Member Since: 20 Jan 2015
Location: Machynlleth
Posts: 90
Upper tailgate....possibilty of making it electric or not?
Hi all, awaiting delivery of my new D4 and been wondering if its possible to make the top half of the tailgate electric? As a wheelchair user being able to reach the top half when fully opened is pretty hard, just managed tomstruggle at the dealers! Dont really want straps hanging down everywhere and making it electric would be pretty neat.
Have any of you ever done this or know of a way?
Cheers
Rhys
24th Jan 2015 2:41 pm
motolite
Member Since: 18 Mar 2013
Location: Sydney
Posts: 931
Hi rhys and welcome. I agree, as probably many others do about the tailgate, however I think the issue is the 2 piece design? It sometimes takes a firm hand to close the top.
24th Jan 2015 9:23 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
I saw an Audi estate car with elec tailgate the other day, impressive but why a std car would need one I havent a clue?
Just done some searching and it seems to be a fit on the Q7 models and it appears to have two motors one top of each corner so I reckon serious mods required.
What about something like an electric version of the two straps for the bottom tailgate section?
Quite a few vids on youtube search remote tailgate
25th Jan 2015 2:07 am
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
ask pete at landrover....anythings possible
25th Jan 2015 2:24 am
RH15 LEW
Member Since: 20 Jan 2015
Location: Machynlleth
Posts: 90
Just looked on youtube. Plenty of videos showing the sustem on range rovers, surely its poosible to fit onto a discovery? Might need a word with the mechanics down at the dealer!
25th Jan 2015 2:39 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
A friend of mine swapped legs for wheels relatively recently (he calls it an upgrade) and got a D4 through the military discount scheme. After much research he could not find a realistic way of motorising the upper tailgate.
Being a practical and rather determined chap he installed some slightly shorter gas struts. This lowered the max opening height by a few inches (hardly noticeable) but it means he can reach the open tailgate with ease. It is also a cheap and easily reversible modification. It may work for you and I am sure Steve at AF will help you find a strut length that works best for you.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 20 Jan 2015
Location: Machynlleth
Posts: 90
Thats a very good idea. Could you find out where he got them from and what length etc. can just about reach now, but that was on a completely flat surface! Cheers.
25th Jan 2015 2:53 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Personal preference will trump all. Probably best to hold the tailgate at a height that is comfy for you in all conditions (slopes, gravel car parks etc) and get an assistant to mark the rod with a marker just as it enters the strut. With the tailgate fully open measure the distance between the strut end and the mark on the rod. This measurement will be the reduction in length that you will be looking for.
Steve at AF will find you the best length match at the correct rating for a D4. The guy is a superstar and will probably let you try a few different struts around this length so you can pick your favourite. The struts themselves are held on with simple clips so take seconds to swap out.
Member Since: 29 Oct 2013
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2330
Sometimes boot straps are a simple solution .... I know its not what you wanted but asks the guys below for any alternatives ....
http://www.cowalmobility.co.uk/accessories.phpD4 Front upgrade/cut back wings n things 'taking a long time but getting there'.
D4 rear upgrade - Narpys helped with that bit
Flack for problem solving and D4 Bluetooth Install/ D4 Heated Steering wheel with Flappy paddles n BBS enabling kit
Disco Mikeys work - Serviced, EGR blanking and 4x4 software upgrade, 3 flash indicators.
B.A.S - FBHIC. Uncle Rays spare wheel protector. Beanie Silver Black badges.
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