In a message dated 26/02/2004 11:44:00 AM Eastern Standard Time,
paullist@guzyk.com writes:

Frank,  in case you missed my posting yesterday, this is a great relay
to  use.  It's engineered to properly connect and share 2  batteries.

--------------------

I agree with Mark,  I  installed the Surepower 1315 separator/relay
(purchased from a reseller in  NJ) on my 72 Westy over a year ago and
it's worked flawlessly.

It  was easy to install and it's automatic -- just install and forget
about  it...and no messing around with the alternator or voltage
regulator (on a  '72) wiring.

My notes on the  installation:
http://www.pauldottrip.com/vw_bus/battery_separator/

>SurePower  makes a special relay device that may be the simplest and most
>straight  forward way to wire in a second battery for a  Vanagon.
>
>http://www.surepower.com/Products/batsep.asp

No, I did not miss you  post.  I've been mulling over all the advice on this
issue now for a  few days and decided that the Sure-Power gadget was the right
way to go.   Called up to the local RV place and they had two in stock at
$124.  Went up  and got one and spent most of Monday installing it.  I see a big
difference  in the voltage of the aux battery after shutting down the van
after short runs  now.  Battery is always up to above 13 volts at shut down.  I
chose to  use the aux battery start option so ran a #4 wire from the main
battery to the  aux battery under the van.  Ran a # 14 wire up to the start switch
for the  start position trigger.  The two batteries need to have a large wire
connecting them, this idea of a 14 gauge wire to limit the dumping of the main
 battery into the aux battery at start up is not right.  It limits the
charge to the aux battery on short hauls.  Granted if you drive for a few  hours it
will work but when using the van for short runs day in and day out day  after
day with o long runs you will eventually kill the aux battery  if you have
any load normally on it.  Found a sopping wet floor under the  carpet while
trying to run that wire and then the throttle pedal link popped off  and had to
dive under to remove the plastic cover to reinstall, found the four  screws
rusted to the point they needed drilled out.  Ended up cleaning up  that mess,
dumping Krown oil all over the area and replacing the screws with  nice big
stainless ones.  Still trying to get the floor matting and carpet  dry and still
use the van.  PITA this winter weather.
Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13, 2004
'87 Westy & Lionel  Trains
Member: _Vanagon List_ (http://www.vanagon.com/) , _LiMBO_
(http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/) , _IWCCC_ (http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/)  & _CCVWC_
(http://www.ccvwc.ca/)
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in  the Ottawa Valley
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or  http://frankcondelli.com