At 11:03 PM 7/28/2008 -0700, Thomas Jefferson Kitts wrote:
>Is there an easy way to determine if they are separate power systems,
>one for the engine, and one for the living space, or wired in-line or
>in parallel?

They'll certainly be wired parallel somehow.  The likeliest methods
are skinny wire with a relay, fat wire with a relay, a diode isolator
(2x3" or so box with three heavy terminals and battery cable to at
least two of them), or a manual battery switch which you'd no doubt
have noticed already -- they tend to be six inches across and bright
red.  The relay would probably be under driver's seat.  The isolator
might be anywhere, but the main charging cable would go there instead
of the passenger battery, and another cable return from it to the battery.

>  In the case of having
>to jump start the vehicle, which one do I attach the jumper cables to,
>the battery behind the driver's seat, or the one behind the passenger
>seat -- which of course has easier access?

Passenger, if that wasn't clear.

>TIA
>
>Thomas

--
David Beierl - Providence RI USA -- http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage," '85 GL "Poor Relation"