Date:         Sat, 25 Mar 2000 12:13:22 -0800
Reply-To:     Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: The Extra Battery
Comments: To: Barry Mercer <bmercer@VIANET.ON.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

>Of what use would the be in installing an additional battery under the
>drivers seat?

I camp for long periods of time and do not wish to run my starter battery
down... both because I want the engine to start (especially 40 miles from
the nearest pavement) and because running the starter down repeatedly (even
if not low enought to prevent starting) will shorten the life of the starter
battery since it is not designed for that type of use (is not a deep cycle
battery). I have rewired my cabin light to run off the auxiliary battery and
I have added cabin lights in the closet and behind the rear seat and I use
my lap top computer to write when I camp.

Also, having an auxiliary battery allows more efficent use of the 12 volt
operation of the fridge... like when you stop for gasoline or to go into a
visitor's center for an hour the 12 volt to the fridge will be switched off
if you don't have and auxiliary battery which means your food will get warm.

 small silver
>coloured junction box...

That's the relay that turns off the 12 volt from the starter battery to the
fridge when the engin is turned off.

 but as mine only came with the one battery


Apparently only the Weekenders came with auxiliary batteries... it seems
that none of the Westies in the U.S. came with one... which is why the stock
wire was not sized large enough to support an auxiliary battery safely
except in the Weekender version.

Bill
90 Westy Syncro


>Until Now!!
>
>Barry Mercer
>
>Sudbury
>
>Moo  88 Westy  153k km
>