Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 16:17:01 -0800
Reply-To: Bill Kasper <dragonlist@IPMTS.UCSC.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bill Kasper <dragonlist@IPMTS.UCSC.EDU>
Subject: Re: Optima deep cycle batt. as starting battery?
In-Reply-To: <3BF45302.24064A8@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
so are there any deep cycle, group 41 batteries?
bill
'87 syncro westfalia
On Thursday, November 15, 2001, at 03:42 , mark drillock wrote:
> Bill, group 41 is the only size made to fit into the stock battery
> locations so all Vanagons with the battery under the front seat should
> have them. The terminals on the top of the battery are different on
> group 41 batteries and no other group model will fit safely. The 41
> refers to a size/fit and not to the battery capacity. There are some
> weak batteries out there in that size. Be sure to get one that says both
> "cold cranking amps" of at least 600 and "cranking amps" of at least
> 800. The Walmart batteries meet these numbers. Kragen has them too for a
> few bucks more. Walmart is the best deal I think. The Optimas are
> special purpose batteries and don't fit quite right as well as costing
> over $100. They don't come in a group 41 size so you have to modify
> things to get them to fit safely in the under front seat battery
> compartments.
>
>
> Mark
>
>
> Bill Kasper wrote:
>>
>> i am ignerent when it comes to batteries (among other things
>> electrical,
>> and beyond). what is the typical, stock battery's "group" for the
>> vanagon? if i go to walmart and buy two group 41 batteries to run
>> household and the van, will that work? what are the advantages of
>> group
>> 41 over any other group?
>>
>> inquiring minds want to know.
>>
>> thanks.
>> bill
>> '87 syncro westfalia
>>
>> On Thursday, November 15, 2001, at 01:58 , mark drillock wrote:
>>
>>> If cost is a factor just get Walmart's $40 standard group 41 battery
>>> and
>>> put it in the other battery compartment under the driver's seat. You
>>> can
>>> buy a battery switch or a heavy duty relay for about $20. Add another
>>> $20 for wire and connectors and you can do the whole thing for under
>>> $100. If you like, put the new battery in the main battery position
>>> and
>>> use your old one for the aux battery. I use this approach and cycle
>>> in a
>>> new main battery every 2 years and move the old one to the aux
>>> position.
>>> This way I always have a fairly new main battery for starting.
>>>
>>> Mark
>
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