Salem-mod

Nope on the true deep cycle batteries. They were the "hybrid" deep cycle/marine. I am thinking one of them went bad internally as during the last couple of trips, the lights would sometimes flicker (this was dry camping - no hook up). Once over the winter, the maintainer would not charge one - showing a "defective battery" light. I tried it again the next day and it seemed to charge OK. (I put them on the maintainer once every month until fully charged during winter storage) I didn't bother trying to test them - I just replaced them. Even if only one was bad, I would still have bought 2 to keep a matched pair.

The price on the brake lights is about as good as I've seen. I'll let you be the "test mule" and tell me if they still OK in a month or two.

I agree on the steel rims - did it myself a few years back on another camper.    I'd have to go outside and look at my "China Bombs" (as some call them)- they may also be load "C". I do remember they are 6 ply. Again, I've had no problem with them. I am only going to replace them due to their age and my being cautious. Popular opinion seems to be - replace at 5-6 years, to be safe.     

Nice mods, always fun to put them to use and get some new ideas.  Those cabinet doors look like a perfect match.