The way that I would do this is to install the second battery with the
battery kit ($18.95) sold by Go Westy or one of the other list vendors. You
can mount the battery in the compartment under the driver's seat or
somewhere else in the Westy (under the rear lift seat). Just make sure that
you pre-measure the battery to the space before you buy it. Then go to
Target stores and buy a Vector 700 watt inverter ($99.00 found in the
automotive dept.). The Vector converts the 12 VDC to 110 VAC. The Vectors
work really well and you can hard wire it to the battery. You could mount it
to the wall on the right side of the sink in a Westfalia. You could also
mount it anywhere in fairly close proximity of the battery but not in the
same compartment as the battery. The Vector can stand momentary surges to
1400 watts of power consumption. I have one and it will power a computer or
a 3/4 horsepower drill and do either job well. I like mine a lot. I feel
like I have a generator on board. The Vector consumes so little power that I
ran a 120volt 13 inch color TV and a VCR for 4 hours on the second battery.

Alan Ruffalo
88 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Watts" <alan@16color.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2001 1:59 PM
Subject: Solar question and electrical oddity

> Hello all!
>
> I am the new proud owner of an 85 Westy and noticed a small quirk.
> When the lights are on, the right blinker doesn't work (doesn't
> light, doesn't blink).  The left one works fine though.  If I turn
> the headlights off, everything works OK.  Anyone know what this might
> be?
>
> Also, I am interested in installing a second battery and solar cells
> to power my laptop while on the road (well, not literally on the
> road, people talking on cellphones are bad enough).  I tried
> searching the lists, but everytime I do, it times out.  The link to
> the Solar Vanagon on vanagon.com is dead so I was wondering if anyone
> has any info on this procedure.  I've checked out MrSolar.com ,
> realgoods and other sites but none give much info on specifics...so
> any help would be appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> Alan Watts