Date:         Sun, 9 Jun 1996 17:48:55 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         rickgo@halcyon.com (Rick Gordon)
Subject:      Help installtion Aux.battery 1985 westy

>
> Hello Vanagon list, I would like to install a deep cycle aux. Battery
>under the rear seat of a 1985 Westy. I have read that a battery isolator is
>not good,but should use a high amp relay(how high of an amp?). Local RV
>store wants $45 for a battery cut-out relay. Anyone know a cheaper
>alternative? Could you not use, say a 1970's Ford starter relay? (Cost $6).
>Looking at the wiring diagram of a 1986 (Bentley) could you just mount the
>relay under seat or in  engine compartment, use a short battery cable from
>Aux.battery positive to terminal 87 of relay and a 3-4 foot cable ran from
>terminal 30 of relay to terminal 30 on the Starter (would be easier than
>running the cable to the main battery) Splice into the blue alternator
>wire(to dash light) to power relay (term.86) and ground term. 85 of
>relay.Thoughts? Suggestions?
>Charles Roberts
>1985 Westy

You can get an X-relay, around 15 amps I think, for < $15. This is a std
Bosch part and has all the terminals numbered just as you described.
Mine was for a Rabbit, I don't know what year.
I didn't wire mine up as you describe though - instead I took a parallel
line off the alternator, wired through the relay. Then took a No. 10 wire
from the relay up to the aux battery. I spliced into the alternator light
wire in order to drive the relay.

-rick

Rick Gordon
Bainbridge Island, WA, USA
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