Apart from the fact that a second battery was installed in some
westies right from the get go, putting one (or 2 small ones as I did)
in has a distinct advantage when camping. I like to leave my main
starting battery alone, running the interior lights (LED) and radio
from the aux (via an ACR). It makes me feel a bit more secure that I
can start the van :)

Typically, I camp where there is no one else around, and its a long
long walk to get help. Having an aux means I don't worry about
accidentally leaving something on and draining my starting battery.

My worrying about that even makes me lug around one of those starting
pack batteries, when I have the room for it.

Yeah, maybe a bit OCD :)

alistair

On 2-Oct-10, at 7:15 PM, Steven Johnson wrote:

AFAIK the Vanagon Westies didn't come with a second battery at all.
The
extra
bay was for a battery that would run the wheel chair access.   The
fridge
runs off of
the main battery/alternator when driving only.   Otherwise the fridge
is on
shore power
or propane.   I bought my Westy brand spankin' knew in May 1991.  No 2nd
battery
period.    Hell, it has cruise control, heated side mirrors, 2 beds,
stove,
sink and fridge
what the hell else do you need besides a good book and a sleeping bag?
Okay, maybe
some pillows.....    :)

On Sat, Oct 2, 2010 at 6:26 PM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Sat, Oct 2, 2010 at 6:10 PM, Mark Hineline
> <hineline@ocotillofield.net
>> wrote:
>
>> There are so many permutations (and problems) with providing
>> auxiliary
>> power that I wondered how Westies were equipped when they left the
>> dealer's lot, and how they performed as campers when new (and
>> presumably fitted with only one battery).
>>
>
> From the factory, Westfalia camper package, with single battery,
> used one
> realy, in the aux battery compartment, that  would provide 12v to the
> refrigerator when the engine was running only.  At least that's what I
> understand.  All the rest of the aux stuff (radio, lights, etc) had
> to come
> off the starting battery.
>