Date:         Tue, 7 Sep 2004 15:05:07 -0700
Reply-To:     Fin Beven <FinBeven@MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Fin Beven <FinBeven@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Batteries
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I'm thinking about new batteries for my Vanagon.  My current set-up involves two Die-Hard International batteries, linked in parallel by 2 ga. wire.  I treat them as if they were simply one large battery.  I have a digital volt-meter in my panel, and simply do not allow the voltage to drop below 11.8 without re-charging.

I understand that some of you may see this set-up as heretical, but I've used it in three different Vanagons and two sailboats for combined total of 50 years without problems.

I'm considering new batteries.  Many of you speak highly of the "Optima".

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive.html<http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive.html>

I'm also considering AGM batteries sold by West Marine.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=19305&catalogId=10001&classNum=570&subdeptNum=207&storeNum=9<http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=19305&catalogId=10001&classNum=570&subdeptNum=207&storeNum=9>

Do any of you have an opinion of the relative merits of these batteries.  

And for those of you who may not know, West Marine is carrying an increasing number of LED light fixtures.  The "whites" are a little "bluish" in color, but battery draw is incredibly low for the light output.

Thanks, in advance.

Fin Beven
'90 Carat, Custom Camping Conversion
Pasadena, CA