Curious, has anyone made or tried to make an opening latch to open the rear hatch from the inside?? My searches came up empty.

 

I'd be interested to know also, my previous SUV-type truck (FJ 60) had an interior release. Seems like it'd be a safety issue not to have one.

 

If you really want one it should not be that hard to figure out

 

I'm actually pretty good at figuring things out! lol I'm even better at taking someone else's idea(s) and applying them!!! Thus, my post. lol

 

Haven't spent a lot of time looking at a 3rd Gen hatch.
Is it a mechanical or electrical release? Button/switch up front? If so tap that to run a momentary switch in the back..

 

Never really thought about it. Anything I throw back there I don't want getting out. Funny, they do have a grab strap to close it from the back end. The latch is not electric. You could run a cable through the gate and using a pulley and spring you could work the mechanism. You will have to route it around the window track. It would be hell to get that done without taking the hatch off. Have two buddies with you when you unbolt it though. She's heavier than she looks.

My best advice. Roll the window down and reach through to open it. You could even wire up a window switch in the cargo area.

Man, you must have the most perfect Runner on Earth if that's the kind of project you've resorted to.

 

Good to know about the latch
The rear switch is exactly what I did on my 2nd gen, roll the window down.
but I have the advantage of the inner latch.
The hatch would be nice vs. 2nd Gen tailgate, rather raise than lower

 

I recently rebuilt my tailgate on my 1st gen and I sure wish I had seen that picture before I did it. I probably wouldn't do the window switch but I love the USB and PS. Curious though, what happens if you sit on that window switch while you're tailgating? Will the window try and come out or is it wired through the safeties?

 

@ Charchee

"Man, you must have the most perfect Runner on Earth if that's the kind of project you've resorted to."

Yer right! She is!! But only to me. Rear seats removed, rat pack installed which will double as my sleeping platform. Getting a bit long in the tooth and climbing out of the rear passenger doors is not appealing at 6' 1". lol It's all about comfort ... My Comfort.

 

Bump !