What size are those lights? The inverter draw will be proportional to the
load placed on it. Figure 1 Amp/Hour for every ten watts. Watts = volts X
amps. There are some loses in the inverter and as the battery discharges the
inverter will try to run all the way down to 10.5 volts so that is why I use
the 1 to 10 instead of 12 volts.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Jowell
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2014 2:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Solar collector

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