From: ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
To: drt@UOREGON.EDU <drt@UOREGON.EDU>
Sent: Sun, Feb 21, 2021 8:34 am
Subject: Re: Auxiliary Battery

Hi Doug.  Don't worry about removing that plate.  comes out fast and easy and allows one to clean and grease everything.  Getting the swivel lock out is a little tricky, but not a real problem.As far as the battery, I use a maintenance free deep cycle battery from a local FLAPS.  Unless you have a big power user or plan on being off grid and not starting the vehicle, don't agonize over it.  Buy a quality name brand battery tor around $100 or so, use it until it doesn't work anymore and then replace it.  You also might want to think about LED interior lighting to save a few watts.Sending to you as I have trouble sending to the list.
Dave B.The Boston one

-----Original Message-----
From: Douglas Toomey <drt@UOREGON.EDU>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sat, Feb 20, 2021 7:53 pm
Subject: Auxiliary Battery

I would like to install an auxiliary battery in an 87 westy.  There is lots of online information to filter through, almost too much.  Can the list suggest some preferred resources?

I would like to install an LiFePo battery.  Not sure if it should be 50Ah or larger.  The preferred location is beneath the driver’s seat.  In my 87, there is a metal plate beneath the swivel; GoWesty says this has to be removed.  Is that necessary?

I was surprised to see a 50Ah battery on two vanagon sites with wildly different prices.  Any reason why prices vary so much?

Thanks,

Doug