It sounds like a problem of getting the voltage from the alternator to the battery (please electrical people don't crucify me I know voltage doesn't flow but it is early Monday morning OK?). I would inspect the alternator wire to the starter and the starter wire and see if either of these has corrosion in them or you might even be able to check them for resistance with a meter. They could be corroded internally or have broken strands in them that you can't see. I have a later model Vanagon starter cable if you need one (for when the battery is under the passenger seat) for $60 and I am getting some alternator harness wiring in for $12 each (should be here this week). Also check the ground strap that connects the tranny to the chassis (located at nose of tranny) as I believe that this one is the main ground for the alternator and starter and could be causing your problem.

Let me know what you figure out.

Thanks, Ken Wilford http://www.vanagain.com John 3:16 Phone: (856)-765-1583 Shop: (856)-327-0027 Fax: (856)-327-2242