I have a similar set up in my 84 tintop/Westie kitchen..but I did my own
house batt.  I also use identical batteries, but from NAPA.  Mine won't
charge my laptop... could be the laptop, could be the charger...will charge
with the motor running....

On May 11, 2018 5:35 PM, "Richard Koerner" <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Mine is an 85 Tintop.  Bought as second owner in early 1989.  No
modifications to battery box behind passenger seat, all intact including
battery hold down clamp.
I added a "house" battery about 10 years ago to box under Driver seat.  I
used the GoWesty kit, and they included a bracket to hold down battery.  So
if any of you folks are looking for a hold down bracket, give them a call
and I bet they can help you out.

http://www.gowesty.com/product/auxiliary-battery/3567/auxiliary-battery-kit-1980-83-air-cooled-and-1980-91-non-campers-?v=
By the way, since my electrical requirements are low, I use the WalMart
Group 41 batteries.  On both sides of van.  Works just fine.  Don't need
all the deep cycle stuff and related charging apparatus.  I have a modest
inverter (150 Watts I think) which is ample for the laptop and charging
camera and cellphone battery.

      From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
 Sent: Friday, May 11, 2018 8:57 AM
 Subject: Friday survey for Westy owners

Okay folks, I'm curious about something. How many of you camper/Weekender
owners have unmolested battery boxes behind the passenger seat? How many
intact boxes have you seen? I’m not going to bother to ask how many still
have the battery hold down clamp.

The box on my ’84 was fine because I bought it when it was only two years
old, and I’m not an idiot. But, both my son’s ’87 and my current ’85 have
butchered boxes. Mine is sawed 3” down both sides for easy bending (hard on
the carpet), and my son’s box back edge was hammered into oblivion.

It’s too bad Westfalia Werks didn’t put an instruction label on the battery
cover, it was a terrible oversight. 😉

Stuart