Battery compartment

Pulled out our batteries as we are replacing them.

Surprised to find a big hole through the van. Wow. Never noticed that before!

Westfalia does do some clever designs.

The notch in the back for the battery cables works for the original James Cook but not for the added cables of our Westy.

The plastic trim around the outside water heater frame also conformed to the indentatations of the Sprinter body.

Nice attention to details but custom work makes it expensive or impossible to replace things.

Yep. Always thought it was clever to house the batteries surrounded by water; might keep them cooler. Plus, the tanks act as a tub to contain any leakage, and allow it to drain out the hole.

I did put some bronze wool in the hole, to keep any critters out....