Tail-gate switch

[BukitCase]

Gordon, I'm definitely not laughing - did exactly that with my old mid 60-s Chev C60 chassis dump, I could set the spreader chains about 2" wide and spread an even inch or so. (with 3/4 minus crushed of course - didn't work spreading that thin with bigger rock - duh)
The "pre-tilt" and running start with the "redneck remote" is a winning combo... Steve

 

[aczlan]

The tailgate on my 30 yr old F350 dump truck is difficult / awkward to open when the body is raised. So far I have attached a length of chain to the handle that I can reach through the window when the body is up, but it is still awkward. 'Real' dump trucks have an air gate, and it seems I could create a similar function with an electric solenoid or a hydraulic cylinder about the size of a flashlight. Hydraulics are PTO powered. Any thoughts ?

Is it power down (2 hoses on the dump cylinder?) If so, you can tee in a pair of hoses to that cylinder and connect them to a small cylinder such as: 1.5x6x.75 Hyflow Controls DA Hydraulic Cylinder | Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com
If not, you would need a hydraulic valve to go inline before the cylinder and choose if you want to extend the dump cylinder, or the tailgate lock.

Aaron Z