Date:         Fri, 16 Jul 1999 08:04:39 +0200
Reply-To:     Helmut Zeidler <Helmut_Zeidler@NOTESMAIL.NOKIA.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Helmut Zeidler <Helmut_Zeidler@NOTESMAIL.NOKIA.COM>
Subject:      Re: Auxillary battery alternative
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

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