Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 08:48:53 -0800
Reply-To: Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Deep Cycle Batteries
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Hey Volks
There was some discussion about batteries on Wetwesties that I thought
I'd share with the Vanagon list as well:
> OK, I just got off the phone with Al Fredrich at Arc Battery Co. in
> Sausalito, CA (415-332-3272) and he gave me the scoop on the group
> 41 deep cycle batteries that he sells. Yes, there is more than one
> choice.
>
> First is a lead-acid flooded deep cycle with heavy density oxide
> plates. 78 amp hours, 125 minutes reserve capacity, 850 CCA. $94 +
> tax with core. Add about 10% more if you want it shipped dry plus
> shipping costs. He says there is a process that needs to be done
> before a battery is shipped dry.
>
> The second choice Al mentioned was a battery similar to the Odyssey.
> Here is some info from the website <http://www.odysseybatteries.com>
> "The ODYSSEY™ battery has both massive starting power and amazing
> deep cycling capability - up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of
> discharge. With twice the overall power and three times the life of
> conventional batteries, the ODYSSEY battery is ideal for trolling,
> starting, and for powering the many on-board electronic accessories
> common in today's boats and recreational vehicles." Al is very
> impressed by this battery and said it lasts a lot longer than any
> deep cycle flooded battery. But it is not cheap: about $270
>
> Due to the higher cost of lead, the prices of batteries have gone
> up, especially deep cycle batteries because they contain more lead
> than a starting battery.
>
> I asked Al why this size in a deep cycle model is not available in
> most places. Arc is a custom battery shop that caters mostly to
> boaters and exotic car owners, mostly European. There is a market
> here for such things.
>
> So, if you are looking for a group 41 deep cycle auxiliary battery
> for your van, Al can help you out. Arc Battery is a family run
> business that Al's dad started. Good people, great service.
>
>
> Hope you volks find this info interesting and useful.
>
> Keith O