Here’s my DIY interior hatch release. I like camping in the Ex and wanted to be able to exit out the back.

All I needed were two items. A magnetic bit extension and a golf ball.

Pics are included but not showing when I look a the thread. Maybe it's just me or maybe an Admin can help out?



Latch release in action:

Push rod actuating the lever:

Here’s how I did it.

I used a 6” bit extension Dewalt DWA6JLDTG, $9 from Lowe’s. Hole sizes are all based on this specific part.



The guide hole:
Measure 1 3/4” from the rear glass and 1 9/16” from the driver side. Drill a 19/64” hole at a 70 degree angle (front to back).





The push rod:
Cut down the bit extension. The black part should be 3” and the bit holder should be 1 3/16”. Chamfer the end. It’ll make installing the golf ball easier.




Drill the interior cover panel:
With the push rod installed, fit the trim panel and mark the left to right placement of the rod. Measure 1 7/8” in from the window side and drill a11/32” hold at a 70 degree angle. Check fitment and oversized the hole so the rod moves freely. It should not drag on the plastic trim.




Install the push ball:
Drill a 1/4” hole 3/4” deep in the golf ball (or other creative item). Depending on your choice of push ball, start with a smaller hole to insure a snug fit. You need 3/4” of push rod throw (rod movement to actuate the latch) so don’t sink the push ball too far down the push rod.

Enjoy your new interior hatch release!

Cheers!
Jasonodsky

 

I like it...a lot. Reps sent for a great modification idea.

 

Very cool, a clever mod that really adds some functionality to our big wagons! Well done and thanks Jason!
Reps sent.

 

VERY nice!! Reps!

 

nice! I assume that the magnet in the bit extension is what keeps it from coming disconnected from the mechanism?

I needed to go to lowes anyway, lol.

 

That's the concept. I'd say it assists but isn't perfect. The length of the bit holder acts as a shroud to help it stay in alignment with the mechanism and keep it from hopping off the lever rod. Gravity also assists. I think if it did become disconnected, it'd be pretty easy to "feel" getting it reset on the mechanism without opening up the trim piece.

 

Great idea. I camp out of the back frequently and have been meaning to do a mod like this- thanks for the write up.

Being able to wake up and pop the hatch open would be wonderful.

 

Excellent!!

 

Well done! I have often thought about doing something similar. I assume this only works if the lift gate is unlocked correct?

 

Correct. The hatch lock must be unlocked for it to work. The pushrod is actuating the lever on the factory exterior handle. Keep your remote key fob handy and it’s easy to unlock from the interior with the fob.

Jasonodsky

 

What do you mean by 1 9/16” from the driver side?