Auxiliary battery. Replacement for UB12220

[Runamok81]

Long time lurker... first time poster.

Does anyone think that this battery setup will work?

I've got an opportunity to get 4 PC-12180's.
http://www.batteryprice.com/powersonicps-12180f212v18ahleadacidbattery.aspx

I want to use 4 Power Sonic 18aH batteries (PC12180) in parallel.
Similar to http://www.westyventures.com/parts.html.
Karl's famous 4 pack of UB12220's.

It looks like they have almost identical dimensions but put out a little less aH's (18aH vs 22aH)

Does anyone think this will work?

-Thanks!

[westyventures]

[markz2004]

I just bought 4 UB12220's.

In looking at alternatives there is also Worker branded batter that is the same dimensions but is rated for 18ah (found at batteries plus), like the one you identified. My guess is that someone is manufacturing all the batteries but some are just different private labels.
_________________
87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 , 16" wheels

[westyventures]

[Mundopacheco]

I just did the Mullendore 4Pac, using the same battery you have there, but 21amp hr rating. Very slick and very satisfying job, cuzzz it looks so good. I did not use solid bars for pos and neg posts. I happened to have my boy working with me and I had him make some short pigtails to put in there. I plan on fabbing something when I'm not under the gun, and after some traveling. The fit is great! Does it work? I have no evidence other than from around town. They are staying charged, but I have not done any significant cycling on these yet. Don't see why it wouldn't work and definitely is the most battery I could install in that small box, and still be able to close the lid....
Good Luck

[Runamok81]

Thanks for the confirmation, and information everyone!

I'm going to go pick up the PC-12180's tonight. I plan on testing and installing tomorrow. I'll let you know how the install goes, and hopefully have an update with pictures about how everything runs.

One last question....

It was my understanding that there is a battery isolator relay in the aux battery compartment that was built into the 84' Westfalia from the factory.
Is it acceptable to use this relay to charge both batteries off of the alternator, and keep the starting battery alive when running accessories?

I have purchased and plan to install an inverter and a microwave. Much later on, I plan on installing a solar panel. What are the downsides of using this factory relay?

[westyventures]

[markz2004]

[Runamok81]

Good deal.

I am aware of the Yandina and the SurePower 1315, I'm sure someone has good instructions on how to install these.

Thanks again!
Runamok81

[Runamok81]

Well I have installed the aux battery in my 85 westy.

I installed four PS-12180's in parallel for an extra 72 amp hours. I connected them to the main battery through a yandina C100. The yandina lives just outside the aux battery compartment. I used one red wire off the yandina to connect to the aux battery, and then clipped the terminal of the second red wire and butt-spliced 8ga wire to the starting battery. No fuses were installed yet.

I have some questions, for the westy gurus....

1. Where should I install the fuse between the yandina and positive terminals. What size fuse?

It was my understanding that the yandina would not combine both batteries when the alternator was running. My yandina seems to cycle the combine on and off even when the alternator is not running, and the vanagon is parked. As per the advice on this forum, I did not hook up the blue voltage sensing wire from the yandina to the aux battery positive terminal.

2. Is this cycling normal?

Also, in order to fill the compartment completely I removed the small silver factory auxiliary relay and stuffed it under the seat. I didn't remove any wires.

3. Is this relay redundant? Will I need to use this relay if plan on running as much as possible (inverter, extra 12v outlets, stereo) off the aux battery?

There are alot of good threads on this forum about auxiliary battery setups. I would love some specific advice about how to proceed and future proof my Vanagon!

Thanks for helping a new Westy owner!

[Runamok81]

[Runamok81]

Here are some images of my setup....

Pre-Installation

4 pack of PS-12180's in the driver's side auxiliary battery compartment.