How do I move or add another third brake light when adding a DIY canopy?

[zolland]

Or maybe this is what you are talking about? Doesn't look like there is a relay though, might cause issues with power draw no? Could be a good way to source that harness though

Custom Wiring Harness, 4-Way Flat Output, Select Ford F-150, F-250, HD, F-350 #55316
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/55316

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[zolland]

Eh actually the mav uses the same lights for the turn signal and brake light in the tail light so will prob still need to go through the third brake light housing.. didn't realize that

 

[tom_tucker]

Eh actually the mav uses the same lights for the turn signal and brake light in the tail light so will prob still need to go through the third brake light housing.. didn't realize that

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Truck-cap-...d=5335841727&toolid=10001&customid=tno8427691

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Yes the product you furnished the link to is what I was talking about but you have to order the one for the maverick as the one for the F-150 either the clip doesn't fit the maverick OR the pins in the maverick are not in the same positions in the T-connecter, I don't know which. If you have the Ford 4 pin connector installed and only want one light, the truck won't think you have a trailer installed if you don't hook up all wires in 4 pin plug. Also you have the 20 amp hot in rear of bed. It's on key switch. I assumed you wanted full functions like the 3rd light on cab. You could buy all the relays and duplicate one or even all of functions the curt thing has. I think you would have to buy a relays for running light, left turn, right turn, plus you would need something for backup light but you would need that also for Curt device. Might try searching for the Ford Maverick T-taps?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Or maybe this is what you are talking about? Doesn't look like there is a relay though, might cause issues with power draw no? Could be a good way to source that harness though

Custom Wiring Harness, 4-Way Flat Output, Select Ford F-150, F-250, HD, F-350 #55316
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/55316

Yes will cause power draw problems it is for earlier fords pre can bus. You could use connectors IF THEY FIT MAVERICK.
etrailer has curt for ,$75.82
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/CURT/C59DR.html

 

[zolland]

If you have the Ford 4 pin connector installed and only want one light, the truck won't think you have a trailer installed if you don't hook up all wires in 4 pin plug.

This is what I want, I really just need the brake light for safety. Can I really use my existing tow harness for a single light without issues? The other replies seems to imply this is a bad idea but that would be the easiest solution hands down.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

This is what I want, I really just need the brake light for safety. Can I really use my existing tow harness for a single light without issues? The other replies seems to imply this is a bad idea but that would be the easiest solution hands down.

I'll see if I can find the thread where someone did it. Might be tomorrow.

 

[zolland]

Just spoke with a Service Advisor at my dealership who told me that splitting the connection on the OEM harness for the third brake light will void my warranty for the entire car's harness and any electrical issues. But if I make an extension and split the wires there it's fine so I'll be working towards that solution. First thing will be trying to find those connectors to make the extension. Might hit a junk yard some time soon.

 

[Gray Goose]

Little bit late to this thread, but you could just use a set of trailer lights as a 3rd (and 4th) brake light. Plug right into the 4-pin connector.
https://www.amazon.com/Partsam-Subm...ant/dp/B014PCL7Y6/ref=asc_df_B014PCL7Y6/?th=1
I use a set on a hitch extender.

 

[zolland]

Does your truck show that it is towing while you have that plugged in?

Also I had an idea, wondering if someone with more electrical expertise could chime in. I'm still trying to conjure up some setup where I don't have to dive into the OEM third brake light, looks like an absolute pain in the ass to get to the harness under the headliner.

What if I tapped into the brake light on BOTH tail lights, ran each wire through a diode, and then connected them BOTH to pin 86 on a SINGLE relay? That would have the same functionality as a third brake light right?

If that is what the Curt does I might just end up snagging that.. I'll call tomorrow

Edit: no im an idiot it would flash when a single turn signal is on...

 

[dsk7u]

Does your truck show that it is towing while you have that plugged in?

Also I had an idea, wondering if someone with more electrical expertise could chime in. I'm still trying to conjure up some setup where I don't have to dive into the OEM third brake light, looks like an absolute pain in the ass to get to the harness under the headliner.

What if I tapped into the brake light on BOTH tail lights, ran each wire through a diode, and then connected them BOTH to pin 86 on a SINGLE relay? That would have the same functionality as a third brake light right?

If that is what the Curt does I might just end up snagging that.. I'll call tomorrow

Edit: no im an idiot it would flash when a single turn signal is on...

I'm thinking about buying a Maverick, and I've been working through topper possibilities to make sure the vehicle will suit my needs before pulling the trigger. So, I've also been thinking about the third brake light and ended up on this thread. I don't have a Maverick in front of me to verify, but it looks like the best option is to split off from both tail lights and run it through a thingamabobber (2-3-Wire Splice-in Trailer Tail Light Converter)

https://www.amazon.com/Oyviny-3-Wir...6b89adb6cfb50&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

as discussed here:



May still need to include a relay probably on the output instead of both inputs assuming the device doesn't sink current.

I haven't figured out the harness splitting solution yet either. Let me know if you get that figured out. Here's how it's done with a beautiful harness splitter (T) that comes with a Snug bed cap. I don't know if you can buy it separately or how much it costs.



I'm guessing that Snug's light includes all the necessary logic that the thingamabobber and a relay will do.

I'm in Virginia which requires the third light. I could probably pull off the topper before the inspection, since they won't pull you over for it, but then I also considered if the third light is useful. I found a study that says it decreases rear impacts by 4%, though it could be less by now:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/808696

 

[Gray Goose]

Does your truck show that it is towing while you have that plugged in?

I think it gave a message something like check surroundings for obstacles. Not sure if that was due to the lights plugged in or the tailgate being down. Either way I didn't pay much attention. Does it really matter if it thinks there's a trailer when there isn't? I'd take an irrelevant message rather than splicing into the wiring.

 

[dsk7u]

I think it gave a message something like check surroundings for obstacles. Not sure if that was due to the lights plugged in or the tailgate being down. Either way I didn't pay much attention. Does it really matter if it thinks there's a trailer when there isn't? I'd take an irrelevant message rather than splicing into the wiring.

Could probably put a relay on the trailer output, so that it doesn't know anything is connected. But, how do you get the wiring from the tow hitch up into the truck bed?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Does your truck show that it is towing while you have that plugged in?

Also I had an idea, wondering if someone with more electrical expertise could chime in. I'm still trying to conjure up some setup where I don't have to dive into the OEM third brake light, looks like an absolute pain in the ass to get to the harness under the headliner.

What if I tapped into the brake light on BOTH tail lights, ran each wire through a diode, and then connected them BOTH to pin 86 on a SINGLE relay? That would have the same functionality as a third brake light right?

If that is what the Curt does I might just end up snagging that.. I'll call tomorrow

Edit: no im an idiot it would flash when a single turn signal is on...

The 4 pin Trailer plug has the running red and amber circuit plus the left brake bulb wire plus the right brake light bulb. The truck blinks or doesn't blink each side separately as needed either on or off! WOW all accomplished with three wires plus a ground wire in. Four pin. If you have a fifth wire from the backup lights you can not only have a backup light on the trailer but if the trailer has surge brakes you can use the current in it to turn off the surge brake when you are in reverse, wowiee.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I'm in Virginia which requires the third light. I could probably pull off the topper before the inspection, since they won't pull you over for it, but then I also considered if the third light is useful. I found a study that says it decreases rear impacts by 4%, though it could be less by now:

It reduces rear impacts by making it easier for vehicles behind the first trailing vehicle from blocking the lower left and right tail lights. My first car only had ONE Running/Brake light which was bright enough to be seen a whole 60 feet away on a clear night.

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