Hi Jay,
    I use the system you describe on our 78 westy for several years. It has both batteries in the engine compartment.   I have it
set up so I can lift the grounds from either battery easily.   If  we have drained the aux battery camping I lift it's ground before
activating the main battery and let the alternator run for a few minutes before attaching  the aux battery ground.
Darrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay L Snyder" <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 9:31 AM
Subject: Second Battery Under Rear Seat

> I am thinking of adding a second Group 41 battery under the rear seat.  The
> simplest wiring arrangement would be used.  I would run two wires directly
> to the starter (+ and -).  When camping for any extended time, the ground
> could be disconnected from this battery to prevent it from running down.
> The original battery, which is still under the passenger seat, with all the
> stock wiring intact, would power the radio, lights, etc...   (I have no
> interest in running the fridge off of the battery.)  The second battery
> would be enclosed in a case and ventilated.  The relatively short distance
> to the starter should improve cranking speed and would provide easy access
> for jumping other vehicles.  Both batteries would be available for starting
> purposes in this arrangement.   There would be no permanent modification to
> the stock wiring, only a few holes to run the new wires to the starter.
> The second battery is an exact match in age and brand to the first.  It's
> coming out of my '89 Jetta diesel.  Both are about 4 years old.  I was
> thinking about getting the cables out of a junk yard.  Maybe out of a big
> old V-8?
> Any suggestions?
>
>                                                         Jay '85 Westy
>