Date:         Tue, 6 Aug 2002 22:37:22 -0400
Reply-To:     Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject:      Re: Optima battery question
Comments: To: Randy Charrette <rcharrette@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Randy
The original VW relay connection (under/behind the driver's seat) disconnects
the 12v  fridge supply when the engine is turned off. Unless you have changed
this relay connection to provide 12v from your auxiliary battery, you must use
either 120v AC or propane when camping.
Larry

Randy Charrette wrote:

> I have an optima battery (yellow top)set up in my van. It is charging
> correctly and every thing seems fine. However after a long drive (6+hours)
> with the coleman fridge running and the stereo on, the battery will not run
> the refrigerator through the night. It is my understanding that this fridge
> draws about 3 amp. The Battery should last over 20 hours with that little of
> a draw. The only thing I can think of is that my stereo (300W amp) coupled
> with the fridge running is too much for the alternator to keep up with. What
> do you guy's think? I may charge the optima over night and just run the
> fridge off it in the driveway to see how it goes in the mean time. I don't
> think I have any unknown draws off the battery as I have wired the stereo,
> the fridge and an Aux light to a seperate fuse block. This is all that is on
> that battery. Any thoughts/help appreciated.
>
> Randy Charrette
> 87' Syncro
> 220K
>
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