Camper Top??
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 296
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From: Jefferson, TX
Camper Top??
I'm looking to put one on for various reasons...but I got to thinking. Anybody know if there is a requirement for the camper to have a high mount stoplight (3rd eye)? I'd sure hate to think I'm all good to go and be informed otherwise by someone in a position of authority.
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From: Sterling, Va
I don't know about anywhere else by I know where I live that I your truck didn't come factory with a third brake light that the one on the cap don't need to. I've been bothered before from the cops an I told em that ford did start putting third brake lights on the trucks in 92.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: troy, Mo
I know if your vehicle "came" with a third brake lite your "suppose to" have it working. However since the shell is removable you are going to want to make a plug for it also. I did NOT wire my shell up. Mine does have the third brake lite. I think of it as an option, sorta like power windows. You don't have to have them but they are nice to have. So if you really want to be safe check with TX HP and they can give you the really 411 on it.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 777
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From: Florida
If the truck came with the 3rd brake light that the shell must have a third brake light wired via plug. I've had shells in the past and have run into this question/dilema. I could be totally wrong as things may have changed, like my memory 
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 296
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From: Jefferson, TX
Thanks all for the input... makes it sound like I'd best hang loose for one with or add one to what I find just to keep out of any mess. I'm the guy that gets a ticket for .5 mph over...or will have an enforcer following me at the exact moment a trailer bulb goes south...that kind of thing. No need to tempt fate. 
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FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Thanks all for the input... makes it sound like I'd best hang loose for one with or add one to what I find just to keep out of any mess. I'm the guy that gets a ticket for .5 mph over...or will have an enforcer following me at the exact moment a trailer bulb goes south...that kind of thing. No need to tempt fate.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 296
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From: Jefferson, TX
<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead colSpan=2>05-16-2011 06:09 PM</TD></TR><TR title="Post 10349787" vAlign=top><TD class=alt2 align=middle width=125>Brain's 97 Diesel</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
"did mine from 3rd brake light wire @ back of truck harness"...like back where the trailer light harness is???
Looks like it's a light green wire, circuit 511 from the stop lamp switch?
As you might guess...I found a camper this week. Big red camper on big white truck. Has a light. Now off to wire land.
Last edited by jtexfisher; Jun 12, 2011 at 10:29 AM. Reason: added circuit info
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Willow Grove, PA
Yes, there is a solid light green wire in the harness near the bed/trailer harness that is for the 3rd brake light. If no one previously touched it, it will have a black end & a factory tag that says brake, brake light, or 3rd brake light (don't remember which). I did one for a friend not long ago & used a 4 flat trailer plug, I put one end on vehicle one on truck w/ cap/cover for plug. Trailer harness is yellow/green/white/brown I put green trailer to green truck / white trailer to white ground / brown trailer to fused + for int light / yellow unused for possible future accy in bed (like an extra cigarette lighter in bed for easy hook-up outside of cab).
As for the red cap on a white truck, you could paint the cap a different color like silver or match to interior color, or paint the lowest portion of truck (below the bumpers body line) red, OR put wide red tape stripes on it at the the upper body line just above the tail light/clear corner light & across the tailgate (if you do not have the AL panel there already.
As for the red cap on a white truck, you could paint the cap a different color like silver or match to interior color, or paint the lowest portion of truck (below the bumpers body line) red, OR put wide red tape stripes on it at the the upper body line just above the tail light/clear corner light & across the tailgate (if you do not have the AL panel there already.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Jefferson, TX
Most excellent! Me and the dog (not my dog) looked for it last evening with no luck. But it was fun using a flashlight under the pickup with a dog that lives to chase light beams. Kept trying to eat it...under the truck. THUD THUD THUD. Maybe I'll find it this evening!
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Willow Grove, PA
Not that I'm a lawyer or a police officer but in my exp. it depends on the state & local laws & ordancences as well as the officer & how serious they take their job or how their supervisior chewed them out that day. After a certain date (1992???) fedral law/DOT required all passenger vehicles had to have a 3rd brake light. Dually trucks by weight or size may not fit this catagory IDK? But, in PA if the vehicle had it from the factory, any alterations to the vehicle MUST meet or excede the equipment installed by the factory/OEM.
Over the yrs when I traveled out of PA I've been pulled over in other states because something that is legal in PA is not in the other state. The only thing that has gotten me out of the ticket is the valid PA registration, inspection, & inspection receipt I keep in ea vehicle @ all times.
Over the yrs when I traveled out of PA I've been pulled over in other states because something that is legal in PA is not in the other state. The only thing that has gotten me out of the ticket is the valid PA registration, inspection, & inspection receipt I keep in ea vehicle @ all times.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: West Texas
Your truck came with a third brake light. If your inspection mechanic follows the letter of the law then you MUST have a functioning third brake light on your camper since you won't be able to see the factory one anymore. Texas sucks sometimes but it's better than living in Maryland!