Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 11:52:31 -0300
Reply-To: "Giasson, Pascal (DNR/MRN)" <Pascal.Giasson@GNB.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Giasson, Pascal (DNR/MRN)" <Pascal.Giasson@GNB.CA>
Subject: Re: auxillary battery hold down?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Roger,
I made my own "kit". $49 was a little steep for a few wires and battery
clamps and instructions that are readily available on the web.
BTW I intended to use mine to run my fridge and electric cooler when on
the road during the day (stops for tourist attractions, or getting
groceries) on our cross Canada trip this summer. But it had an awful
hard time keeping up as the battery would run down quite fast. Very
quickly gave up on the cooler as it would prevent the battery from
recharging while driving (too much draw from the fridge and cooler to
recharge the battery). Most people use the aux. battery to run lights
and radio (I found out afterwards). I have wired LED's for lighting and
use the radio sparingly (1 hour per night) and never had any problem
with just one battery.
After a few weeks of experimenting with my two battery setup, I ended up
running my propane allot more than I was comfortable with (driving and
parked while we were in a museum or store) but it was the only solution
to keep the fridge cool. I ran the fridge off the battery when it was
not practical or safe to fire up the propane (when refuelling or when
could not get the camper level while parked). Got the system down
pretty good after a few weeks. Ended up using our new electric cooler
as a bread box...live and learn.
My personal view now is that it is allot of trouble with marginal
benefits. I might just get one of those power packs next time and rig
it up so that I can plug the fridge into it and then I can charge it
while driving and more conveniently at a campground.
Oh yeah, if you do do the two battery setup, I would recommend the setup
that does not use the existing wiring to charge the aux. battery. It
works but it is very slow. I would use the set up recommended by
Captain Mike on the Westfalia owners web site. More work but more
"juice" getting to the aux. battery.
Pascal
________________________________
From: roger sisler [mailto:rogersisler2000@yahoo.com]
Sent: September 27, 2005 11:23 AM
To: Giasson, Pascal (DNR/MRN)
Subject: RE: auxillary battery hold down?
Good idea, I may use it. I see that go westy includes a hold down clamp
with their $49 auxillery hook up kit. It looks easy to make. You can
see this on their web site.
"Giasson, Pascal (DNR/MRN)" <Pascal.Giasson@gnb.ca> wrote:
I used very dense foam to hold mine in place. It was such a
tight fit that it did not move. Not ideal but it worked for me. BTW I
take the aux. battery out when not camping as it runs my Subaru. It is
one of those Canadian Tire Spiral cell batteries.
Pascal
'84 Westy
________________________________
From: Vanagon Mailing List on behalf of roger sisler
Sent: Mon 26/09/2005 4:11 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: auxillary battery hold down?
Does anybody know about these things? Can I use one form another
venicle? Vendors dont seem to have these, but sell the kits to hook up
another battery. Has anyone made one themselves?I haaave the threaded
hole under the drivers seat, but thats it.Thanks
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