Jeff,
I don't know if this will work for you ,but here goes...I have an `82
Diesel Westy. I've been using it in Baja Calif since `88 for months at a
time. What I did is to re-do the battery compartment to accommodate a group
27 (120 Amp Hr) deep cycle RV/Marine battery. As it stands, I can be on the
hook, so to speak, for over a week without starting the van to charge it.
That's using lights, radio (occasionally), small fan. I don't know if
there's even room in a gas Westy, you'd have to look. Works for me...
Bob Bellanca
`81 Diesel Rabbit
`82 Diesel Westy (soon to be 1.9L turbo, I hope)
`84 Turbo Diesel Jetta

At 02:14 PM 7/20/97 -0400, Oxroad@AOL.COM wrote:
>Hello-
>
>I've been to Vanagon.com and read the info on adding an extra battery to my
>83.5 Westfalia. Thanks for that. But I have a few questions.
>
>My auto electric guy was a little leary about adding a battery. He said the
>alternator's life would be dramatically shortened by having to charge an
>additional battery. Especially if that battery is often completely
>discharged. He also said the deep cycle wheel chair batteries were way
>expensive and heavy and I should go with a boat battery.
>
>Electricity isn't my strong suit. So I only know the basics myself. Is this
>alternator concern warrented? And does a wheel chair battery have advantages
>over a boat battery?
>
>Also I glanced at wheelchair batteries at Sears which seemed to be about $60
>ot $70. That doesn't seem so pricey to me. Are these my best bet? Or does
>anyone have good experiences with another brand to recommend?
>
>Oh I should mention. My electric guy said I should have a separate battery to
>camp then put it on a trickle charge when I get home. This seems a little
>excessive. And what if I never come home?
>
>TIA
>Jeff
>83.5 Westy
>