Date:         Fri, 9 May 2008 10:09:40 -0700
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Optima batteries
Comments: To: Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <5a099d980805090934l23fca171md536299b0df14496@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

There are lots of us using batteries in our Vanagons in ways that would
be considered misapplications. For example a lot of us use standard
Group 41 type batteries as our aux batteries. I have been doing so in my
Baja Syncro for 15 years. Sure, the battery does not live as long as
might be hoped but a few years is ok by me. Since the various specialty
batteries cost 3 times as much and don't generally fit as well I am
happy to misapply the cheaper alternative since it has shown to meet my
needs overall. My needs for the aux battery in that vehicle are not that
demanding and mostly consist of a need to camp for days or weeks without
fear of draining my starting battery when camped remote.


Mark


Neil2 wrote:
> I've always considered marine batteries a misapplication for a primary auto
> (starting).  Even so much as thinking 'you can't do that'.  After reading
> the Optima website it seems my recent suspicions are correct.  Peeps are
> using 'marine' batteries for other than 'aux' purposes.  Or IOW, Optima is
> marketing their products as a starting battery for autos.  Am I incorrect or
> what?
>
> I don't mind techie talk in this area cause I understand the theories.
> Please elucidate.
>
> --
> Neil
> '82 Diesel Westy
> Peace of
>