If anyone has followed my build thread on this truck, you'll see that it's coming along nicely, and pretty much done. There's not much more that I can do to it now and stay within budget. But I'm thinking and wondering if it's possible to install a power tailgate lock on here. It's a 2012 F-150 XL, but does have the Power Equipment Group w/ power windows, locks, mirrors, etc. So I can lock and unlock both doors with just the press of a button my key, but not my tailgate. I know I'm being lazy . Anyway, I think there are aftermarket kits to do this, but are they any good? And the aftermarket units probably won't work with my key fob. Has anyone done this? Is there a way I can do it to get to work off of my key fob , or at least the button inside the truck? Besides, I don't call this lazy, I call this creative!

 

Yes there are kits, I've pondered the idea before. I believe you just hook it to activate off your normal locks so it will work with the key fob.

 

I have a couple of buddies that have that option on their trucks, but haven't heard of anyone adding that option. It could even be handy I guess. I've heard about people stealing these tailgates and selling them, or to replace their damages tailgate. So, I keep mine locked.
Curious what you come up with.

Unk Bob

 

https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Lock-PL82...+tailgate+lock

Wires into the door lock system and works with factory fob.

 

Thanks Pete. I did see the Pop-Lock when I looked on Real Truck.com when I looked on there this morning at work. There seems to be another one on the market as well, they're both getting so-so reviews

 

I had a Pop N Lock on my Tacoma. it was very cheap feeling. I think Dynolock makes a better locking tail gate handle but I don't have experience with their handle.

Wiring is just tied into the power door locks.

 

was it cheap feeling? How well did it work? I guess you get what you pay for.

 

I've got the pop lock installed in my 11 and it works great.took about 40 min. to install but most of that time was running the wires so I was happy with them.

 

I've installed a custom DIY power locking tailgate on a 2009 and now 2011. I've done a write-up if you wish to investigate doing it yourself and saving a lot of money:

Power Tailgate Lock Mod: SuperCrew with Man-Step

The key is finding the right actuator that comes with a mounting strap of sufficient length (at least 6 inches) and rigidity (thickness to limit vibration and movement). The first time I did this back in 2010 the actuator I got off eBay had the perfect mounting strap. But now in 2016 it was difficult finding a suitable kit and the one I did settle on its strap was barely long enough and was flimsy.

 

Thanks Augster. I briefly read through the write-up you provided on this and the post about the mirror modification. I saved them both for future reference. Will be a while before I'll have time to get to it. My schedule for the rest of the year just got real busy

 

I found a video on here that showed using a regular door lock actuater, so I followed his detail, and installed one on my tailgate. cost about $10.00. Had a hard time finding the correct wire under the passenger door, but it works wll. been on about 2 years now.

 

Was it a used door lock actuator you sourced? What make/model vehicle? Does that even matter? I think they're all pretty standardized aren't they, to some degree?

 

Vehicle doesn't matter, I used a kit similar to this, but only one unit. I found a video, on this site,or F150.com. with all the instructions, that someone had done. Easy to see how to do it. The color code for the automatic door lock wires were a little different on my 2011, than the MY he had. My color blindness didn't help either. I used the lock unlock wires in the front passenger door. I can't seem to find the Video to Post to give the guy credit.

 

tailgate lock - Page 2 - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans


Go down to number 20, it may help you a bit.

 

Thanks Hammer. Like I said, I won't be able to get to this till probably next Spring at least. But as I do get a little bit of free time for the remainder of this calendar year, I'll be researching this. I'm not real confident about splicing into the truck's electrical system, but if needed I know an electrician who might be of some assistance.