIMBOX]

That's absolutely true--

All children, no matter what age, should be LOCKED in car seats/seatbelts--

No argument there---right ??

All children, ALLWAYS STAY WHERE YOU PUT THEM--RIGHT ??

Whatever

JIMBO

 

[Billy]

Dude. Levity...

:cwl::cwl::cwl::cwl:

 

[Krondor]

lol

Serious?


OP, love the mod for creativity and style. I'm not going to be able to sleep in the back of my 2 door, but that was a great solution and write up.

 

[Rick12785]

Great mod and excellent work! Does this emergency release work when the doors are locked? Just thinking someone can easily unlock the tailgate even when all the doors are locked.

 

[banessi]

Great mod and excellent work! Does this emergency release work when the doors are locked? Just thinking someone can easily unlock the tailgate even when all the doors are locked.

No, if the car is locked the emergency release will not work. This solves both the break in (as much as that is solved in a Wrangler) and concerns over roving herds of cargo area based children.

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