Aux Battery & Accessory Setups: Pictures & Diagrams

[kamzcab86]

[Hnoroian]

I'm glad this thread came up. But a question for all of you, I've been having a difficult time finding the pros and cons of having a acr vs a standard solenoid to distribute the power, I am looking for a simple reliable setup to do two batteries. I have noticed in the diagrams that people have used either one or the other and some have used both. Can someone please send me the right way, I am thoroughly enjoying the diagrams
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Stupid people do stupid things.

[SCM]

[Hnoroian]

That definitely helps, now I've got to decide how I want to spend my money and would it be worth it for my situation... Thanks guys, I'll be keeping tabs on this thread
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Stupid people do stupid things.

[Jamo7]

Hi there,
I could use some feedback on my proposed aux battery set up as shown below. (I apologize for bad handwriting and cell phone pic. I hope you can read it!)

Primary questions:
1) The Blue Seas Circuit Wizard app recommends 4AWG for my ACR/battery connections based on my input of 65 amps load and bundling the three 4AWG wires together from the aux battery to be located under the drivers seat to the sink cabinet location of the ACR. Does 4AWG sound sufficient? Is this overkill?
2) The ampacity of the 4AWG wire given the length and bundling I specified was 73.5A. I thought to put in a 70A fuse to protect the wire (Blue Seas AMR or MIDI) Is this the right reasoning? Is 70A a sufficient fuse?
3) In the installation photos I’ve seen, the fuses are placed near the ACR. I have read elsewhere that fuses are to be placed near the batteries. Given the size of the group 41 batteries in the battery boxes, it will be easier to place and check the fuses in the sink cabinet nearer the ACR. Will this be ok given the wire gauge and fuses shown?
4) The Blue Seas 2.1A USB and 12V socket panel that I am interested in purchasing for the back seat carries a 15A circuit breaker. I use the 12V cig liter and a 2.1A dual USB outlet next to it in the front. Should my USB circuit as shown in the drawing carry a fuse of 30A, or is 15A sufficient?
5) I saw the other day the recommendation for 12AWG wire for a Propex. Online the draw is specified at 1.4A. Is a 5A fuse sufficient? What are other people using?
That’s all the questions I can think of. If I have miscalculated my load, then I will recalculate my ACR wiring gauges.
Thanks for all your feedback!
James
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'84 Westy 2.1 wbx

[lucianosanchez]

I've bookmarked this topic because I plan on doing this on my van soon. I didn't even know where to start but now I do. Those diagrams are very helpful. Thank you all!
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1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[Stephenmarklay]

[kjono09]

So the key to my circuit is this awesome on - delay relay that let's me charge both batteries from the alternator 8 seconds after start. This coupled with an 80 amp battery relay makes this circuit truly awesome. You do not want both batteries always starting the car and handling all of the startup transients.

Amazing product!
http://www.3rdbrakeflasher.com/my-link-ezp-15.html
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84 Retro-Westy GW 2.2L (Vincent)
67 Bug 2007cc (WBX in progress) (Davey)

Submariner

[jokeraus]

above the trans install. wiring diagram is mia

.

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88 Vanagon | Build Thread

[kjono09]

So know I have learned the right way of doing this and have all the tools to make custom battery cables the right way.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1978362
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84 Retro-Westy GW 2.2L (Vincent)
67 Bug 2007cc (WBX in progress) (Davey)

Submariner

[kbeefy]

[LemonCove]

Top" Layout with batteries on pass side, Propex relocated under access lid (original VW rear heater removed).
Middle: Shows 2 Costco/Interstate Group 27 Marine lead acids, onboard ProMarine charger, compartment for Bostig ECU and BlueSea ACR,
vents in fascia (storage for jack and folding shovel under lid/behind propex).
Bottom: Finished appearance
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'88 Bostig Westy

[brownbetty]

In reference to the three battery setup of smurfpike, is it necessary or recommended to include another blue seas acr between #2 and #3 batteries?
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1984 Vanagon Gl Wolfsburg camper


Look out! He's got a towel!!

[jimf909]

[smurfpike]

[fxr]

[smurfpike]

[andersjohanssen]

I am about to set this up in my van. The relay is so that my batteries will isolate when the car is off so that my ProSport battery charger can charge the batteries individually.

Will post pics after. Tell me what you think.

[eyemtrees]

Hi all, I've just got a third hand vanagon with a GoWesty Solar Panel and Zamp Solar Charge controller behind the driver's seat. Looking at the diagram before trying my panel for the first time, I see there should be a fuse between the panel and the controller, just as there is between the controller and battery. I can't see one on the panel's long cord/wire. Is it built into the panel in those little boxes on the back of the panel itself?

[coqcitywesty]

Okay, so my install is pretty much complete - the list of items used to create the install is as follows - all from Blue Sea Systems unless noted:

ACR - 7610
Switch Panel - 4315 (USB 1045 - Voltmeter 1733)
50A Breaker - 7139
50A Circuit Breakers - 7157
Battery Switch - 9001E
On-board Charger - ProMariner 12
Fridge - TF49 with RMW install kit
LED House & Reading Lights - Acegoo (Amazon)

So far everything works as planned with the actual wiring gymnastics undertaken by a colleague using the diagram I provided. Giving credit where due, I did use a lot of the previous work by Hodakaguy and others on this forum (thanks folks).

Wiring Diagram:

Switch Panel (controls power to each load + monitors battery health):

Group 27 Kirkland DC (120 AH) + wiring install (and yes, ACR is grounded)

LED House Lights + LED Galley Light (house lights are controlled by a rocker switch installed above sliding door)

LED House Lights On (daytime)

TF-49 Install using RMW install kit

ProMariner Installation

Reading Lights (we typically sleep in the bottom bunk, so this works for us - they double as a night light with the blue led rings)

All in all, things are working well and I am pleased with the results. Questions or comments are welcomed.