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Date:         Fri, 12 Jul 2002 11:00:04 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      heavy duty 2nd Battery relay source
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

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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