Over the last couple of months, I have read many
elegant configurations listmembers devised for their battery systems.

The way mine are set up is cheap and effective, and I wonder why no one else mentions theirs being installed similarily.

My batteries are simply connected in parallel. Thus, both batteries are charged and discharged together. I have never had a problem with running out of power for starting or at the campsite. The only potential problem is that if one battery dies, it will help discharge the good battery. However, if two new batteries are installed together, you won't have to worry about that for about five years.

I have run my Westy like this for five years and needed to replace both batteries this spring. I don't know if isolating your batteries will give greater life, but I think 5 years was fair value. Best of all, I saved a few $$$ by not buying additional equipment.

Paul

Paul Banks
'89 Vanagon Westfalia

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