Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2004 17:04:03 -0700
Reply-To: Reinhard Vehring <rvehring@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Reinhard Vehring <rvehring@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Dual Battery Installation Instructions on Ebay
In-Reply-To: <004301c4b615$4a0f1f50$2fd23b45@Dell>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Larry,
we just had that topic last week. To save you a trip
to the archives, here is my setup again:
An Optima Yellow 34/78 deep cycle
battery and an amp under the driver swivel seat.
Requires some metalworking to get it in. Battery
separator: Sure Power # 1315, which automatically
connects at 13.2 to 13.5 V and disconnects at 12.4 -
12.9 V. I also installed the override switch, which
allows manual coupling of the batteries. Batteries are
connected using battery cable (0 or 2 ga) so I can use
the 2nd battery to assist in starting. This needs to
be done carefully, because it is not fused. 2nd
battery is connected to a fuse block, with a fused
link (60A). From there I run the amp, headset, fridge,
lights, sink pump, etc. Put two voltmeters in the dash
to monitor the whole thing. I just like gauges :-)
About how long can you run stuff? The capacity of the
Optima is 55Ah. That means it will be able to provide
2.75 A over 20 hours before dropping to 10.5 V which
is the fully discharged level. If you draw 25 A it
will reach 10.5 V in about 120 min. Not much capacity,
fridge on dc, stereo on, and I can see the voltage
drop quickly on the gauge. A small deep cycle battery
from WalMart? Don't want to be disrespectful, but that
is not going to cut it. And a 1200 W inverter? I'd say
that is pretty much out of the question. You are
looking at about 100 A load (fuse that!) which would
probably destroy the "WalMart" thing and even drain
the Optima in no time.
About starting: The cold crank rating of the Optima is
more than enough to get the vanagon going again. An
interesting option is actually to have two deep cycle
batteries and no starter battery at all.
Recharging times? I've never tested that, but it also
depends on the size of the connecting wire. If you set
this up as a "trickle" charge with a small wire gauge,
it will take longer and you can't use the 2nd battery
for starting.
How long does it take? Depending on how well you want
to do the job. There is metalworking to get it in, you
got to find a way to strap the battery down or
immobilize it somehow. I also worked on the box and
lid, laying it out with asphalt tiles to prevent
shorts, decent wiring etc. Took me a whole weekend.
The box under the driver seat is not vented. The only
battery I'd be comfortable putting in without venting
is an Optima. Fot anything else I'd copy the vent
system of the other box.
Is it worth it: Definitely! I like the idea of a full
starting battery, when I'm out in the woods. I also
like music and a cold beer.
Have fun,
Reinhard
--- "Larry Occhipinti, DVM" <guardmans@PEAK.ORG>
wrote:
> Anybody have experience installing the dual battery
> relay, inverter, microwave set-up instructions
> currently being offered on ebay?
>
> Randy says it's an easy thing to do, and his
> instructions are better than the Go Westy
> Kit....sounds like if indeed it can be done without
> hassle the second battery could be used for lots of
> various electrical accessories without draining the
> main battery while camping.
>
> Also, will the small second battery be able to
> retain enough power to run the accessories for an
> overnight stint?
> If the main battery should give out is there enough
> juice to start the van with the second smaller
> battery?
> And if the second battery is used for several hours,
> how long of a ride will be needed to recharge it for
> use the following night?
>
> Just curious if the dual battery thing is really
> worth the effort, and how much of an ordeal it is to
> install...what kinds of things have you been happy
> using off the second battery?
>
> Thanks for sharing your experiences....
>
> Larry Occhipinti
> '86 Westy
>
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