Ultimate camping mod- rear window up / down and hatch pop with ignition off!

[kaitlyn2004]

Made 10 more kits and can ship same day if anyone else is interested.

Hey! Super interested in this, as I got locked in my own hatch today testing out a rear dashcam install. Had to awkardly move stuff off back seats, fold down, crawl under cargo cover... fun times. Couldn't believe there wasn't even a trunk release on the inside (2020 4runner)... I almost thought that was mandatory here in Canada.

I'm mostly worried about the wiring and my confidence in removing panels, installing, etc. without breaking anything. How difficult would you rate the install apart from time needed? Do you think anyone CAN do it or need certain skills?

Related - what if I actually wanted to double up... actual hatch release at the rear, but maybe the window operation closer to where the rear seats fold? Either separating the switches or having duplicating functionality in multiple spots

 

[PNWMike]

I just finished installing the kit I purchased from OP, and I received nothing but great customer support from Jesse. Knowing I wanted to install it on the tailgate, he made the kit with disconnects and the black low profile button. I have a 2020 TRD ORP with keyless entry, and the wiring didn't match the diagrams provided in the install instructions. Jesse was quick to answer my email questions, researched the new wiring, and got me hooked into the proper wires. He even provided a partial refund for my troubles! Everything works great, and I'm looking forward to using it in a couple of weeks.

Install is extremely easy if you install it on the tailgate - no removing the speaker, no fishing cables with a coat hanger, etc. Hardest part was cutting openings in plastic for switch and button.

I too have a 2020 TRD ORP- do the kit & instructions now account for the differences noted above? If so, I'm a buyer today. Thanks!

 

[nytosc]

I too have a 2020 TRD ORP- do the kit & instructions now account for the differences noted above? If so, I'm a buyer today. Thanks!

PMD you Mike

Hey! Super interested in this, as I got locked in my own hatch today testing out a rear dashcam install. Had to awkardly move stuff off back seats, fold down, crawl under cargo cover... fun times. Couldn't believe there wasn't even a trunk release on the inside (2020 4runner)... I almost thought that was mandatory here in Canada.

I'm mostly worried about the wiring and my confidence in removing panels, installing, etc. without breaking anything. How difficult would you rate the install apart from time needed? Do you think anyone CAN do it or need certain skills?

Related - what if I actually wanted to double up... actual hatch release at the rear, but maybe the window operation closer to where the rear seats fold? Either separating the switches or having duplicating functionality in multiple spots

PMd You Kaitlyn

 

[blackened_offroad]

I'm basically living in my 4runner this summer and I definitely need this. does it currently come with the black button above or the red button? I'm 100% sure the protuding red button would get broken off or hit by my dog or stuff.

 

[nytosc]

I'm basically living in my 4runner this summer and I definitely need this. does it currently come with the black button above or the red button? I'm 100% sure the protuding red button would get broken off or hit by my dog or stuff.

I have the black buttons in stock as well.If interested, shoot me an email at [email protected]

 

[ElectroBoy]

Hey! Super interested in this, as I got locked in my own hatch today testing out a rear dashcam install. Had to awkardly move stuff off back seats, fold down, crawl under cargo cover... fun times. Couldn't believe there wasn't even a trunk release on the inside (2020 4runner)... I almost thought that was mandatory here in Canada.

I'm mostly worried about the wiring and my confidence in removing panels, installing, etc. without breaking anything. How difficult would you rate the install apart from time needed? Do you think anyone CAN do it or need certain skills?

Related - what if I actually wanted to double up... actual hatch release at the rear, but maybe the window operation closer to where the rear seats fold? Either separating the switches or having duplicating functionality in multiple spots

This mod isn’t very hard to do, especially if you install the buttons in the hatch only. The worst part for me was just getting the interior hatch panel off. And maybe cutting the holes for the switch and push button. I’d suggest cutting the exact dimensions in a piece of cardboard or plastic to test fit them. Then place that as a template and trace with a pencil where you will be doing the cutting.

I also soldered my connections, I don’t like wiretaps. And I added a connector in the wiring to allow for removal of the panel in the future.

Your idea of another remote location of the window up/down switch is great. Just parallel those connections and run to your desired location. Here’s where it will be more difficult since you have to run up the hatch, rubber boot, and fish the wires through the headliner, etc. But if you’ve tackled a rear camera installation you can do this. I’m sure Jesse will help out with directions and any custom kitting for your design. Good luck.

 

[nytosc]

Was messing around in the garage a while back and came up with this one - it requires drilling a small hole on a panel where a connector mounts to your trim panel. there is a rubber cover for this.

When you are camping, you plug in the mating cable which has expando tubing (all black) to the hobby box. The Hobby box itself has all flush mount buttons for a clean look and less likely to accidentally tap one.

Anyone interested in this style?

Connector (you drill a hole on panel, feed wires through then on the back side, a jam nut keeps it in place.

 

[MeefZah]

I just installed my second kit from Jesse in my new-to-me '19 ORP. The first one was installed over 2 years ago in my then-SR5 (now my wife's truck) and it is still doing just fine.

We went camping recently in my new truck and about day 3 or 4 my wife said: "install the hatch thingy on this one"... possibly the only mod she actually appreciates! It does make camping and really any sort of cargo loading that might involve the window coming down much easier.

Got home and ordered a kit.. As before, excellent service from Jesse. Shipping was fast. Instructions are thorough. All components seem well assembled and well thought out.

As with my prior install, I installed to the hatch panel; I just think that is easier and cleaner than the suggested placement.

We have two Huskies, and they have ridden a lot of miles in the back of the SR5, and they have never opened the hatch by accident or otherwise caused issues with the button placement on the hatch, which I know is a concern to some dog owners.

