Softopper Third Brake Light?

I posted this question in the canopy forum but it's getting no love there. Maybe there are 2nd gen Softopper owners here that can chime in. After a few months of driving around with my Softopper raised I realized that it conceals the center high mount third brake light. Having one visible is a requirement in all fifty states yet Softopper doesn't offer a kit. So, for you Softopper owners, did you install a DIY third light or do you just always retract the top when not in use or are just taking your chances with law enforcement? BTW I emailed Softopper a couple days ago to see what they say and they haven't responded yet.

 

I saw that Bestop offers one but I don't want to go that route. It appears to be a pedestal type light that mounts to the topper frame and hangs upside down shining through the window. Looks fragile and in the way.

 

What are the legal requirements on location? The obvious choice is to get the kind that can slide in to the trailer receiver hitch but I would assume that does not meet height requirements (and would require you to have a receiver.

 

I have looked at the Washington RCW and don't see a definition of "high" in center high-mounted stop lamp description. Probably anywhere higher than the brake lights will work. Using a Jeep type setup off of the trailer hitch would suck. I have a few ideas but was hoping somebody here has already come up with a simple elegant solution.

 

My brief search yielded the "higher than the standard L and R lamps" so yeah ....

Wrangler style from the hitch would suck, but would be relatively easy to mcGyver. Easier IMO than extending from the cab light.

 

Great question OP. Shit, I didn't even know it was illegal not to have a third light.

 

Tapping the brake light or trailer light wiring is the way it's done.

 

I was told years ago by a Virginia inspection station that if your cap didn't have a brake light you were fine. If it did have one that wasn't functioning it was a problem. True or not I do not know. Since I am planning on getting a Softopper soon I guess I had better give a third light some thought.

 

I drove a Dakota that had a glass topper with a burned out and melted third brake light for years. Never even gave it a second thought and never got hassled. But in hind sight the cops sure could have. And sure as shit some badged revenue collection hero will eventually choose to point out the problem with this soft top and issue a ticket.

 

be good to know. I'm in VA too

 

I have been looking and am not finding anything that would be an easy solution. I have the port added tow package with the 4pin connector. I am thinking a small led strip over the tailgate, thread the wires through the inside of the tailgate (like the backup camera) through the handle and plug it in to the trailer connector. When pulling my trailer I wouldn't need it.

Sure would like to hear if there is something better.

 

I had an old aluminum top with a broken brake light on my 98. That inspection station I spoke of removed it so they could pass me. Like you I drove it for years and was never hassled.

 

Ive been driving with my bestop for 2 years+ and ive NEVER been pulled over for not having a third brake light visible lol. Gonna keep rolling the dice

 

Exactly what I did. Only thing I could see that might work was the strip type. Mount it over the tailgate handle.

 

I am going to get a softopper in March, so I have some time to ponder the problem.

 

I just stumbled across this thread... Did you ever figure it out? I tapped into the right rear taillight and zip tied the wires to the frame then hooked it all up using these plugs.

light

Heart Horse Universal 32 LED Light Tail Strip ,Trailer Brake Stop Turn Signal 3528 SMD 8" Flexible LED License Plate Lights for H-arley Motorcycle Bike ATV Car RV SUV

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ESM1PHM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

plugs

$9 ZYTC 2 Pin Way Car Waterproof Wire Connector Plug Auto Electrical Wire Connectors AWG Terminal Pack of 5

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LQ7M3K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I keep meaning to install a third light above my license plate, but I keep putting it off.

I do not want to install one inside/on the topper because it will just make removal more of a hassel.

 

I'm not sure about all states but California Vehicle code doesn't specify the need for three brake lamps. It does say that if you have a third it has to be mounted 15" or more above the roadway. You could install one of the LED strips between the bumper or on the tailgate and be good to go. Having it mounted on the soft top itself wouldn't be my first choice.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards state the brake lights must be between 15-72" in height and they shall be symmetrical in placement (an odd number would have one at the centerline of the vehicle.) If you have a GVWR of more than 10k lbs you do need a third.

 

Resurrecting the thread...

Hey @steelhd, what did you end up doing about your brake light? Any pics?

Thanks for links
Do you have any pics of it mounted?

 

Ive had parts similar to this sitting in my pile of shit for several months now but still havent installed haha. No issues yet, but Maine I believe a 3rd brake light is required..

At any rate, I got very similar LED strip. Running light and brake light (both red) as well as yellow blinkers. I was thinking about wiring the blinkers together on a separate switched circuit to use as a chase light during the dusty summertime conditions. But I need to test that first, not sure how well the multi color LEDs would having both red and yellow on at the same time