"I saw something in the archives about the refrigerator relay being too
small
for a second battery.  I wonder if the distance is too much for the stock
relay and I need a different relay.  Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?"

I've done 2 things with my aux battery installation (under driver seat):
1/ installed a Sure Power 1315 Separator (in the main bat. box because
I have room there);
2/ ran a 4 gauge wire directly from the alternator to the +/bat. post
on the 1315 Separator. I get charging really quickly. I don't think
the stock vanagon wiring supports current/common use these days.
Too old, too small, wires in relatively poor shape just due to time
and probably "normal" oxidation. Seems that grounds are almost
always suspicious as well, if they haven't been upgraded/refreshed.

Your conclusion about your set up may very well be accurate when
these other factors are considered. That's a long run, almost 2 lengths of
the van, and some of the wiring is likely original.

Just my $0.02 ....

bob

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