Date:         Wed, 10 Mar 2004 02:54:31 -0500
Reply-To:     Phil Zimmerman <phil.zimmerman@MAIL.CRCN.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Phil Zimmerman <phil.zimmerman@MAIL.CRCN.NET>
Subject:      Re: optima batteries

On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 00:20:37 -0500, Joy Hecht <jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU> wrote:
>If Optimas are definitely better, I'll get one - but I'd like to know why
>I'm doing it!

Hi Joy,
Hope you are enjoying your journey.... sounds like it, from your posts???

Aaah, to buy an Optima or something else? Many opinions, quite a few
experiences from the list-members and lots of battery voodoo too.

My biased opinion. I use one. Satisfied with its performance but my set-up
is not under the drivers seat. I am assuming here that you are considering
installing a second battery in the 'stock' 2nd Battery position under the drivers
seat?

One of the best recommendations for Optima's is from Larry Chase in Roadhaus.
Most evenings Larry draws both his Optima's down to below 10.5Vdc. Has done
this for a year.... night after night and day after day... if you catch my drift here?
The Optima's in this case, proved their worth. Not that other Batteries couldn't or
would not perform as well.

A couple of points to ponder. The second Battery Location in most Vanagons is not vented to the
outside. Meaning, most installations will utilize a sealed battery for reasons of safety... no
hydrogen out-gassing during most moderate, safe recommended, rates of charge. But, some will
say.... by the nature of the Vanagon charging system..... most 2nd Batteries will never see a high
rate of charge and not out-gas! See, here starts Battery Voodoo 101. Have I lost you yet Joy???

To simplify the task. The Optima is a high quality sealed battery (AGM-Optima calls itself). Will not
out-gas under MOST charging conditions. Other, meaning less expensive sealed lead-acid
batteries, will perform equal to the Optima (do not listen to Optima's marketing Bla, bla..bla) But
most sealed lead-acid batteries that will fit into the Vanagon have less Amp-Hour capacity than
the Optima. Not a whole lot less but significant. Something on the order of 35-45 Amp-Hr for the
average sealed lead-acid's and around 55 Amp-Hr for the Optima's that will fit into the Battery
Box.

So, is the Optima worth its premium price? Could probably buy two 'other' sealed Batteries for the
price of one Optima..... possibly even three. Unless you are going to put extreme stress on your
second battery for an extended period of time the Optima is probably more Battery for the dollar
than one needs. Most, run of the mill, sealed batteries that will fit into the Vanagon's small
compartment will satisfy most lighting, moderate sound system and moderate 12 to 110 converter
needs of the average user. I am generalizing here so take this as "advise" and not for the
non-average camper that is attempting to dry camp for a week and run a 27-inch TV six hours a
night. Hell, a dozen Optima's wouldn't even do that!

Hope i have not added further confusion to your question. I will post this and then duck for the
flame I may have started. Happy trails Joy..
Phil Z.