For a diesel, the space behind the start battery makes a good location for
the aux battery IMHO.  I think there is room for a larger battery there than
under a seat.  That's where I plan to put mine, behind the start battery,
close to the alternator.

I ran two red/black pairs of #8 wires from there to behind the grille by
using existing passageways on the passenger's side, and going over the brake
distributor.  I tapped in for a pair to go over to the kitchen and for a 12v
power outlet by the sliding door.  The other pair goes up front and into the
cab under the dash, dedicated to serve headlight relays in the future.

--
Alan Felder
Austin TX
82 Diesel Westy

On Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 9:48 AM, Frederick M. Wasserstein <
wasserstei@windstream.net> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> Well "Sammy" successfully completed a 400 mile camping trip. After sitting
> for 10 years with maybe 500 miles on a rebuilt diesel engine. We serviced
> the engine and put in new brake cylinders and clutch cylinders. She ran
> like
> a charm (except for my shifting errors, and you can't blame her for that.)
> On the trip I picked up a battery isolator for a second battery behind the
> seat, The starting battery is in the engine compartment even though the
> book
> shows it under the rear seat? I was wondering the best way to get the #8 +
> wire all the way up to the box behind the front passenger seat. I assume
> the
> lug in the box is made to ground the battery. The box appears smaller than
> a
> regular battery, What batteries do you guys recommend for a house battery
> in
> a Westy.  Thanks for all the help!
>
>
>
> Mike Wasserstein
>
> Proud owner of "Sammy"
>
> 1982 Vanagon Diesel Westfala Camper
>

--
Alan Felder
Austin TX
82 Diesel Westy