Date:         Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:10:25 -0400
Reply-To:     "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Costco Group 47 - cheap aux battery option
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

After my Group 42 Aux battery died, I went on the hunt for a cheap
replacement.  Since I store my Westy in the winter, and do not do extended
camp outs in rustic sites, I was looking for a low cost battery, with a good
warranty.

As you may know, if your battery is run down, and not recharged soon, a cell
failure is very possible.  I had a mishap with my inverter, not thinking
anything of it, I didn't realize it blew the fuse for the back-up battery.
The battery ran down, and would not take a charge.  So, I pulled the drivers
seat out, removed the battery and had it tested.  Sure enough it was dead.
only a little over a year old.  I read a lot of the threads and battery
debates on the list, and questioned a few local experts on dual battery
set-ups.



My main battery is still running strong, a group 41 Eveready.  I measured
the space under the Driver's seat, and discovered that I could probably
squeeze a group 41 in there, with a relocation of the dual battery relay.
As I was advised that "matching batteries" is the optimal solution for dual
battery set ups.  However, since my main battery was still good, and a few
years old, I know that a "perfect match" was not possible since new vs. old
will likely carry different voltage characteristics.  And not to spend a
fortune, I began seeking out alternatives.  Sighting that in my personal
situation, that if I had a 36 month full warranty, I would have simply
exchanged the battery.  My local "Battery Plus" store carried an 18 month
warranty, and the batteries that fit ranged from $75 to $85.  So I measured
the space under the Driver's seat at 11" x 7" x 7" and began a search for a
battery which would fit (with recessed posts).  Costco has a Group 47
battery, which is almost the exact same size as the Group 42 I pulled out.
Leaving plenty of room for the relay, and having the optional venting system
as well.  The battery sells for $49 and carries a 36 month full replacement,
and 100 month pro-rated warranty.  Best of all, the CA are 735, with CCA of
590. about 30% better than the group 42 I pulled out.



Just a note on aux battery removal / installation.  The Driver's seat needs
to be removed, and is a somewhat simple task.  First, pivot the seat 90
degrees, with the back of the seat towards the passenger side.  Put the arm
rest down, so it fits under the steering wheel, and then slide the seat as
far forward as it will go.  When facing the seat, look to the lower right by
the track, and you will see a release lever, which when depressed, will
permit the seat to slide the rest of the way off the track.  Now move the
base to a full 180 degrees, and you now have full access to the aux battery
area.  By the way, before you reinstall the seat, now is a good time to
clean and lubricate the tracks.



Jack R.

84 Westy Wolfie

Bloomfield MI.