Date:         Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:52:21 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar collector
Comments: To: Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <9583E1EA-684C-4A5A-945D-9A2337F528B3@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

From the factory the Westy did not come with a dual battery set up. What was
there was a relay controlled from the alternator exciter/indicator light
circuit wired so that the refrigerator would work on DC power when the
alternator was actually charging. Many have used that set up to charge an
auxiliary battery and for the most part it somewhat works. The GoWesty
instructions may be assuming you are adding the 2nd battery and solar system
at the same time so the recommendation for the kit. You should be able to
connect the solar panel system to your house battery leaving everything else
as is.

Since you have that 800 watt inverter keep in mind that at full load you are
looking at some 80 amp/hour draw. While running the alternator will try to
be the source and with a relay inter-connect the chassis battery will also
get involved. All the wiring and the relay needs to be able to support this
load. I would suggest #6 or #4 and a 100 amp relay. Yes all the way to the
alternator.

Dennis


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Jowell
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2014 9:03 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Solar collector

I just received my GOWESTY solar kit to add power to my auxiliary battery
and read the instruction install sheet. The recommended install procedure is
to purchase  the GOWESTY auxiliary battery kit. My 1988 Westy came with the
factory  auxiliary battery hookup already installed. My question is do I
really need the GOWESTY add on or use the factory kit on board already. I've
been using the 2nd battery for years. I have a battery charger, 800 watt
inverter, and my truck fridge running off the 2nd battery with no problems
but I would also like to add my stereo to the 2nd battery next. Does anyone
have any experience with the solar kit. Any help would be appreciated.

Dennis

Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
West Newbury, Vermont