SmartCap 3rd Brake light wiring

[AfshinF]

I bought a SmartCap used and I didn't realize until I got home from the VERY long drive that the harness for the lights was missing.

I know there are a lot of different harnesses available for purchase that can solve this but I would like to try and solve this in a more cost effective manner.

My question is, can I just tap into the harness from the tail light to get my 12V signal to turn on the light when the brake is pressed? This seems like the simplest, most logical way to do it and then I don't have to mess around with convincing my truck I don't have a trailer attached all the time. It's only 10 or so LED's in the brake so I can't see it being a huge draw on the circuit.

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[Colo_Ranger]

I bought a SmartCap used and I didn't realize until I got home from the VERY long drive that the harness for the lights was missing.

I know there are a lot of different harnesses available for purchase that can solve this but I would like to try and solve this in a more cost effective manner.

My question is, can I just tap into the harness from the tail light to get my 12V signal to turn on the light when the brake is pressed? This seems like the simplest, most logical way to do it and then I don't have to mess around with convincing my truck I don't have a trailer attached all the time. It's only 10 or so LED's in the brake so I can't see it being a huge draw on the circuit.

First and foremost, reach out to RSi. They might send you a harness. Second, you can tap into the tail light. It's only running and brake so... you'd need to find the running light, the brake light, and a ground.

 

[AfshinF]

First and foremost, reach out to RSi. They might send you a harness. Second, you can tap into the tail light. It's only running and brake so... you'd need to find the running light, the brake light, and a ground.

I didn't think to reach out to them but I've done so now, thanks. I guess I'll wait and see what they say and worse case scenario I'll just tap into the brake light.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

It’s easy enough to tap into it.

Pin 1 is GROUND
Pin 2 is Brake Light Power


The wires from my topper’s third brake light are tapped into my driver side taillight. I was able to find the entry point to the back of the taillight assembly. It’s up in the top corner at the back of the bed - just big enough for small wires. Remove the two screws of the taillight and carefully pull it back and out at an angle. There are two push pins holding it in place - do not try to hinge it out. It takes a bit of force but it will pop out.

Remove the harness to make it easier to work on things. Pull the red tab back on the connector to unlock it. Then, press your thumb on the grooved tab and wriggle the connector off.

 

[AfshinF]

It’s easy enough to tap into it.

Pin 1 is GROUND
Pin 2 is Brake Light Power


The wires from my topper’s third brake light are tapped into my driver side taillight. I was able to find the entry point to the back of the taillight assembly. It’s up in the top corner at the back of the bed - just big enough for small wires. Remove the two screws of the taillight and carefully pull it back and out at an angle. There are two push pins holding it in place - do not try to hinge it out. It takes a bit of force but it will pop out.

Remove the harness to make it easier to work on things. Pull the red tab back on the connector to unlock it. Then, press your thumb on the grooved tab and wriggle the connector off.

This is EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you very much!

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Happy to help. You might want to protect those wires with some wire loom. I used Expandable Braided PET Cable Sleeve.

 

[AfshinF]

Happy to help. You might want to protect those wires with some wire loom. I used Expandable Braided PET Cable Sleeve.

Thanks! I love that stuff it's always my go-to whenever I do wiring.

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