Reverse Lights and Rust

Five Billion Star Hotel

Adding Light Where It Matters

Today I turned my attention to the back of the Five Billion Star Hotel and checked off a small but useful project. I installed a pair of additional reverse lights into the rear bumper. This is one of those upgrades that does not look flashy at first glance but pays off quickly when backing up in the dark, especially in remote areas where there is no ambient light at all.

To make it happen, I cut into the rear bumper plastic molding and trimmed out openings for the two lights. Once I started cutting, it became very clear what I was dealing with underneath.

What Was Hiding Underneath

The underside structure of the bumper is in rough shape. The metal underneath is heavily rusted and honestly looks cancerous at this point. This was not entirely unexpected given the age of the vehicle, but it is still frustrating to see how far it has progressed.

I took photos of the damage, so I have a clear record of what needs to be addressed later. This is not a small fix, and it is not one I am tackling right now. It will eventually need to be rebuilt properly, but that project will have to wait its turn. The List-O-Things-To-Do is already long, and this one is parked for the future.

Wiring the Lights

Thankfully, the wiring side of this project was straightforward. I tapped into the existing reverse light wire to trigger a relay. From there, I powered the relay directly from my house power battery.

This setup keeps the factory wiring protected while allowing the new lights to draw power from a system designed to handle extra load. It also keeps things modular and easy to troubleshoot later if needed. Overall, it was a clean and simple install.

Next Steps

The lights are installed and wired, but the real test comes next. Over the coming days I will test them under real world conditions to see how they perform in total darkness and uneven terrain. If adjustments are needed, I will make them and update this post.

For now, it feels good to add another practical upgrade to the Five Billion Star Hotel, even if it also uncovered a reminder of projects still waiting their turn.