Date:         Wed, 28 Jun 2006 08:40:12 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Overhead Westy light
Comments: To: Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <86476e250606280756n75b3bf57sb384324efcad66d3@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hi,

I've often wondered why more owners don't do as I do with my aux
battery and that is relay it so it supplies the "entire electrical
system" (actually supplies just to fuse panel under dash) when the
ign key is off. Entire that is but for starter motor.

In practice that means the running lights can be left on (but not
headlights for that does require the key to be on the on position),
but I haven't had any occasion where I have accidentally knocked the
headlight switch on when camping.

The advantage is that one can wire accessories straight into the
stock electrical system.

One other thing, I have a small aux fuse box wired into the battery
(the cool little unit from late model Beetles/Golfs). This box has
fusable links which I use to run : 1. additional wire to stock fuse
panel, 2. additional wire to headlight relay, 3. wire to driving
light. The box also has some spade type fuses for more take off points.

My relay is mounted next to it and switches from starting battery to
small gel cell house battery. The starter cable is not switched.

This system has worked for me for a few years now.

Alistair


'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/

On 28-Jun-06, at 7:56 AM, Loren Busch wrote:

You may find it easier to simply move ALL interior electrical stuff
to the
aux battery, including the radio, cigar lighter, etc.  Check the
archives
for instructions on this.  It involves running one wire from the aux
battery
to the fuse block.  Where it attaches to the fuse block depends on
what year
Vanagon you are driving.

On 6/27/06, Gilles Turmel <gilles.turmel@sympatico.ca> wrote:
>
> Hi,
> I want to connect my overhead Westy light to the fuse boxe powered
> by my
> auxilliary battery.  Where is the best place to intercepted the power
> wire feeding that light?
> Best regards.
> Gilles Turmel
>