Yes, that's right, I got back at it again. Two mods, both in the picture below:



I added a reverse video camera to my Kenwood DDX-7015. This mod is not yet complete as I still need to hook it up on the inside. I wanted a looking down view on the vehicle centerline. I missed the centerline by a couple of inches, but I don't think it will be noticable in the rear view.

Not noticable in the picture is the other mod that I actually completed. I added an actuator to the tailgate key so that it locks and unlocks with the passenger side door. This is a mod that should have wide interest.

Once I finish the rear view cam I'll write them up and add them to the truck's website. I just thought I'd give you all fair warning so you can block out some time in the near future.

 

That is sweet Myst--I really like the power locking tailgate deal--can't wait to get the details......

 

Did you buy the tailgate lock component, or do like I did, just fabricate it yourself?

Have you checked to see the veiw yet from the camera?
I put mine in the bumper, as they have a place for one stock, and I was more worried about seeing the little unsupervised cookie crunchers at my local stores. Pretty good view from the bumper, so I suspect you will be able to see over the tops of short cars from your location. Spy camera anyone?

Nice mounting job, by the way. Looks stock
Chris

My low mount;

 

where did you find the camera that size

 

I like the rearview camera mod, looks good.

I beat you to the power tailgate mod though, i did that a few months back with the pop & lock addon. It is now controled by my alarm remote so that i can press 1 button and my tonneau opens and my tailgate unlocks.
Later Trev

 

did you just use a regular add-on power door lock motor?

 

Nice job....like the powered lock on the tailgate....nicely done.

 

That's excellent !
The tailgate unlock feature is something I might look into myself ...

 

That's really cool...

Where are you guys picking up the lock kit for the tailgate?

 

Wow, great mod myst. Like the others, I can't wait for the write-up on the tailgate actuator mod. Where'd you get it and how much? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

When I bought my retrax it came with an actuator lock for the cover and I got the additional tailgate lock mechanism. www.truckgadgets.com

When I use the fob to lock all the doors, and the tailgate and cover actuators lock, it sounds like a very loud "chunk" noise. Sort of cool.

 

Nice mods - I too am interested in the tailgate lock mod. Always wondered why Ford didn't include that as standard!!

By the way Chis - nice use of the existing reverse sensor mounting location!

 

It looks like we need a new "How-to" for the power tailgate lock. I would like to do the tailgate and ARE cover at the same time. The place that installed the ARE lid wanted $170 to do the power lock.

 

I bought the power door lock actuator from a mail order place (can't remember which right now. I bought two several months ago, one for the tonneau cover release and one for this.) I seem to remember paying less than 5 bucks each. The rest is wire, connectors, a bracket, screws and some wire ties. Another premium mod done dirt cheap. Unlike the commercial versions which block the tailgate release lever movement, this just moves the internal mechanism as if you used the key in the tailgate.

The video camera mount is not complete as shown. I want to fabricate a more angled mount, getting as close to a 45 degree down angle as I can. This is the super wide angle camera on ebay, with a 120 degree horizontal field of view (about $60 when I bought it.) That happens to correspond to a 90 degree vertical field of view so theoretically I should be able to get from ball mount to horizon, and be able to see kiddies or any other obstructions across the entire rear of the truck. In reality I don't think I can angle it that much without "undue effort" because of the short length of the camera module. Still, it should be able to see within a couple feet of the rear of the truck on the ground, and cover the width of the truck at that point. Anyway, I'm just happy to have it in finally. I'll worry about the angle later.

I should have time to hook up the video and power feed tomorrow night. I finished the diode module this morning and it will be automatically switched on with the reverse lights, or manually with a dash mounted switch.


P.S. Found it: partsexpress.com search for "lock actuator"

 

This is the power lock i installed on my tail gate for those that were asking.
Pop & Lock
By the way their website sucks, but if you email them they can get you all the relevant information.
Later Trev