Topper wiring

hey all, searched and searched, standard story, right? Here goes anyway....

Bought a used topper for my 2015 off-road with tow package. Wiring up the brake light was no problem. Thought there was a hot wire on the trailer plug for the topper dome light, but nope. There is one showing as battery, but the key has to be on. Would like a constant so I can use the light without turning running lights or key on. So, here are the questions that I am sure have been answered but I couldn't find a solid answer on.

1. Is there a constant hot wire at the rear? If not....see question 2
2. Those who have run a hot wire off of the batter, where did you drop out of the engine compartment to avoid exhaust, etc.
3. Ok a third question...is there a better solution than either that I have missed?

Thanks! Jj

 

1. Not sure.
2. I followed along the brake lines from the master cylinder, down the driver's side of the frame.

 

i used a aftermarket relay/wiring harness for fog lights/led lights and ran it along the driver's side frame like RacecarGuy mentioned. I ran a switch into the cab of the truck. This allowed me to leave the light switched on in the shell, and then i could turn it on and off from inside the cab using that switch. Alternatively, you can also leave the switch inside the cab on and then if you are sleeping in the shell, you can just turn off the light inside there without having to get out. Doing this solves the problem of your need of a constant hot since you're just attaching it to the battery and running wiring to the back. I've been using this setup for a few months now and it's worked great.

 

thanks @RacecarGuy and @rjbiii. That helps. I may play around with the switch in the cab idea.

Still curious if anyone knows of a constant hot towards the back. I am voting no at this point. The hitch cover shows a Battery+ but it looks to be hot only when the ignition key is on.

 

I think the Battery+ at the hitch was designed to use to charge trailer battery, therefore only hot when ignition on (and engine running with alternator output).

 

I just went through the same process of adding a cap and light, and after looking at all the options as far as running a hot wire from the battery, I just said F-it an bought a battery powered LED. I think it was this one: http://www.truckoutfittersplus.com/store/topper_parts_dome_lights_brake_lights.htm

IT's plenty bright, installed in seconds and should be more than fine for what I need it for. If I have to replace the batteries every year or two -- no biggie at all.

 

I just got a Coleman cooler light from their outlet store outside Atlanta. Used some velcro and been using it for about 5 years now. Gives just enough light to see in the mornings when getting my gear out.

 

We purchased a 2010 V6 Prerunner w/o factory tow package. I have successfully installed a Curt Class III receiver hitch, 7-pin connector, and T-harness for lights. Is the 40A trailer battery charge wire present at the back of a non-factory tow package truck? In need to connect this "There is one showing as battery, but the key has to be on." to the 7-pin connector.