Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2015 08:20:45 -0700
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Need to add a switch to shut off my accessories while parked
In-Reply-To: <CAFnDXk0BU-4kPDxxi4NKLSmP61328Kw-G=8L9n=HUd8NQHhvHA@mail.gmail.com>
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Jim,
You measure the currents draw on that circuit yet? It's amazing the USB ports and voltmeter would draw much power.
As an aside, I installed a switch to disconnect the power feed to door activated lights. I switch that circuit off when camping. One drawback I haven't addressed yet ( awaiting my cluster re wiring project) is that the door light circuit also powers the digital clock.
Alistair
> On Jul 27, 2015, at 8:14 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> I recently added some really cool accessories to my 83 diesel Westy. On the
> dash, I added one of the banged.com "motorcycle" combination USB/voltmeter
> outlets (just the dual USB port) on the dash by enlarging the hole for the
> factory eberspacher heater switch.
>
> In the rear, I removed the rear seat ashtray and created a brown blanking
> plate out of painted aluminum that precisely fits where the ashtray door
> once fit, making a flush surface across the base which of course still
> snaps into its hole as before. Into this I mounted the USB port and
> voltmeter combination so that passengers and campers will have charging
> access and I will be able to see what the voltage is at night and charge my
> devices while I sleep.
>
> All well and good, I love it that I can see the battery level from the
> driver's side of the car just by looking into it.
>
> Except that what I see is the battery dropping precipitously. This would be
> no big deal before I got a nice TDI jetta which has replaced the camper as
> my daily driver, giving it a well-deserved rest from roadwork. But now that
> I only drive the camper once a week or so, either the LEDs in the voltage
> indicator or the USB ports themselves are pulling it down say two volts
> every 24 hours. I was gone all weekend, so today I have about 8.5. It's
> nice that I don't have to get inside the car to know that, and because of
> the external Anderson Powerpole connector wired to the battery I do not
> have to open a door to remedy the problem, but it needs a solution.
>
> I never had this problem before the new additions, by the way. The batter
> is just a year old.
>
> Which, the USB side with its LED indicator, or the LED numeric display, is
> causing the problem? I would like to be able to switch the offender off.Or
> maybe something near the fuse block, to turn everything off when it's
> sitting in the driveway or not in use at a campground?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
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