William,

As you've already heard, people install auxillary batteries in the
aux. batt. compartment all the time.
For the Optima battery, the most common model purchased on the list
is the D750 with side (and top) posts.  This model can be mounted on
its side in the aux. location with one of the modifications Mark just
mentioned.  I just point this out because you have a D34/78 which may
be a different size from what we normally refer to as "the" Optima
battery and thus may not fit in the aux. location.

It sounds like you came up with a nice installation for your new
battery so you're set to go!

Scott T.
'85 Westy "Pearl"
Santa Barbara, CA

>I just bought an Optima auxiliary battery D34/78 Yellow TopT  and installed
>it under my sink. Photo attached. (Can you attach photos on this list?)
>
>There is no way anyone is going to install a battery behind the driver's
>seat because of the steering wheel in the way of turning around the seat to
>properly expose the battery compartment. Unless you radically mutilate your
>vanagon.
>
>I made a platform out of two 3/8 inch pieces of plywood 9 inches wide. The
>top one has footprints cut out for one of those black plastic battery boxes
>you get at RV dealers and I screwed it to the bottom piece which is custom
>fit to sit on the shelf. The cut out template keeps the battery from
>shifting but I also made a strap to tie it to the wall behind the driver's
>seat. This makes the battery easy to access and service.
>
>If anyone is seriously interested I will send photos of the installation as
>soon as I get my digital camera back from Polaroid repair.
>
>I am loving cherrying out this new purchase.
>
>William