I bought two interstate batteries from the u.s., installed the other under
the driver's seat. I wired it in parallel, then installed a Siemens 55 Watt
solar panel to charge the setup it is regulated by a Siemens Photovoltaic
charge regulator which cuts off the panel upon reaching 14.1 volts and cuts
off the load at 11 volts, I also installed an automatic battery charger
(made by bosch ) w/c basically does the same thing, my last modification
was installing a 90 amp Bosch alternator and changed the wire to the
starter to a heavier gauge wire, all monitored by a E- meter w/c gives
visual readings for Voltage Amp Amp consumed Time remaining, etc. (bought
from West Marine).

For more detailed Info and questions, email me.

Steven
82 Westy
Manila Philippines
Happily aircooled
----------
> From: John Koloen <jkoloen@EARTHLINK.NET>
> To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject: My aux battery solution
> Date: Wednesday, June 24, 1998 9:25 AM
>
> I have decided to try the following to connect an auxiliary battery in
> my 87 Westy:
>
> Install an Optima battery in the aux box under the driver's seat.
> Connect the negative post of the aux battery to ground.
> Connect an 8 gauge wire to the post of the starter battery.
> Connect the other end of the 8 gauge wire to a switch to be mounted
> behind the driver's seat.
> Connect the switch to the positive post of the auxiliary battery.
> Connect the refrigerator wire to the auxiliary battery positive post.
> My intention is to leave the switch open while the engine is running
> and switch off when the engine is off so that the refrigerator runs
> off the auxiliary battery.
>
> I don't regard this to be an ideal solution but I'm planning on
> leaving on a 2-week trip in a few days and would like to have an
> auxiliary battery. (I'm refurbishing the propane tank and won't be
> finished until I return.) I've looked for a 75 amp relay to no avail.
> I've looked at isolators but I don't like the idea of installing it in
> the engine compartment. (I bought one from JC Whitney and it requires
> connecting the alternator leads to the isolator.) I've considered
> using the existing relay cube in the aux battery compartment but all
> of its jacks are used. Any comments are welcome as I am not an expert
> with electrical systems.