Camper shell brake light wiring help

I'm gonna connect mine to the tail light but there will be a quick disconnect between the truck and the cap. I'll be using those motorcycle battery disconnects.

 

nope, not the DRL

not all of them.

exactly. turn the switch to "running" lights but not the headlights. easiest to tap into but have to keep them on to get the light in the cap so not ideal

 

ah, I was thinking we were still talking about the 3rd brake light. If its the interior cap light I would wire a relay in place and 2 switches. One for the tail gate and one for the rear cap window, once both are open then the light comes on. A 3rd switch can be in place incase you want it off while both the window and tailgate stay open for long periods.

 

Any U Haul place should have the correct Trailer wire connectors for your truck. They just plug into the stock wire connectors behind your tail light.
www.etrailer.com is good too.
https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2003_Toyota_Tacoma.htm

DON'T buy a kit with "Tap a Wire" connectors. Buy one that plugs into your stock Toyota plug.

The Tap a wire ones corrode and cause loose connections over time.

 

why spend $40+ on a trailer wire connector and cut it up when two simple tap connectors (~$1) work fine? I've had mine in for over 9 years without any problems.

 

Reason why I have to is because the 3rd brake light wiring has been cut. I have no choice but to run extended wiring and create a disconnect between the tail light and the 3rd brake light.

 

I used to just leave the cut wires wrapped and then twist them back together, didn't really have an issue

I did put blade connectors last year though but even they didn't last.

currently missing my third brake light on the cap due to an errant moving mishap with a chair

 

$9 ABN Trailer Wire Extension, 4ft, 4-Way 4-Pin Plug Flat 20 Gauge – Hitch Light Trailer Wiring Harness Extender

http://www.amazon.com/ABN-Trailer-E...714&sr=8-10&keywords=trailer+light+wiring+kit

I used this. I spliced into the green wire with the brown stripe (Hot) behind the brake light and drilled a hole for the ground. covered the ground wire and screw with caulking, and ran the other end down the side of the topper. Ran it thru the bed square and connected it there for the 3rd brake light. That way if you ever need to take off the camper top, you just disconnect it and wala! As for the camper light inside, it was way too busted up to worry about.

 

using this

$12 Battery Tender Ring Terminal Harness Accessory Cable - 18" Cord Adapter with SAE Quick Disconnect - Easy Quick Convenient for Motorcycles, Cars, ATVs and More - 081-0069-6

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tend...8551222&sr=1-1&keywords=battery+charger+cable

 

Used the same. All in one for dome, brake and 12V outlet.

 

are you cutting off the cylinder end or you have the matching end on another piece?

 

I ordered 2 of them, the ends can be reversed. the camper side will be soldered.

 

I used T-tap connectors on the drivers side brake light wires then ran wire up to the shell. Used insulated spade connectors at the shell in case I want to remove the shell.

 

ahh I see now, it's a two-pole version, not the round version I thought it was,

 

yeah, on tail light side I'll use positaps and di-electric grease

 

I’m not doing this on a 1st gen, but I’m presented with the same scenario as you. Bought a used topper that has a two pronged quick connect already installed in the topper for the third brake light. I’ve been trying to determine what I need to connect the toppers two pronge harness to the truck. I’d like to retain the quick connect/disconnect capability.

Looks like the battery tender harness might work for me too.
This is what I have in the shell...