Jerry Springer

We happily own the above, but my wife's back condition makes it hard
for her to open and close the tailgate. The motorized tailgate was an
option on the 2004 model (standard in 2005, I believe). Can it be
retrofit easily? My local dealer never heard of doing it, and their
estimates ran from $1000 to $3000, because he admitted they'd be
improvising.

Anyone know about this?

Thanks!

 

Tom Adkins

Jerry Springer wrote:
> We happily own the above, but my wife's back condition makes it hard
> for her to open and close the tailgate. The motorized tailgate was an
> option on the 2004 model (standard in 2005, I believe). Can it be
> retrofit easily? My local dealer never heard of doing it, and their
> estimates ran from $1000 to $3000, because he admitted they'd be
> improvising.
>
> Anyone know about this?
>
> Thanks!
>
>

I can understand the need for a power gate on the minivan. I grunt lifting them
myself sometimes. My former wifes back was a train wreck and she had a hard time
opening the trunk lid on her Taurus. She couldn't have managed a minivan.
I would say the dealers broad estimate is about right. Some options can be basically
plug and play, while others require major changes. The power tailgate strikes me as a
major install, although I've never actually considered it on a vehicle that wasn't
equipped. Have you thought about contacting companies that install Accessability
Equipment like hand controls, wheel chair lifts, etc?. I'm sure they do things like
this and if it's a bolt on installation with OEM parts they would likely tell you.
They may let you know what's involved and what's needed. I've worked with a few of
these companies (it's been about 8 years) on related issues and most seem to be
accomodating to people with inquiries. They seem to understand the needs of people
that maybe can't afford to be customers.
The company that comes immediately to mind, of course I don't remember their name,
made a line of Accessability equipment. I'm thinking Auto Mobility, or some variation
of that name. It was operated and staffed entirely by folks with varying degrees of
disability. This was before power loading doors and tailgates. I'm sure they've gotten
into those areas by now. They were great folks to deal with.

Tom

Jeff

"Jerry Springer" <jasamal@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3rnkb1ptjh41folcgs83kbi74uocej0k0q@4ax.com...
> We happily own the above, but my wife's back condition makes it hard
> for her to open and close the tailgate. The motorized tailgate was an
> option on the 2004 model (standard in 2005, I believe). Can it be
> retrofit easily? My local dealer never heard of doing it, and their
> estimates ran from $1000 to $3000, because he admitted they'd be
> improvising.
>
> Anyone know about this?
>
> Thanks!

Three thoughts come to mind:

1) the work probably won't be covered by the warranty and will be more
prone to failure than one that came originally with the van .

2) You may be better off selling the van and getting a new one with an
motorized tailgate, especially now that Ford is offering employee discounts
and rebates. It is expensive, but it might be worth it.

3) There are companies that install car alarms and such. They may be able to
install the motorized thing.

Jeff