Date:         Tue, 19 Oct 2004 19:54:56 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Dual Battery Installation Instructions on Ebay
In-Reply-To:  <004301c4b615$4a0f1f50$2fd23b45@Dell>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Larry,

I set up a second batter because we camp in such remote places that
getting starting help might take a long time. I use a $30 lawnmower
battery on a relay.

My explicit, downloadable relay instructions are at
http://www.knology.net/~felder/Vanagons/.

Why the small battery? Because it's more adequate if you plan for it,
it doesn't cost much and it doesn't weigh much. It's very small, too.
We use only fluorescents (two two-tubes) and LEDs (six)  for interior
lights. We watch DVDs etc., charge phones and so forth through a 400W
inverter that's off when we're not using it. We've stayed several days,
run through a tank of water, had light and kitchen/heater exhaust fans
(4" computer fans) all night and some of the day.

As far as recharging goes, anywhere we've driven (three miles or so at
least) seems to do the trick. Your alternator belt will let you know
with a squeal that it's doing some hard work for a while after you
start.

Jim


On Oct 19, 2004, at 2:52 PM, Larry Occhipinti, DVM 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
>