Date:         Fri, 11 Jun 2004 08:49:52 -0700
Reply-To:     Markus Mumper <mumper@USA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Markus Mumper <mumper@USA.NET>
Subject:      Auxiliary Battery Hook-up
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I wish I had this information when I put in the auxiliary battery for my '87
Westy - I used the Bentley manual and snipped two wires from the back of the
fuse block. I then spliced and connected these wires to a new fuse block I
double-stick taped to the frame adjacent to the existing fuse block.

Live and learn. I do like the idea of having the extra (6 gang) fuse block
though - I now have one 10amp fuse controlling the radio, lights, etc. and a
separate 15amp fuse controlling the cigarette lighter. In the future I may add
another cigarette lighter socket or two and they would also be controlled by
their own fuses. The extra block helps keep it nice and tidy.

As far as an existing wire from the auxiliary battery to the existing fuse
block - I did not find one and none is indicated in the Bentley as far as I
know.

I ran a new 12 gauge wire (using low voltage exterior lighting wire - the

insulation is a bit thicker than most so it should be a bit more abrasion

resistant) from the new battery, under the seat and then under the carpet to
the new fuse block.

I also put one of those acid neutralizer pads in the battery box before
installing the auxiliary battery - I don't know how well they work but it

makes me feel better.

My only concern now is the auxiliary battery box exterior venting - there is
none! Anyone have any thoughts, cautions, ideas?



Great info.  I've been trying to figure out the easy way to do this for
some time.  Now, is there an existing wire running from the area of the aux
battery to the fuse box that can be re used for this purpose?  Seems like

there would be one.

Edward

At 07:10 PM 6/7/2004, you wrote:
>It is very easy to move that stuff to the aux battery. You don't even
>need to pull the fuse block down. Put it back, checking that you did not

>loosen any of the connections on the back side.
>
>All you need to do is remove fuse #3 and LEAVE IT OUT.
>Then put a male spade connector on the #12 wire you ran up to that area.

>Then plug that male spade into the BOTTOM slot where fuse #3 was pulled
>from.
>You are done.
>
>
>This only works on 1986 and newer. Be sure to put a fuse on the #12
>wire, right near the aux battery.
>
>Mark