--------- Mark wrote Oct 28 in response to Steve's battery charging question: > > The aux battery relay closes whenever the alternator is producing voltage > (i.e. when the engine is running). When the relay closes, the aux battery > and the main battery are both connected to the regulated output of the > alternator. I agree with what Mark said. But I just want to put in my two cents. I think the best way to keep 2 batteries separated, but charged, is to install an automatic battery isolator. It makes a much cleaner installation. If installed properly, it will prevent the main battery from discharging when you use the camping equipment. The device is totally maintenance- free and reliable. I've been using isolators in my vanagons for more than 12 years. If anyone is interested in a multi-battery isolator for a vanagon (alias Bosch alternator), call Sure Power Industries, Inc. Tualatin, Oregon 97062 phone (503) 692-5360 fax (503) 692-9091 If you have the big 90 amp alternator on the later vanagons, only use model number 1202R, maximum 120 amp. On the air-cooled vanagon smaller alternators, you can use model number 952R, maximum 95 amp. My 1990 vanagon burned out the 952R, so I had to replace it with the stronger 1202R. The main difficulty with this installation is that it requires a a separate cable from the engine compartment to the auxillary battery, and a minor alteration to the regulator. Anyone else using this isolator? Harald '90 westy |
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