Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 23:43:31 -0500
Reply-To: Marshall Ruskin <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Marshall Ruskin <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
Subject: Re: 85 Westy A/C & Aux battery
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Deb:
I spent 1 week in Missourri last summer - I thought that was hot - must be
brutal in Florida.
Now, there are (at least) three basic things to do to improve the AC:
1. Make sure it is operating correctly to begin with - you should be able
to (slowly) get a 40 degree temperature drop compared to the ambient.
The best way to determine if the system is running right, is to go to a ac
specialist that has been recommended to you.
2. If the ac is OK, the next thing is to move the air to the front - some
people put a small fan behind their seat to move the air - or modify the
exhaust housing to better direct airflow, and remove obstuctions. Some do
both. Personally, I think sunglasses are the coolest.
3. Finally, make sure that you have all the vents closed etc - to ensure
that you are not warming up your "cool" van with outside air.
4. Finally (really this time) - for camping, many people put electric
apartment-sized ac units into a wooden box that fits in the drivers side
window. Seriously! Thing is, you need a power outlet - but it's worth the
trouble, for the increased comfort it provides when camping in hot, humid
climates.
Good luck.
Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy
Winnipeg, Canada (what do we know about ac, anyways?)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Debbie Walters" <debbwa@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 10:44 PM
Subject: 85 Westy A/C & Aux battery
> Hi Guys,
>
> I'd like to introduce myself, I am a new vanagon owner (bought it in Feb.)
> who lives in FL. I am rigging out my Westy for search and rescue, and so
> far it's turned out to be great for holding my dogs, search gear and
camping
> supplies for extended searches. I am currently installing an auxilary
> battery and power inverter so I can charge walkie talkies and other
> batteries that drain during a search.
>
> I have two questions today. I'm sure I'll have plenty more! I've checked
> the archives and can't find specifically what I'm looking for.
>
> 1) The PO left 2 10 guage wires for an auxilary battery that he had
under
> the back seat. There is also a ground wire under the seat. The 2 10
guage
> wires are not connected to anything, but just run between the compartment
> under the seat to the engine, and I don't see an isolator anywhere. Would
> both wires connect from + to the alternator, and if so, is that a problem
> without an isolator? Will that configuration run everything in the cabin?
> There is a factory installed relay under the driver's seat, but I
understand
> that will only give me aux. power to the fridge and light.
>
> 2) Has anybody figured out a way to soup up the rear A/C or route it to
the
> front? It's hot down here in Florida! The dogs get all the (barely) cool
> air in the back, and all I get is a slight breeze hitting the back of my
> head!
>
> Thanks! Looking forward to lots of fun projects on my Westy.
>
> deb
>
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