Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 22:21:04 +0100
Reply-To: Clive Smith <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Clive Smith <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
Subject: Re: heavy duty 2nd Battery relay source
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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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