Date:         Tue, 30 Jan 2018 12:11:21 -0800
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <shawngwright@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <shawngwright@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      '88 Westy - moving starting battery rearward
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

As part of my plans to install various upgrades, I want to finally install
an Aux. battery in our '88 Westy, which has a 1.6TD using stock '83 parts,
but maintains the front passenger seat battery location. (which has always
seemed to be borderline for cranking the DV starter in cold weather)

I am wondering about instead of adding an aux battery under the driver's
seat, moving the starting battery either to the engine compartment as per
the stock Diesel location, or under the rear bench, then making the front
battery the Aux. one.

I have access to MIG and arc welders, so making a box in the engine
compartment is not an issue, or welding in a stock one. My engine intake is
in the stock diesel location on the left, so the right vent is available
for battery cooling.

I'm more interested in the logistics of wiring this all up - I have a
decent supply of marine grade cable in various sizes. Do I need to worry
about moving the loads off the front battery? I guess if I don't, and I run
the aux battery down too low running the heater, I could have an issue when
driving and needing more current, but the stock wiring already allows for
full charging current to the front battery, so, does it matter?

My preference would be to use standard Group 41 batteries for both, as I
don't anticipate running down the aux battery down too far, with the only
draw being an Espar D2, the stereo, house lights (mostly LED), and some
camera and laptop chargers. I do plan to add at least 100W of solar
charging also, mostly likely with a portable panel on the luggage rack.

Thanks

--
Shawn Wright
shawngwright@gmail.com