How Can I Wire Center High Mounted Stop Light On Truck Camper To R/L Turn Signals

Question:

HI, I have a Requirements question for you. I just Purchased a 1984 -ish Slide on truck camper Skamper Pop up. My Truck is a 2012 Tacoma. There is no third brake light on my Camper top rear. Is the Camper grandfathered under the law and I do not need one? Is it OK to block the Truck CHMSL ? Im planning to Travel in multiple states in New England and possibly Canada and dont what to have Light issues when traveling on a vacation. I Realize I can add one easy enough - but is it required?? If One is required - Could you recommend a CHMSL that uses the L and R brake/signal wires to operate rather than running a new wire from the truck existing HMSL to the wiring harness / camper ??? Since the wires for the L and R stop/signal wires are already in my tow vehicle plug. Thanks.

asked by: SteveC

Expert Reply:

I was unable to find any definite information about the requirements of a CHMSL on a camper such as you are describing. To have the best information as to the requirements of the areas where you are traveling, I recommend calling the DOTs of the areas where you will be traveling to be familiar with their state and local laws regarding CHMSLs on a camper.

To connect a CHMSL to the left and right turn signals, you will want to use a converter, like part # 118158. With this converter, you will splice the left and right turn signal wires on the input side into your lights on your camper and attach the stop light on the output side to the CHMSL. You will want to tie off the right and left turn wires on the output side.

For a CHMSL, you can use a trailer light like the Optronics Sealed, Streamline LED Trailer Light # STL79RB. The red wire on the light will connect to the red wire from the # 118158 converter. If you would like the CHMSL to have a tail light function, you could splice into the camper's tail light wire and connect it to the black wire on the back of the # STL79RB light.

expert reply by: Victoria B