Tips for Wiring a Third Brake Light and Dome Light in a Camper Shell on a 2006 Toyota Tundra

Updated 04/07/2014 | Published 04/06/2014

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Question:

what is the best method to wire a third brake and dome light for a camper shell on a 2006 tundra.I would like the dome light to be available at all times without turning on the lights or the ignition key.Thanks

asked by: Trent

Helpful Expert Reply:

For the third brake light on a camper shell you will want to access the CHMSL circuit. CHMSL stands for center high mount stop light and it is a dedicated brake light only circuit. Use the vehicle owners manual to locate its fuse location. You could then use a fuse tap appropriate for the fuse size it is to get power from that circuit.

It is also possible that a place that sells and installs camper shells knows of another place to access a dedicated brake light circuit under your 2006 Toyota Tundra. Or, since the brake lights are separate from the turns signals on your truck you could splice into a brake light wire at the back of the truck.

For the dome light it would be best to wire it to a switch and have the switch wired to the battery so you can turn it on/off whether the truck is on or not. A simple switch such as # BL0108-00-R would be all you need.

You can use some light gauge wire such as # 16-1-1 sold in 1 foot increments for wiring up the switch, third brake light, or both.

expert reply by: Michael H