Date:         Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:09:43 -0600
Reply-To:     Allen Hill <route66rider@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allen Hill <route66rider@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Battery Drain
Comments: To: Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY101-F34EE2E147A8859AE5A9A15A0810@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

You will need a good analog volt meter for this test.  First, you will need
to isolate each potential source of drain.  Make a list of everything you
have on the auxiliary battery.  Check each system and verify that it is set
at the "OFF" condition.  Now, one at a time disconnect one system at a time
and connect the volt meter in the circuit (Connect positive lead to the
device and negative lead to the wire that was feeding it) and note any
reading.  Record all readings.  Each device should have a reading of ZERO
(0) volts if it is actually "OFF".  You can work to eliminate any reading
back to zero and the draw (or drain) should therefore be eliminated.  Any
reading of even something like 2.09 volts will add up over a period of time.
You can also check each circuit near the device and at the opposite end of
the wire to trace any drain.

Good Luck

Route 66 Rider!
Ramon Hill
Live Long and Be Free

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dave Vickery
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:09 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Battery Drain

My weakness is electrical stuff.  I added an aux battery to my passenger van
turned camper.  Then I added a gas heater, hooked up a Westy fridge unit,
wired in accessories and lights, and now my batteries drain down in a couple
weeks time.  I added an Isolator btween the batteries and now only my aux
battery drains down.

How do I figure out what item is causing the drain?  I added a small fuse
box under the driver seat if that helps with the diagnosis.  I also have a
good quality digital voltmeter.

Can someone point in the right direction.

Thanks very much,
Dave in Denver

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