Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Is battery isolator better than a relay?
From:Steve Lashley
Date:Wed, 3 Nov 1999 13:21:05 EST

In a message dated 11/3/99 2:50:35 PM, m.radtke@ELM.AZ05.BULL.COM wrote:

<<On the other hand, the relay simply connects both batteries in parallel
while charging (ignition on).>>

To connect your relay to the ignition is maybe a bad idea.  If your spare
battery is dead, it will draw down your main battery when you try to start
the van.  Connecting the relay through the voltage regulator, will allow you
to only charge your spare battery when there is a voltage present, (engine
running)

On my '74 Westy, there is a blue wire that connects to the relay off of the
voltage regulator.  There is no voltage present on this wire when the engine
is not running, so the aux. battery will not drawn down the main battery.

Steve Lashley
'66 Westy
'74 Campmobile
'93 EV MV
<A HREF="http://eurocampers.com/">http://EuroCampers.com</A>
314-614-0750
Importing German Side Tents, Carver Propane Heaters
and other Accessories for Bus, Vanagon and EuroVan