Date:         Thu, 5 Feb 2004 13:42:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Harald Rust <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Harald Rust <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Battery isolators vs Relays- was- Why do JC Whitney
              Battery....
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I still think the Sure Power isolator is the best
solution for my vanagon camping setup.
$60 is not expensive. I spent so much on my vanagon,
that the $60 for the isolator is totally insignificant
compared to the benefits I get.
I don't think the isolator is "sexy". Just think it
works well. The reason I stuck with the isolator is
because the batteries last longer.
I hate buying new batteries and lugging them around.
With the isolator setup, I haven't bought a new
battery in 7 1/2 years for our westy, and the
batteries are still good.
Camping almost every weekend, using vented propane
heater, lights etc. Never bother with extension cords
or trickle chargers or solar panels.
What more can one want?
Alternator never gave me any trouble either.
If you have a isolator setup, your alternator can
last a long time also.
I've only replaced the alternator bearings at 120k
miles, and keep a spare regulator on hand, but the old
regulator works just fine at 165k miles.
Frankly I don't know why there is so much resistance
to using Sure Power isolators in vanagons.
They are well-proven and a viable option for charging
dual battery systems in vanagons.
However, the other brands of isolators don't work in
vanagons, unless you alter them with remote sensing
terminals (not recommended).
I'm not denying that relays work, but everyone knows
they also have their problems.
Relays also have a voltage drop across the contacts,
and with age, they get worse.
But I don't want to knock anyone's relay system.
Different systems work for different people and their
battery charging needs, and I respect that.
In summary, I think the Sure Power isolators are
another valuable option for people who want a reliable
hands-off powerful dual battery charging system
without hassle.
Well, my last words on the subject for now.
Harald
'90 westfalia

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html