Camper shell brake light wiring help

Hello. I just bought a camper shell for my 2003 double cab. I need to connect the third brake light from the camper. I see the two wires that are in my camper. Anyone know how do I connect these to my truck break light wiring? Also does anyone have any pictures of a camper that’s hooked up wire wise? Thanks

 

Hey. You'll find it behind your drivers side tailight I can send you a picture tomorrow.

 

Easiest way is to get the kit which has connectors on it so you won't have to cut your wires. Then you run the wire back from the tail light housing to your camper shell.

 

Yes that will help if you can send the pics of the wire connected so I can get a idea. I rather do it myself then pay 60 to have someone do it

 

Where can I get the connectors ?

 

One of many:
https://www.partsgeek.com/whn4hvd-t...&fp=pp&utm_term=Toyota+Trailer+Wiring+Harness

These are actually for trailer hitches however you will be able to use for this application too (and add a connector for towing), you'll just need to tap the wire off the trailer connector and connect to your shell, but no cutting of factory wiring.

 

Hey, I literally just completed this the other day. It’s super easy. Please don’t pay $60 to do it.
Couple questions;
1) Are you going to keep the topper on forever? Or transfer it on and off?

2) Are there any interior lights in the canopy?


Here is a good write up: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/camper-third-brake-light-wiring-by-a-noob.181629/

And I can provide more pics if you need anymore.

 

Hello. Yes the The camper does have the standard interior dome light. I plan on leaving the camper on long term. Do you have any pics for me that will help me out? I plan on completing this tomorrow thanks.

 

Do you plan on taking the canopy off ever?

 

No I don’t plan on taking it off anytime soon

 

Then easiest way is to splice into brake light Harness directly at the tail lights. Dome light can be spliced into a constant 12v power source under the bed like your fuel pump or something like that.

 

It looks like the dome light is already sliced into the break light of the camper. I’ll take a picture of the wires that I have tomorrow.

 

I don't think the brake lights have constant 12v - if they were hooked up like that it would only work at night when the headlights are on.

 

i plan to put quick disconnects

 

it was probably wired from the "running" lights instead of a constant 12v source. common when a shop installs it.

@Krazyoakes nice find on the wiring thread

one thing I will point out is do not tap into the wires next to the sockets. if you ever need to change the light housing you will have to pull off the taps and redo them.

find the wire on the opposite side of the plug connector and tap there, much easier. also all the white wires are the grounds

I ran a dedicated 12V 14awg wire and used a fused connector to the battery + terminal. bought a spool of 100ft for cheap so I would have plenty for extras. ran the wire along the frame and tied it to the factory wire loom along the way.

 

Daytime running lights? Some trucks didn't come with that stock from the factory.

 

01-04 came with it. I just disconnect mine.

 

I also pulled a dedicated constant 12v from battery. I also pulled the barely a light dome, and replaced with these LED's

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016KNZQ0E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Since it might be possible to leave them on accidentally, I figure it will take a long time for LED's to pull down the battery. I cut them into segments and added wire between to allow them to go on three sides of the camper top. No problem finding stuff in there now!!!

 

Oh yeah that's they way to go then for 01-04. DRL circuit for the dome light and stop light circuit for the 3rd brake light.

You can wire a trailer four pin harness to the truck and create a quick disconnect.

 

Think he probably means the tail lights.