Date:         Tue, 30 Jan 2018 14:07:49 -0800
Reply-To:     vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: '88 Westy - moving starting battery rearward
Comments: To: Shawn Wright <shawngwright@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <4kBh1x03k08X5Fr01kBjhy>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

Not all that difficult to do what you are considering, but I'd think it
all the way through first.

What will you be using for the battery separation device and where do
you plan to mount it?

Rather than run all the dash area vehicle power from the aux battery I'd
prefer to keep it on the starter battery. Depending on your answer to
the separation device question it may make sense to use the starting
battery connection on the separator as a wire junction for the 2 dash
power feed wires that currently connect to the front battery.

The front battery currently powers the dash wiring including the starter
switch so if you don't move that over to the new starter battery you
will require power from both batteries to start the engine. I wouldn't
set it up that way myself. If you decide to anyway be warned that some
of the ACR separator devices may create a potential safety flaw with
your plan so make sure you understand the limitations of the one you choose.

Mark


Shawn Wright wrote:
> 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
>