I have had so much conflicting info that I just dont know what to do. So if you know for a fact your way is good please let me know. I am in Fitzroy, Melboure and am happy to buy a full second hand kit for my 75 bus. Or a new one. Do I need to modify my alt? Can I run two batterys in parallel? The two I have are brand new deep cycle batts from a mobility scooter. Does my old and crusty starter need to be replaced?

I have run a loom to the engine bay and put in a fuse box. What now? Love to here from you and if you are in the area call me on 0404101671 and I will happily pay for the call. TA muchly

Philip Muir

Daul Battery Setup for a BUS very simple.

You can happily run it is parallel no issues at all. You do not need to modify the alt or starter motor.

Simply put both batteries in and run power to a relay. Then to the battery. Us an on / off switch to activate the relay.

When you drive turn it on, when you stop turn it off, or simply hook it up to your ignition power so it isolates automatically, then run all your power needs off the 2nd battery. Simple as that.

You can install voltage regualtors and drop sensors and a whole heap of crap but why bother ???

Simple is good......

Need more info let me know.

You might want to visit the Aussie Kombi Campers site, especially:
http://www.aussiekombicampers.com/projects_cebm.shtml 

That's the URL I got the battery setup described by Buggy Brad. Works fine.
There was an unexpected, yet positive side effect. If my main battery was flattened, I could leave the ignition on for a little while and the secondary would charge the primary enough to start the engine.

When i used to run 2 batterys in the combo van for my stereo i had the biggest mother of a relay. :P
It was half the size of the battery. Do as said above. and run one of the wires to the ignition so when you turn your ignition on and off that battery turns off also if you are running stuff off that second battery. and it will still charge off the other battery which is getting charged by the alternator.
Gave the biggest click when turning off and on.
Not to mention i was using 0 gauge wire which is about 20mm+ thick and not the most flexible :P

[Edited on 29-4-2005 by FATBUG]