Separate the second battery from the first with a relay.
Use a relay which is only switched on when the engine is running.

To do so, connect the relay to ground and the blue wire from the generator
(only 12V when engine is running, also battery light in instrument cluster).

Both batteries are parallel when engine running (relay between them),
batteries are separated when engine off (relay disengaged, so connection
between batteries is cut).
Connect the fridge/television/dvd etc. to the second, voila!

Raimund

----- Original Message -----
From: "chrisp" <chrisp@xmission.com>
To: <vanagon@yahoogroups.com>; <syncro@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2002 8:53 PM
Subject: [vanagon] 2nd battery in a vanagon for lights, heat etc.

> Looking for the best way to install a second battery to power,
> internal lights, heat (propex?) and entertainment - personal/kids
> dvd, weather radio.  Would like to move sink power, fridge power to
> second battery also.
> Is there an easy to charge both batteries at same time when
> engine is running and yet not discharge primary battery when engine
> is off?  I'd like this to be automatic with potential fuse changing
> as only end user intervention.
> Looking for ideas or a website from someone who has done something
> like this or reprints from the original VW 2 battery factory docs
> for westy/weekender.
>
> TIA
>
> Chris
>
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