DUNCAN MOTOR SPORTS CO.             

              Rahway, New Jersey 07065    Email info@duncan-engineering.com

               Innovative Products for Car Enthusiasts                              

   This product is intended to provide the driver of pick up trucks and some SUV vehicles a dashboard indication that the tailgate is closed. On trucks equipped with tonneau or bed covers or large tool boxes, the driver has no way of knowing the position of the tail gate which could have opened accidentally or been left open unintentionally.  An open tailgate can result in loss of cargo or damage to the truck in backing situations.

This product utilizes a non-mercury tilt switch mounted in the tailgate and connected with one wire to an illuminated legend warning light mounted in or under the dashboard. The tilt switch may also be connected to the vehicle theft alarm system. When the ignition is on and the gate is open, the light will warn the driver. with the words “TAILGATE OPEN”. 

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

1.                Medium Phillips Screw Driver #2

2.                  Continuity tester or test light

3.                  Wire terminal crimper and cutter / stripper

4.                  Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean surfaces for mounting tape

5.                  Wire tie-wraps

 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

The installation is simple. One wire from the indicator is connected to a fused supply controlled by the ignition switch. (See Figure #1)

                                              Figure #1

                                                      Figure #2

The other wire on the indicator is run to the tailgate, and connected to the tilt switch. (Figure #2) The wire can exit the interior usually through an existing rubber grommet where other wires or the speedometer cable exit the interior. The wire should be run down along the frame rail keeping clear of the hot exhaust system.  A cut wire coat hanger makes an excellent tool for guiding the wire through the frame. Secure the wire to the frame or existing wires of lines using tie-wraps. The switch should be mounted on a 45-degree angle (appox.) with the wires upward and toward the rear. The second wire on the tilt switch is grounded to the vehicle frame inside the tailgate. With the switch mounted, check the installation with the tailgate up and down. The wire to the switch should be grounded with the tailgate down and open when the tailgate is up. (Figure #5)

The indicator legend light may be installed under the dash using the provided bezel and mounting tape or in the dash by drilling a mounting hole. (See Figure #4) To mount the indicator using the mounting bezel, first position the bezel under or around the dash panel to find the desired location. The bezel may be mounted in two positions. Mount the light in the bezel by first removing the bulb. To remove the bulb assembly from the indicator housing, pull firmly on the knurled ring. The bulb assembly will pull straight out. Position the indicator housing with the legend in the up position in the bezel and snap in place. Push the bulb assembly back into the indicator housing  (Figure #3) Clean and apply mounting tape to the bezel. Then clean and apply bezel to the dash. Screws may be used if desired.

                                                                                                                            Figure #3

                                                           Figure #4

 The kit includes:

                                      Legend indicator Light (12V dc)

                                      Plastic mounting bezel

                                      Mounting Tape

                                      25 ft #18 AWG connecting wire

(1)              Splice connector

(4)              Butt connector

(1)              Ring Connector

Non-mercury tilt switch

          The kit can be installed in less than an hour with hand tools and comes complete with mounting tape and detailed instructions. 

                    Installation View of Tilt-Switch and Ground Inside Tailgate

                                                           Figure #5

WARRANTY

This product is intended for recreational use only. Since it is impossible to control poor installation or misuse, no warranty or liability is intended or given for the installation and the use of this product. Duncan Engineering will not be responsible for injury or damage resulting from any potential use of this product. The part will be warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 180 days from purchase. Should the part wear out during this period it will be replaced plus the cost of shipping.                               

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Copyright © 2005 Duncan Motor Sports Div of Duncan Engineering, LLC
Last modified: 10/24/07