Canopy Wiring, and I have no idea where to begin...

Hey Tacomaworld,

I just picked up a used canopy which is currently sitting in my garage so I can install my new frontrunner rack on it. While that install is going okay, I have no idea how to wire up the canopy brake light.

This is what the wires currently look like:


I am assuming this is an easy thing to do, but after looking around online I haven't been able to find quite what I need.
I've never wired anything before, but I am guessing I need some kind of wire, butt connectors and quick splices to tap into the taillight?

 

What brand of cap did you buy? I am guessing its not a Leer as my conector looks way different.

Figure out the brand and go to a local dealer, or online. You can buy a plug that mates up with what you posted, so if you want to remove the cap you can easily remove the wire.

To attach to your trucks brakes, remove the tail light. Find the wires that go to the brake light and you can use a quick connector to attach the wiring harness you buy to the positive and ground.

A bigger issue, will be water proofing the bed. Tacomas with caps have bad leaking issues. Here is what I did to mine and have been very happy.
Seal bed rail caps

 

Thank you so much! I picked up a similar gasket off Amazon and am hoping it will work as well as yours is! If not, I will make sure to buy that one and reapply. Water getting in is my number one concern as I would like to build drawers and use the platform for sleeping in as well.

The canopy is from a brand called Raider. https://www.raidercaps.com/

Unfortunately the closest dealer is 130km (80 miles) away, so I might have to go brake light less for a while then, but I'll give the place a call, maybe they will be willing to ship something out to me.

Thanks so much!

 

That's an SAE connector. You can get them on Amazon or your local parts store.

I wire them so that the side providing the power has the positive wire shrouded to prevent shorts.

I'll state now that I hate butt splices and t taps. They're a pain to do right, and even then they can be troublesome. So if you've ever wanted to learn to solder, this is a great time

I like the idea of tapping it inside the taillight, that's how mine is.

 

Awesome. I will look that connector type up asap, hopefully somewhere local has one, if not I'll check Amazon.

Inside the tailight sounds like a good idea to me. I'm going to see if maybe I can tuck it all behind the composite bed and go into the taillight that way, to keep it all tidy. I'm sure I can learn how to solder. I have soldering tools, so I will see if someone can give me a hand there.

Thank you!

 

Here's a link to the connector, it'll be cheaper locally.

$12 SAE Connector DC Power Extension Cable 16 AWG Automotive Battery Quick Disconnect Pigtail Wire Harness with Dust Cap (6 Pcs 1.2 Foot)

https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Ex...+connector&qid=1571630425&sprefix=sae+&sr=8-3

You can also get wire that is black and red together, which is nice and neat. 16 or 18 gauge would be fine.

I just realized im in the 2nd gen forum, so I'm less certain about the taillight situation.

 

Oh and here's a link about the military splice:
https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/155344-military-splice-how-to/

 

Ah man, thank you for all the help! I will see what I can find locally. I like the idea of having wire than is black and red together. Also thank you for letting me know what gauge of wire I need, I definitely would have made it to the store without knowing what to buy.

 

Super easy man

I had the same exact connector. Ordered parts on Amazon and it was super simple. The ground and tap one power for brake

 

I noticed you used KM's.
Here's an Amazon.ca link to what you need.

$9 Sea Dog Line - 426880-1 Sea Dog Polarized Connector 2-Wire Plug and Socket, Black

https://www.amazon.ca/Sea-Dog-Polarized-Connector-2-Wire/dp/B000Y89TDM

Also Canadian Tire carries them.
Hope that helps