Hi everyone,  I'm a delighted new owner of a '91 Vanagon Westfalia.

I have been doing a lot of research on auxiliary batteries.  I'd like to install one to run the kitchen, camper light, and car stereo.  I've read several articles and seem to have found conflicting information.

So please, can someone point me in the right direction?  Deep cycle battery or regular car battery (my VW mechanic says to use a regular battery)?  Battery Isolator or relay (and really I don't  understand the difference in detail)?  What about Optima batteries (and which one do you use?).  

Sorry if this subject has been beaten to death in the list.  Feel free to refer me to the appropriate archives.

Thanks!
Dawn Bustanoby
Seattle