Date:         Mon, 7 Jun 2004 22:43:39 -0400
Reply-To:     The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Dual-Battery Question
In-Reply-To:  <40C513E9.4BE2C2CD@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>  Hooking 2 together is a simple way to get more capacity
> for camping while still having plenty for starting when it is
> time to leave. A manual switch or proper relay is an even
> better way to do this.


A simple fused relay is the way that Westfalia did it on those models
that were equipped with dual batteries. Wiring two batteries together
with (or without) a switch has its own set of dangers, while for most
peopleon the isolator route is unnecessarily expensive and complicated
(and has its own set of problems). A simple relay system works well, is
inexpensive, and is nearly failproof - which is why Westfalia used it in
the first place.

You can make your own relay kit using parts from a FLAPS, but I sell an
inexpensive Hella kit just for this purpose. It comes with a properly
rated fused relay, wiring diagram, and wiring. Pretty much everything
you need but the battery and terminal.  And it's under $20.  Really, for
95% of users this is all you need. Inexpensive, reliable, and safe - an
optimal solution.

Link:
<http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=1738>

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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Toll-Free for Orders by PART # :  1-866-BUS-DEPOT