Date:         Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:28:24 -0600
Reply-To:     Steve Williams <steve@WILLIAMSITCONSULTING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Williams <steve@WILLIAMSITCONSULTING.COM>
Subject:      Charging circuit connection - battery under back bench in Westy?
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Hi,

I want to install a deep cycle battery under the back bench in my 1991
Westy.

I was thinking that it would be much easier to connect directly into the
engine compartment for the "charging" circuit.

I am upgrading the wire from the alternator to the starter (as well as
pro-actively putting in a new alternator).

Would it make sense to connect directly to the alternator, or can I just
connect onto starter (solenoid)?    Or is this a crazy idea?


Further information to ward off questions...  ;-)

The "charging" circuit will be run through a Go-Westy "isolating relay"
so that it will be disconnected from the starting battery if the engine
is not running.

I'm putting in 12v sockets in the back area directly from this battery,
though yes, I'm still going to have to snake 2 wires up to the front,
one for the relay energizing current, and one to plug into the fuse
panel.  I'll make this a heavier gauge wire.

A bit of research led to:
http://www.windsun.com/Hardware/Wire_Table.htm

(look down for the 12 VDC section) which leads me to think I'll run #8
wire (25-30 amps) to the front fuse panel from the battery in the back
to power all the internal stuff.

And yes, I'm cleaning all the grounds that I can find at the same time!

Thanks,
Steve W.