Tailgate Release Handle

[JIMBOX]

Heh Heh, yeah, that would be a pretty good way of hiding it from those CURIOUS KIDS !

As long as it isn't COMPLETELY OBVIOUS !

JIMBO

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[Jabarsetti]

I know I'm about 4 months behind, I love this Idea and probably will attempt something similar in the near future. If this locks and cant be opened I would think it would completely negate the insurance argument. Most modern trunks, cargo areas have a way to open internally for the mere purpose of safety. I would say the statement about having a child fall out of the cargo area and mean "no insurance" would be because you have a child in the cargo area while in motion and not strapped in, just like insurance companies don't have to pay injury claims if you weren't wearing a seat belt (most still will though). I'm no insurance adjuster but common sense tells me if the gate locks and cant be open just like a normal door you'd be safe with insurance. it'd be no different than a kid using a door handle and opening a normal door and falling out. Hell, we all ride around with no doors on.

I am super stoked to try this and utilize it while camping.

 

[Willyscdo]

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

really nice, am gonna do this on my Sahara, by the does your tailgate have a key lock cylinder? , mine does not.

 

[JoFoCoCo]

I did a similar idea as @banessi 's cable and loop, but used a replacement recliner latch and cable for a more finished look and less protrusions that could be accidentally pulled. Write up over here. This is what the finished latch looks like, still thinking about a pull handle.


Picture (and label) almost look photoshopped, but is real! More pic's in the other thread

 

[MeefZah]

3 year bump and a big thank you to @banessi for the info on the door internals.

I went cheap and easy for my internal tailgate release pull using just a piece of paracord.

I have a 2024 w/ proximity sensor and no key release and this release will not work if the doors are locked. However, since the fob works from inside I see no issues here; you can lock the doors from inside with the fob and go to sleep and then when you wake up you can unlock them from the fob and pull down on the release to open the tailgate.

Pull off the cover panel and look up and to the right, find this bracket (same as prior years).

Run a piece of paracord through it and back down. This is mildly time consuming just because it's in a awkward place. Pro tip: when you burn the end of the paracord, while it is still warm, crimp it with needle-nose pliers to flatten the end - it slides through the bracket much easier.

Drill a hole in the cover just big enough to fit the double piece of paracord without ripping it up and route the paracord ends through the hole. Replace the cover. Tie off the paracord to your preference.

After I did this I kind of rethought it and cut it off and restrung a fresh piece of cord and just tied a knot in it, rotated the cord so as to move the knot to hang in the void area a few inches up from the hole in the cover, and pulled the bottom of the loop out of the hole to use as the pull. I think it looks cleaner. Add a label if you are a nerd like me!

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