Date:         Thu, 7 May 1998 13:44:13 -0700
Reply-To:     "sh@interlog.com" <sh@INTERLOG.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "sh@interlog.com" <sh@INTERLOG.COM>
Subject:      Auxiliary Electrical System - Only CDN$1100
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

After many months of trying to find someone who understood what I wanted on
the 82 Westy (forget traditional VW mechanics) and was willing to do the
work, I finally found an RV place outside the city (Toronto) and gave him
the job.  Here's the details, for others who, like myself, have to rely on
(and pay) others to do the work.  All prices in Cdn$.

PARTS   - Optima 750U deep cycle battery-$200, ½ amp trickle charger-$40,
Headlight Alarm-$14, 12V Propane Detector-$35, extra 12V outlet-$12, 12V
meter+switch-$54, interior light and velcro kit-$24, isolator-$15,
miscellaneous wiring, fuses, receptacles & covers, etc.-$26 = $420

LABOUR - Install all of above, with all accessories and interior lights
(except small light over driver's door), tape deck/radio, propane detector,
etc. now wired to draw only from new house battery, both batteries charge
while engine is running, trickle charger wired in to 110 volt circuit,
change single 110 volt outlet (under sink) to double, (charger plugs in
there with fridge), extra 12V outlet mounted near back table, new light
mounted on ceiling of pop top, removable with velcro (now occupants up
there can read at night)
Total Charge - 8.5 hours @$62 = $527

TAXES - various levels take total of 15% = $142

Add some gas to get there and back a couple of times with 2 vehicles, and
we're just over $1100!

If anyone else in this area is interested, the labour hours required to do
the job again would probably come down, now that I've paid for his learning
curve! (first time he's worked on VW's - they are used to large motorhomes).

Disappointments: - The voltmeter has a switch to read either "house" or
"starting" battery, but unfortunately he mounted it on the trough above the
sink, so I can't see/check battery condition while driving
- Optima top battery posts are a little higher than I thought, so the
driver's seat won't swivel anymore!
- He couldn't find a 110V circuit breaker to replace the original VW one
that often pops (and gets stuck) when plugging in a small heater.  I'm not
crazy about spending over $100 for a VW original - anyone have any ideas
for a replacement?

Happiness: - I'm all set for more self sufficient, well lit camping, and
can run the tape deck and other accessories as long as I want, without
drawing down the starting battery or getting stranded.  From other posts,
this Optima should serve me well.

Many thanks to all those who responded to earlier questions when planning
the job.