I bought a $20 inverter two years ago, use it all the
time and it still works fine.  You don't need much to
run a laptop or VCR/TV.  See vanagon.com for the
battery installation.  And do get a solar panel or two,
they are great!

Alan Ruffalo wrote:
>
> 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