No, I don't really want it behind the driver's seat. I've got a "hidden"
compartment there I use for stuff and I want to keep that as is.

Perhaps I'll look into a couple of the other suggestions about putting some
connectors there for easier access and possibly an additional accessory
lighter/outlet somewhere handy.

Oh - and it's not the rails that are sticky, really - it's the lever on the
side of the seat. It's kinda wacked out and seen better days.

 *Annie Anderson* Blogger, Designer, Thinker & Mom
web: annieandersonblog.com email: lsandrsn@gmail.com
twitter: silverlunace <http://twitter.com/silverlunace> facebook:
anniesanderson <http://facebook.com/anniesanderson>
*Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*

On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 6:28 PM, B Feddish <uprightbassghost@hotmail.com>wrote:

>
> I really don't see a better spot in the van for the battery.  If, however,
> you really want to get at it allot you could mount it behind the drivers
> seat. I have my second aux battery there in a box I built that is bolted to
> the floor.  I can send pictures if you want.  The problem with that is
> you've just traded a well tucked away battery for one in the open.
>
> Why don't you mount terminals or some type connector to the back of where
> the battery is mounted now?
>
> Also, as far as jump starting other cars it's a good idea to carry a jumper
> box which you can use to rescue yourself if needed.
>
> Thanks,
> Bryan
>
>
> > Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:10:40 -0700
> > From: lsandrsn@GMAIL.COM
> > Subject: Re: Battery placement alternatives
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >
> > Yes, one of the issues for me is that the seat is a helluva bugger to
> move
> > sometimes. It doesn't slide nice and as you mention, the lid doesn't fit
> the
> > greatest anymore.
> >
> > I thought about the rear passenger seat too but I have too many other
> things
> > under there - antifreeze, jumper cables, tool box, rags, paper towels,
> > gloves, oil, trans fluid and on and on - LOL. Not to mention that damn
> rear
> > heater (which is another thing I don't really like the location of.)
> >
> > I was thinking of some kind of permanently placed box in the rear corner
> > above the engine compartment on the left side (at least for my van since
> > it's not a Westy and there's no cabinetry there) or something like that.
> > Easy to get to, mostly out of the way and close at hand when needed.
> >
> > There has to be some way to make it more accessible without creating
> further
> > hazard. Kinda seems like placing it in the engine compartment would be
> less
> > than optimal, though. Almost as inconvenient as under the passenger seat.
> >
> > Hmmm . . . any other thoughts, folks?
> >
> > *Annie Anderson* Blogger, Designer, Thinker & Mom
> > web: annieandersonblog.com email: lsandrsn@gmail.com
> > twitter: silverlunace <http://twitter.com/silverlunace> facebook:
> > anniesanderson <http://facebook.com/anniesanderson>
> > *Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*
> >
> > On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 5:47 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> >
> > > ---- B Feddish <uprightbassghost@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > > > How about moving it under the drivers seat?
> > > >
> > > > Seriously, what is wrong with the current battery location? You could
> > > put it under the passenger seat but that is where most of us keep their
> aux
> > > batteries.
> > >
> > >
> > > But, with regard to " .... what is wrong with the current battery
> > > location?": One thing is the outgassing of hydrogen from the battery.
> > > Hydrogen is explosive when mixed with oxygen. VW addressed the problem
> by
> > > small vents in the battery box, and a gasket on the lid (to keep the
> gas out
> > > of the van). But for most of the vans, the lid no longer fits tightly,
> so
> > > the gasket is not functional. The other thing is, what happens when the
> van
> > > rolls, and the battery case fails to contain the battery acid? Such
> failure
> > > is not likely, but it only takes one time to be a tragedy.
> > >
> > > I, too, have thought about the battery location. Some compound the
> concern
> > > by adding an auxiliary battery under the driver's seat, or under the
> rear
> > > passenger seat.
> > >
> > > I think Scott Daniel has frequently commented on this, or at least has
> > > commented on it, if not frequently. His solution is to use space in the
> > > engine compartment, in front of the right tail light, for the battery.
> I
> > > don't know if he has actually put one there. It would mean a much
> smaller
> > > run of cable to the alternator, for sure.
> > >
> > > BTW, prior to the 1950s, it was common for American built sedans and
> > > pickups to have a battery box under the floor of the passenger
> compartment.
> > > Only in the early fifties were batteries moved to the engine
> compartment in
> > > nearly all cars.
> > >
> > > David McNeely
> > >
>
>