Remote Control (auto open) setup for dogbox / tool box

[BrettInUte]

Sounds tricky - But I think it can DIY with a little advice from the gurus.

I have a 2 door dog box. Mounted on the back of my ute.
It currently has a manual 90 degree turn catch and gas struts to open the door (and hold it open). Gas struts needs replacing and remounting currently.


I would like to be able to have the doors open automatically - with me in the drivers seat.

I have done some research and a couple guys recommend the ef - el boot catches. These have cable and solinoid mounted nicely together and have a plastic surround. (cable for when you have no power connected) And are stronger than several makes/model that others have tried.

My first thought was to run 2 wires to (momentary on) switches in my cab.
One for each catch. running power from my battery to cage then via each catch back into the front of the cab.

My 2nd thought was to use a remote control (like a garage opener). This saved a heap of wiring and meant i didnt have to be inside the car to open the doors. (only requires 1 power lead into the dog box - all relay etc mounted inside box)


Im not sure if this would do the trick.

EBAY 2 channel remote

Need 2 channels for the 2 doors.
Just hook it up to 2 relays to run the amps for the solenoid.

What Im not sure about it how to make this a momentary on - not a continual on/off situation.

Can someone tell me if im heading in the right direction.



Cheers.

[BrettInUte]

just found a 4 channel remote at jaycar

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.as ... BCATID=612

That sounds better (dont need the 2 extra channels though)

[80's_delirious]

just found a 4 channel remote at jaycar

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.as ... BCATID=612

That sounds better (dont need the 2 extra channels though)

that looks like what you want, can be configured to 'momentary' switching.

I did similar with an A frame tradesmans tool trailer, I used EL wagon tailgate latch solenoids but used boot latches from a Carolla hatchback as they where far more compact. I used 2latches on each hatch on a 6' trailer.

Mine is set up with a small 12v battery and remote unit inside the trailer so it was fully self contained, I can open the trailer wether it is hitched up or not. Mine has a two channel remote, one button for each door. It has no visible sign of locks at all from the outside.

The EL solenoids have plenty of punch to open the latches, but they need to be adjusted carefully so there isnt to much load on the latch. Be careful to set them up so they can be adjusted. Also it would be a good idea to have a 'failsafe' pull cable concealed so you can open them if something malfunctions. I have no fail safe (apart from battery charge connection externally) and have thought I was going to have to use a grinder to get into my box a couple of times I had to use a 12v cordless drill battery a couple of times to 'jump' the system

My set up got stacks off comments from guys on construction sites. I would often unhitch my trailer on site, and park my ute off site so it wouldnt get damaged or too dusty. It would spin people out to hear the latch click open as I approached the trailer then lift the lid without 'unlocking' it

[80's_delirious]

do the gas struts push the lid open if it is unlatched?
If so you would need to be careful not to trigger the latch if you were not at the ute.

[BrettInUte]

do the gas struts push the lid open if it is unlatched?
If so you would need to be careful not to trigger the latch if you were not at the ute.

Yes - I would only connect power to it when I needed the auto open feature. (would not want someone elses remote, opening the doors while driving) The rest of the time I would just rely on the cable attached to a small lever.


Yes - the gas struts should open the door. I have yet to work out the perfect angle to mount them !


I like the Falcon unit because it has elec as well as cable setups. So I i have no power I can still open the latch.


80's_delirious - Your trailer sounds great. Makes me think this it IS do-able.


Cheers.

[80's_delirious]

mate, it is definitely doable, it was a little tricky to set the latches up right, but once done, they open and close with ease.

I spent ages at the wreckers finding latches etc to suit.

[VooDoo]

Not exactly what your after but this might give you some ideas. Its the tail light where my fuel filler now hides behind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8tJ7NgqvpQ