----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>

>...Having a portable table to mount in the center at times would be nice.

I use a couple of plastic crates (Target or W*Mart) for food items.  These
crates can stack and I have made wood fittings under the former Westy front
table so it nests on the top of 2 stacked crates when a table is needed.
Otherwise, the same table top fits between the drivers seat and the steering
wheel for a side table for whomever sits in the backwards passenger seat
(while parked & camping of course).

I think the handiest table though, is this one:

http://members.cybertrails.com/~ahwahnee/shelf1.JPG
http://members.cybertrails.com/~ahwahnee/shelf2.JPG

> I'm going to need a couple of good deep cycle batteries. So my question
> is - what batteries would be good for this, and - is there a web site
> somewhere showing such a set up and it's installation.

I'm using a deep cycle battery from Wally*Mart mounted under the rear seat
in a fitted plywood box.

http://members.cybertrails.com/~ahwahnee/Deep%20Cycle.JPG

The spaghetti bowl of wires is because there is a power socket on the side
of the box and voltmeters on the lid for monitoring the main and aux
batteries.  This one battery has always been enough for 2 weeks on
non-moving dry-camping, good indefinitely if we drive a bit now and then.
Inspired by the recent solar panel thread I have just added a 15W panel
which should help as we add the inevitable technology drain to our former
simple life.

Geo