TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:53 pm

All,

It's time to give back. As I was spending too much time here again the other day I read "Blue-top or Yellow-top Optima for Auxilary Battery????", and "Adventurewagen" suggested installing a larger feed from the alternator to the isolator.

Today, I removed the original feed wire from the alternator and replaced it with one I got from the Interstate Battery store nearby. I think it was $12.95 and about 3 1/2' long. Welding cable with the ends on. Very flexible and I managed to get it through the grommet on the back plate of the alternator.

It turns out the batteries don't neccesarily charge at the same rate as I previously stated. With the old wire in place, I got 12.8vdc at each battery output on the isolator. Not good. Now I get 14.7 on one and a little less on the other. I asked Interstate about mixing the deep cycle and regular batteries again to be sure and he said they suggest a deep cycle for auxilliary use. It seems you can drain them nearly dead more times than would kill an ordinary battery and although they charge slower, they last longer.

I hope this helps somebody!

Paul

Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:13 pm

Duncwarw wrote: It seems you can drain them nearly dead more times than would kill an ordinary battery and although they charge slower, they last longer.
I don't know much about the exact chemistry but they are designed for a different purpose. One of which is not driving a starter motor.

Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:43 pm

That's true.

I didn't mean to confuse anybody.

The battery on the right side of my van is for starting. The one on the left is wired to a fuse panel from another van that I added in what I guess would be best described as the place you'd have a fuse panel on a right-hand drive van (under the glove box).

If I gave the impression that I use a deep cycle battery to start the van, I apologize.

Deep cycle for accessories seems to be the ticket.

Paul

Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:57 pm

Sweet, 12.8 to 14.6. :P

Man that seems like a huge jump, wish I had tested mine before I upgraded. What guage did you end up putting on?

Really cool. I didn't know if anyone ever listened to my electric dribble.

Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:01 pm

Oh yeah I was listening!

I'll look at the cable tomorrow (when the sun is out) and post the guage.
I'm planning to install the same stuff between the isolator and the batteries too. Interstate was really cool about it. They offered to make up custom lengths with the ends and heat shrink so I'm going to take them up on it.

Besides the crimp tools for that stuff start at $150!

Thank's again,

Paul

Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:03 am

Adventurewagen, and All,

Sorry 'bout the delay in my response, I got caught up with other projects on my van and completely forgot.

Here's what the cable has printed on it:

#4 Flex-A-Prene Heavy Duty Welding Cable 600V -50C +105C.

Not only should it do the trick, it's pretty too. Nice heat shrink on the ends!
It's very flexible and that temperature range should do fine in my engine bay. I guess the short answer would be it looks like 4 guage!

Paul