Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 17:15:01 -0700
Reply-To: Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject: Re: Auxillary battery alternative
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David,
I believe Darrell's 'interrupters' are simply circuit breakers. They are
sold in various amp ratings at your FLAPS. But be aware that circuit
breakers, like relays can be overloaded and weld themselves in either the
open or the closed position.
The stock wire between the starter battery and the relay in the auxiliary
battery box is routed via the main fuse panel by the driver's left knee.
Then the 2.5mm wire comes from a spade connector (red wire on mine) at the
left, rear, half way up on the main fuse panel and runs down near the gas
peddle under the carpet and into the auxiliary battery box near the seat
belt anchor. It would be easy to replace this 2.5mm wire with a #8 gauge
wire and the stock relay with a 40 amp or higher relay.
Another danger to consider using a starter battery and 2.5mm wire in the
auxiliary battery box is that and unsealed battery emits explosive gases
when it charges. This gas in an enclosed space along with a spark from
overloaded wires/relay could result in a battery explosion.
How often will the battery draw approach 30 amps? That depends on how many
times you draw the battery down below 10.5 volts (see the test results in my
post last March 10). All it takes is to forget and leave your interior
appliances on overnight and you have a completely discharged battery (I
measured a draw of 35 to 75 amps in the situation!). It's true you have
propane, but the point is that your lights/appliances will draw the battery
down whether your fridge is on propane or not. Then when you start your
engine the discharged battery draws the amps from the alternator.
I don't know how many times or how many hours per time it takes to start a
fire by overheating your wiring components, but one thing is for sure... if
you find out how many times it takes it will be the last time.... perhaps
the last time you drive your van.
Good Luck,
Bill
90 Westy Syncro
-----Original Message-----
From: David Bogle <bogle@BWAY.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, July 15, 1999 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: Auxillary battery alternative
>Darrell Boehler wrote:
>>
>> Hi Volks,
>> At the risk of opening this thread / debate again, I think it is
>> possible to use the circuit as described in the archives with one
>> modification. Add an interrupter in the 20 - 30 amp range between the
>> primary battery and the westy relay. ...
>
>This sounds much easier than running a new wire from starter battery to
>aux, installing a new relay, etcetera.
>
>Anyway, how often is the draw going to approach 30 amps. For some, more
>often than others. For me, a few of times a year probably. I have
>propane for the fridge.
>
>Are these interruptors expensive? Radio Shack item?
>--
>Regards,
>David Bogle
>Brooklyn
>
