Can You Get Third Brake Light and 12 Volt Power For Camper Shell From 7-Way Trailer Connector
Updated 12/06/2012 | Published 11/29/2012
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can I find a wire to connect to at the 7 pin trailer connector to wire a third brake light in the pickups topper/shell? What color wire am I looking for that will work for this purpose? I also need a 12 volt source for the utility light in the topper for light inside the bed of the truck. This is mounted just above the rear window. It has a switch on it like a dome light. Are these possible from the wiring harness that goes to the 7 pin connector?
asked by: Pete W
Expert Reply:
On a 7-Way trailer connector, the brake lights and turn signals are combined on the same circuit so you cannot tap into the wiring there for a third brake light. If you did, the third brake light would blink with the turn signal.
Normally if you follow the wiring harness back (towards the front of the vehicle) you may find additional wires that you can test with a circuit tester like # PTW2979 if needed to see if there is a third brake light wire there.
You can also use the stop light circuit or CHMSL (center high mount stop light) circuit fuses and tap in there using a fuse tap like # F2526 as an example. To find these fuse locations under the hood, use the owners manual or legend on the power distribution box lid.
Another thing you can do is contact a local truck bed topper dealer and they may know where a third brake light wire is located that will be easy to access.
The 12 volt circuit on a 7-Way can be used for the light. Since it is already on a switch you can connect the switch power wire to the 12 volt circuit (wire in the 11:00 position if looking at the back of the 7-Way). Otherwise, since it is on a switch the light could be connected directly to the battery.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- 7 Blade
- Plug Only
- Pollak
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Curt 2-to-3 Tail Light Converter for Towed Vehicles w/ Incandescent Tail Lights
- Q&A: Separating Out a Combined Brake Light and Turn Signal to Have Separate Turn Signals and Brake Lights
- Shop: Pop & Lock Power Lock Conversion Kit for Truck Caps and Hard Tonneau Covers
- Q&A: Differences Between Pop & Lock Power Lock Conversion Kit PAL9772 and PAL9555
- Q&A: Pop & Lock Power Lock Conversion Kit for A.R.E. LSII Tonneau Cover
- Q&A: Replacement Load-N-Lock Power Lock for Hard Tonneau Covers and Truck Caps
- Q&A: How To Determine If The Pop&Lock Power Lock Conversion Work On My Truck Cap
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How to Replace a Lance 6-Pin Plug w/ a Standard 7-Way Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Video: Breaking Down the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
Pete
12/5/2012
Thanks for your help, Michael.