I think it could be done, however you would want to do it in such a way
that would spread out the weight.  You would also have to think about the
gross vehicle weight.  That is the max weight that the vehicle can weigh
and still be safe.  I think if you are doing this in a Westy you will find
that you don't really have that much usable weight left once you pack two
adults and all of their stuff.  If you have a Syncro Westy you are probably
right at the gross vehicle weight with four adults and packed with stuff.
 So adding a bunch of batteries will over gross the van and could cause you
to over tax your engine, suspension, transmission, and braking system.

Now if you could do away with your engine, and install a four electric
motors, one in each wheel, that would free up some weight for batteries
right there.  Of course that would mean that your van is now electric so
those batteries would be for running the van and not powering your camping
equipment.

Have a great weekend!

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

On Sun, Jun 30, 2013 at 5:59 PM, Finn Runyon <finnrunyon@gmail.com> wrote:

> So all the posts regarding adding solar has the creative juices flowing.
>  I wonder if anyone has mounted one large or several say 50ah batteries
> under a vanagon.  I was thinking they could be mounted on a piece of 1/2
> inch plywood wired and slipped into one of those waterproof canoe dry bags
> and then mounted up within the space under the sliding door.  Has anyone
> tried this, and or what are your thoughts about such a system.  We all
> attempt to conserve storage space, hence the updated propex that can be
> mounted outside the vehicle.
>
> Thanks for noodling with me...
> Finn
> Taos, NM
> 87 Westy Pooh
> 89 Westy Roo

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com