Using Rear Overhead Taillight/Cargo Light as Power Source for Cap

[aahyut]

Hi All,
I have a 2005 F-150 that I just put a used cap onto. I would like to wire the lights for the cap (and add additional lighting) from the overhead rear light on the cab of the truck. The reason for this, is I want the lights in the cap to come on when I use the cargo light switch on the dash. The question I have is, what do you think the best way to run the wire from the cab to the cap? I want to keep things as weather proof as possible. I am not opposed to drilling, I just want to make sure that I do it right. Has anyone done this on another vehicle? Thanks!
-Ian N1NMW

 

[Jeff B]

The wires going to that light might not be strong enough to run more lights off of them. I would suggest running new wires and a switch into the cab if you want to activate them from the cab.

 

[aahyut]

It's already done and works great.

 

[Corbet]

The point Jeff made is valid. The circuit was designed to carry a specific load. If you increase it by adding multiple bulbs you could have issues in time. If the original rear cab light was a standard bulb you could swap it for LED and add additional LED bulbs in the topper and stay within the designed load of the circuit.

 

[aahyut]

That is what I did, I wanted the overhead light in the cap to turn on when the dome light was turned on in the cab. If I additional lighting I'll likely run a new set of wires.