MANY premium brand manufacturers use the same basic alternator with
integrated regulator as the Vanagon. Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Saab,
etc..... Hard to accept that these all would use something "truly
pathetic" to only save a buck. I have owned several of these other
vehicle brands and had good battery life and few charging problems just
as with my Vanagons.

Mark

Steve Delanty wrote:
> .....
> However, there are some cheesy charging systems that do NOT
> measure the voltage at the battery, but instead measure it right
> at the output of the alternator. The GM "1-wire" alternators and
> the Bosch alternator use in the Vanagon are notable examples.
> It's a truly pathetic way to charge a battery and the only reason
> it is done is to save a buck. It generally leads to very poor battery
> voltage regulation, especially if the wire from the alternator to the
> battery is long and thin. (Vanagon!)
> .....