I think the other listed concern, that of someone breaking the back window and then being able to open the truck without the alarm activating, is a pretty unlikely scenario.

Install was pretty effortless. No issues to speak of. The "hardest" part was orienting the switch correctly so that both trucks have the lock / unlock functions working the same!

All in all, a highly recommended modification! Thank you again, Jesse!

 

[Unretired]

Check the Ground - then check it again

I received the black button option and installed today.
Directions were clear - lots of pictures.
I decided to put it on the hatch, so the wiring was easier and I had some extra to cut off.
I thought everything went fine, but for the life of me I couldn't get anything to work.

After some troubleshooting I realized the screw I used to ground was isolated with some plastic clips - like almost everything in the hatch.
I tried using a different bolt and the window up/down and lock/unlock worked fine.
The trunk pop worked once.
After checking all the taps and connections I messed with the ground some more and realized it wasn't good enough.
Ended up sanding a spot and using a short self tapping screw (beware of window)

Lesson learned for the electrically challenged:
No ground - nothing works
Okay Ground - window and locks work
Good Ground - now hatch pop works too

Overall - love the mod.
Now that I know what I'm doing - 2nd one would take 20-30 minutes.

 

[MeefZah]

If you test the hatch pop during install, make sure the doors are unlocked - if locked, the hatch pop won't work, and you can waste some time trying to track down why - when it's actually working just how it's supposed to!

Here's the ground I used. The wire is red as that's what I had in stock... also the pic is "upside down", that bolt is just below the window.

 

[ElectroBoy]

If you test the hatch pop during install, make sure the doors are unlocked - if locked, the hatch pop won't work, and you can waste some time trying to track down why - when it's actually working just how it's supposed to!

Here's the ground I used. The wire is red as that's what I had in stock... also the pic is "upside down", that bolt is just below the window.

Good tips. Reminder: if you momentarily hit the button in the the “up” direction, the hatch door locks. Momentarily hit the button in the “down” direction and it unlocks.

I also had to hunt around for a good ground. I used a meter to check from a chassis ground in the truck to find a low resistance ground in the hatch door metal.

 

[nytosc]

If you test the hatch pop during install, make sure the doors are unlocked - if locked, the hatch pop won't work, and you can waste some time trying to track down why - when it's actually working just how it's supposed to!

Here's the ground I used. The wire is red as that's what I had in stock... also the pic is "upside down", that bolt is just below the window.

Good point on the hatching needing to be closed! And clean install!

 

[gx4702]

has anyone tried this kit + a 433mhz remote to activate it? I wonder if its possible for a 5th gen to be able to open the rear hatch window with a key fob like the 4th gen.

 

[Tall Pine]

What a great product, and super nice guy behind it. I have a hobby box unit on the way, just in time for a big ATV and camping trip to CO. I appreciate all of your help [MENTION=165350]nytosc[/MENTION]

 

[nytosc]

What a great product, and super nice guy behind it. I have a hobby box unit on the way, just in time for a big ATV and camping trip to CO. I appreciate all of your help [MENTION=165350]nytosc[/MENTION]

Thank you I appreciate it!

 

[timmy_campfire]

Ordered it last week and got to installing it today.

Took about 1.5 hrs mainly because I was trying to fish it through the hatch to mount it in the side panel...after about 45 minutes of failing miserably, I opted to mount it on the hatch. Not the cleanest install but I got it to work. The wiring itself is super simple and the PDF is pretty easy to follow. Thanks Jesse!

I am however running into one issue and I'm wondering if anyone else had the same. When I hold down the window buttons to roll it down/up, it first locks/unlocks and then proceeds.

Has anyone else had this issue before?

 

[ElectroBoy]

Ordered it last week and got to installing it today.

Took about 1.5 hrs mainly because I was trying to fish it through the hatch to mount it in the side panel...after about 45 minutes of failing miserably, I opted to mount it on the hatch. Not the cleanest install but I got it to work. The wiring itself is super simple and the PDF is pretty easy to follow. Thanks Jesse!

I am however running into one issue and I'm wondering if anyone else had the same. When I hold down the window buttons to roll it down/up, it first locks/unlocks and then proceeds.

Has anyone else had this issue before?

That’s the normal operation. Just as if you were operating it with a key inserted into the hatch lock from the outside.

It’s a good thing. Imagine you’re sleeping in the back, pop the hatch to get out to p. Climbing back in you shut the hatch and tap the window Up button to lock the hatch to keep out the bears and zombies. :thumb:

 

[MeefZah]

Ordered it last week and got to installing it today.

Took about 1.5 hrs mainly because I was trying to fish it through the hatch to mount it in the side panel...after about 45 minutes of failing miserably, I opted to mount it on the hatch. Not the cleanest install but I got it to work. The wiring itself is super simple and the PDF is pretty easy to follow. Thanks Jesse!

I am however running into one issue and I'm wondering if anyone else had the same. When I hold down the window buttons to roll it down/up, it first locks/unlocks and then proceeds.

Has anyone else had this issue before?

Normal.

 

[MeefZah]

That’s the normal operation. Just as if you were operating it with a key inserted into the hatch lock from the outside.

It’s a good thing. Imagine you’re sleeping in the back, pop the hatch to get out to p. Climbing back in you shut the hatch and tap the window Up button to lock the hatch to keep out the bears and zombies. :thumb:

Neither bears nor zombies can manipulate the outer hatch release, FYI. This has been extensively tested.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Neither bears nor zombies can manipulate the outer hatch release, FYI. This has been extensively tested.

Haha! Maybe zombies can’t. But check out this bear at 1:13.
NFV - Animals Opening Car Doors Compilation [Must Watch] ? - YouTube