I am thinking of adding a second Group 41 battery under the rear seat. The simplest wiring arrangement would be used. I would run two wires directly to the starter (+ and -). When camping for any extended time, the ground could be disconnected from this battery to prevent it from running down. The original battery, which is still under the passenger seat, with all the stock wiring intact, would power the radio, lights, etc... (I have no interest in running the fridge off of the battery.) The second battery would be enclosed in a case and ventilated. The relatively short distance to the starter should improve cranking speed and would provide easy access for jumping other vehicles. Both batteries would be available for starting purposes in this arrangement. There would be no permanent modification to the stock wiring, only a few holes to run the new wires to the starter. The second battery is an exact match in age and brand to the first. It's coming out of my '89 Jetta diesel. Both are about 4 years old. I was thinking about getting the cables out of a junk yard. Maybe out of a big old V-8? Any suggestions? Jay '85 Westy |
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