Half Measures

Hi all,
1996 4Runner SR-5 here. I built a camping platform/storage area and that works great. Getting my 6'2" self out of the rear passenger doors doesn't work that well.
Has anyone made a hatch release that is accessible from the rear compartment?

I'm wondering if one could drill a small hole in the plastic cover, attach a strap similar to the hatch pull down strap and walaa!...?
It'd be about the same as an emergency trunk release. To note, I do not have any type of remote hatch release in the vehicle.

The alarm guy said he could install the solinoid and run it to the remote, but that would be pretty spendy.
Thanks for checking this out. I will post pics tomorrow, but there are a couple in my profile. :camp2
Chris

habanero

Put a window down button in the back cargo area, reach outside and release hatch mechanically after lowering window.

As far as a trunk release....
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f200...1/index22.html
Post 427-434 might give you some ideas though I was working on something else at the time. The metal panel behind the plastic and the position of the ecu might give you a little bit of a challenge? Could be fun to figure out.

Half Measures

Great idea. Hadn't thought about that. I see in your thread, what I'm up against in attempting to create a functional interior release.
The only way the button would really work is, if it had power with the vehicle off. Crawling up front to turn the key on would not be fun.
I wonder, if I tap into that power window wire and run it to my amp (always hot), if it'd work. I wonder if.... Any thoughts?

habanero

Since I have power locks but not power door opener (was that available or is this the solenoid possibility?) I am at a loss. I thought maybe if you could configure a second cable at the latch and run it via brackets to where you needed it maybe you could get it to work. Then again, you'd have to find a way to have it not be in the path of the lowered window.

OR maybe better...

It seems you might be able to come up with a mechanical plan somewhere down here, below the gears, below the lowered window but reachable from inside with the door closed. I'm thinking lever or pull directly associated with the latch's lever.


Someone with electrical experience might better answer your query about the amp line. Seems like there wouldn't be a big draw. You could run a dedicated line from the battery with a momentary switch so it wouldn't accidentally drain said battery. Again, know barely enough to keep my own truck from catching fire...and NO experience with a fancy opener. Definitely would like to see what you come up with!