<VV> Adding a backup electrical system

[Bill Elliott]

Very easy to do and I just did it on my Corvair-powered Westy.

Big deep cycle RV battery from Walmart, 10 gauge wiring (no starter load, just charging load), and a $30 dual battery switch/isolator made to let both 
batteries charge via the alternator but isolate one from the other in demand.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/showCustom-0/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2006119/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2006119/Ntx-
mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=battery

I set up a power distribution system from this 2nd battery to support the stereo system, DC-powered cooler, and fans (no AC in my Westy!) without drawing 
down the main battery.

I even added a 1200W Ac invertor which will run a microwave oven or or even a dual microwave/toaster oven from the battery alone. (This is connected 
with 00 gauge wiring...)

The only issue is that the factory alternator seems to be working overtime to keep both batteries charged, so I'm upgrading to a higher amp unit ($29 
AutoZone) per the guidance in the tech manual.

Bill Elliott

>Tinkering with purchasing a Greenbrier.

>When I deck it out with modern electronics.

>Radio/portable DVD PLAYER, maybe a small plug in beverage cooler.  I want 
>that system isolated from the battery for starting the van.  This way if we 
>are at a cruise and the chillies want to have friends in to watch a movie 
>or listen to the radio, I won't run the battery dead.

>Was thinking of wiring this connection into the charging circuit, so it 
>will charge when the van is running, but won't drain the battery during 
>normal use.  Is this feasible, has anybody done it.

>Thanks to all.

>No I have not got the van...yet.  Still trying to sell the 65 pg sedan.