Wiring for the Third Brake Light and Dome Light for an ARE Camper Shell on a 2012 Nissan Frontier

Updated 08/16/2013 | Published 08/14/2013

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Question:

Which wiring harness will I need and where do I connect it for the third brake light and dome light for an ARE shell on a 2012 Nissan Frontier?

asked by: Kevin H

Expert Reply:

When installing a camper shell on a truck, typically, there is not a specific wiring harness for the third brake light and dome light. I am not aware of a wiring harness for a Nissan Frontier that will provide those functions for a camper shell. The installation of a camper shell usually consists of using the appropriate lengths of wire for the third brake light and dome light and splicing them into a corresponding circuit on the truck. It would be best to choose the same size wire, so you may want to check the gauge of the wire on the camper shell before purchasing additional wire.

The third brake light should be ran to a circuit dedicated solely to the brake light. The Nissan Frontier has a separate tail light system meaning the brake light circuit is independent of the turn signal circuit at the tail lights. The easiest option for you would be to run the wire for the third brake light to the tail light wiring going to either the left or right tail light. These wires can be accessed by removing the tail light assemblies. To determine which wire is the brake light wire, I recommend using a circuit tester like part # 3808 to probe the wires while you have a helper pressing the brake pedal.

The dome light should be ran either to an interior light circuit or it could be ran directly to the truck battery if the dome light has a switch. If it does not have a switch, then you will want to install a switch, like part # D16740, in-line with the power wire. Locating a wire for the interior lights may be more difficult, but it would allow you to control the dome light in the camper with the interior lights in the truck. At this time we do not have any specific information on where an interior light wire would be located, but you could attempt to trace the wires from the interior lights or use a fuse tap to tap into the fuse that controls the interior lights.

expert reply by: John H