Hello, Yes, I'm back. Count on some more activities from my mailbox in future. >The conclusion seems to be that NONE >of the Westfalias ever came with >auxiliary batteries, That not true globally, possibly for US, but VW designed a second battery under driver's seat and was available on special order. Not only for Westies or Weekenders, it was available for regular Vangons, too. But Westfalia delivered only one model of campers to US, without second battery and without the raised folding bed. Even fibre high roofs were not available in US. >and that their wiring was NEVER intended >for the high amps that a drained battery >can draw through the wires. As posted >previously, That's true, because the relay which disconnects primary and secondary battery is designed for 10 or 8 amps (as I remember). But the wires used are same as those connecting primary battery and starter/alternator. I changed the relay to a 40 amps model which gives me some safety if the secondary is drained and switches into the loading circuit. >I measured a 40 amp or more draw by my >auxiliary battery under draw down conditions... That what I expected, but I never did that test. >I don't think VW ever intended that to run that many >amps through the stock Westfalia wires which are 2.5mm >or about a #13 wire! A 2.5mm wire is definitely too small, but that isn't the stock design. >It's obviously dangerous. And it's not fused! If using a 2.5mm, I STRONGLY agree. The 2.5mm wire has to be fused by 8 amps maximum. Regards Helmut '80 Vanagaudi |
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