Thanks Dennis for the info. I only use the inverter to run the 2 lights over the sink when their is no shore power available. Does this still put that much load on the alternator?

Dennis 

Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
West Newbury, Vermont 

> On Dec 20, 2014, at 9:52 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> From the factory the Westy did not come with a dual battery set up. What was
> there was a relay controlled from the alternator exciter/indicator light
> circuit wired so that the refrigerator would work on DC power when the
> alternator was actually charging. Many have used that set up to charge an
> auxiliary battery and for the most part it somewhat works. The GoWesty
> instructions may be assuming you are adding the 2nd battery and solar system
> at the same time so the recommendation for the kit. You should be able to
> connect the solar panel system to your house battery leaving everything else
> as is. 
> 
> Since you have that 800 watt inverter keep in mind that at full load you are
> looking at some 80 amp/hour draw. While running the alternator will try to
> be the source and with a relay inter-connect the chassis battery will also
> get involved. All the wiring and the relay needs to be able to support this
> load. I would suggest #6 or #4 and a 100 amp relay. Yes all the way to the
> alternator. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dennis Jowell
> Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2014 9:03 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Solar collector
> 
> I just received my GOWESTY solar kit to add power to my auxiliary battery
> and read the instruction install sheet. The recommended install procedure is
> to purchase  the GOWESTY auxiliary battery kit. My 1988 Westy came with the
> factory  auxiliary battery hookup already installed. My question is do I
> really need the GOWESTY add on or use the factory kit on board already. I've
> been using the 2nd battery for years. I have a battery charger, 800 watt
> inverter, and my truck fridge running off the 2nd battery with no problems
> but I would also like to add my stereo to the 2nd battery next. Does anyone
> have any experience with the solar kit. Any help would be appreciated.
> 
> Dennis
> 
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> West Newbury, Vermont