Mark, You seem to know these vehicles elctrics inside out. Is there any chance you (or others) might answer this one - are the panelvans (UK Transporters/ Kastelwagens) wired with all the extra relays and wiring for fridges etc. I doubt if my lucks in, but I like the solution you've outlined and am keen to have a second auxiliary battery for a fridge and in emrgencies, starting in my van. Would I have to start from scratch? Thanks, Clive Smith '88 Syncro Transporter (known as T25's in Europe)
----- Original Message ----- From: "mark drillock" <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 7:00 PM Subject: heavy duty 2nd Battery relay source
> Stancor #120-901, heavy duty DC power contactor, 100 amps continuous, > 400 amps surge, $15 > > > I have hooked up numerous second batteries for Vanagons and other VW > campers. I prefer to use a relay as this does not require any cutting or > splicing of the original vehicle wiring. It can thus be easily unhooked > for trouble shooting or whatever. > > The other approaches have their merits but I like to leave the original > wiring alone as much as possible. > > I have used various relays and switches but my favorite is this one, > available from Newark Electronics. I used my last one recently and I > ordered 5 more today. > > http://www.newark.com/ Newark part# 50F3662 > > These can be securely mounted in the battery compartment next to the > battery and all connections are attached by nuts. I like at least 8 > gauge Marine grade wire between the batteries for camping use but > heavier gauge is needed if you also want to use the aux battery to > assist during starting. This capability will depend on what you arrange > for controlling the relay. In most Westys I use the fridge relay output > to trigger the aux bat relay and this means the aux battery is NOT > connected to the main battery during starting. The batteries are > connected together only when the alternator is charging and the > switching is done automatically. > > This also allows a simple way to use both batteries in a pinch for > starting. By removing the small fuse cover behind the driver's seat and > bridging the 2 fuse holders with a coin or such the aux battery relay > will energize and connect both batteries even with the engine off. > > Mark |
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