how much should I pay for the 2nd battery installation and wiring?

[Jacquie]

Hello there! I'm a new owner in the Westy family, although Westies have been in my family for a long time! We just bought an 85 vanagon and want to get it wired with a 2nd battery. I found a really cool local shop that can do it, I was just wondering what a ballpark cost might be for this job (including all parts and labor): http://www.sandiegowesty.com/services-2/rv-battery-power-inverter

Thanks in advance for your responses, I look forward to learning from all of you!

[Brent Weide]

I'd guess that if you have all the parts already, and your vans wiring (grounds, existing battery cables) are in good shape that the labor should be at or around 2 hours. Many shops charge from 50-80 USD per hour for labor so somewhere in the neighborhood of 100-160USD.
If you have any tools and inclination, you should think about tackling the job yourself. I am one of the least adept people i know when it comes to electrical work. But, having a good diagram and a mulitmeter can get you through just about anything.

all the best,
brent
http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/

[Ruth and Robert (R & R)]

Deal with GO WESTY they are the best and their kit is EASY and inexpensive NOT CHEAP there is a difference. They have been around a long while and are always there to answer questions.
You can do it in no time and if you get hung up give me a ring.

[Steve(Toby) Goldman]

Ruth and Robert,

I take it you put in the GoWesty kit. I was just looking at that this morning, since they extended their 10% off sale.

Did you put in the charger as well? If so, where does that mount?

What about an inverter?

What's involved in re-wiring everything to the 2nd battery? Like the radio, cig lighter, etc?
Thanks!
-Steve

[Ruth and Robert (R & R)]

No I bought the exact same 1100w inverter they sell at Go Westy but got it through Sears and saved a bundle since I live in Maui and we have a Sears it worked out much better. The Go Westy kit re wires the sink, 12v on dash, radio, interior lights, and clock. As far as the charger this is a 3rd vehicle only for surfing and beach time though the guys at go westy said since I am not camping more than a few days at a time I am best to just buy a battery charger and top it off (aux battery)overnight and I will be more than fine.
As far as installations my confidence level outweighs my ability but this was very easy and am eager to do more plus they answer a million questions for me without hesitation.

[Ruth and Robert (R & R)]

PS I got the battery charger on Craigslist for $15 and it is brand new Die Hard that retails for $$50.

ruth and robert said:

No I bought the exact same 1100w inverter they sell at Go Westy but got it through Sears and saved a bundle since I live in Maui and we have a Sears it worked out much better. The Go Westy kit re wires the sink, 12v on dash, radio, interior lights, and clock. As far as the charger this is a 3rd vehicle only for surfing and beach time though the guys at go westy said since I am not camping more than a few days at a time I am best to just buy a battery charger and top it off (aux battery)overnight and I will be more than fine.
As far as installations my confidence level outweighs my ability but this was very easy and am eager to do more plus they answer a million questions for me without hesitation.