Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 18:17:45 -0400
Reply-To: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: battery compartment
In-Reply-To: <20100708174137.3WH3Q.12617.imail@eastrmwml48>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="utf-8"; reply-type=original
In a rollover or collision, your 'too-small' battery with no positive post
cover will likely short on the metal lid and may start a fire.
I don't think a piece of inner tube is thick or strong enough to prevent
metal to metal contact in severe impacts or abrasion.
A piece of phenolic, bakelite, thin plywood or maybe even a plastic
cutting board cut to cover the entire top may do the job.
My Westy has the correct battery with the plastic positive post cover and
is properly secured by the original clamp and bolt. My cover bolts down
properly, also, and I still don't feel too warm and fuzzy about the whole
setup. Oh well, what more can you do?
Mike B.
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Dave Mcneely" <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 5:41 PM
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: battery compartment
> Thanks to all who replied. I see that some agree with me that there is a
> potential problem, others seem to think there definitely is not. I
> decided to take steps to minimize any risk.
>
> First, I discovered that my battery is not the listed one. It is a 53R.
> Plenty of cranking amps, full spec on everything, just not the one that is
> supposed to fit in the space. In fact, the spec battery is physically
> bigger. Mine has no cap on the positive terminal, either. But, it's a
> good battery -- tests good, anyway, and stays fully charged.
>
> I think I have fixed everything that I thought was wrong.
>
> 1. No bracket holding the battery in place. Used the bracket that was
> there but not fastened in. I got a new, correct sized bolt, and bolted
> the bracket in. It seems to be missing something to catch on the battery,
> but it will hold the battery down.
> 2. Battery physically smaller than the box, so it potentially could slide
> around. Wedged it in with blocks of wood.
> 3. Potential for the metal lid to make contact with positive post on the
> battery. Covered battery with rubber from an old inner tube, leaving
> breathing space. Rubber cover is same size as the battery box lid, but
> with openings.
> 4. new screws fastening the lid down properly, slightly oversize to fit
> the worn holes. fits tight now.
>
> When I buy a new battery, it will be the 41 that is specified. That is
> considerably larger than this battery (case dimensions). Perhaps someone
> can explain to me how a smaller battery could have as much or more
> cranking amps and reserve than the spec battery. Seems the plates would
> have to be smaller, so less capacity, less longevity. Doesn't seem so.
> Talked with a fellow at a FLAPS about it, but of course, he didn't know
> much more if any than I do.
>
> I do turn the passenger side seat around sometimes in camp, when I don't
> have the jump seat in (of course, can't turn with the seat in place, or at
> least can't turn all the way around). Will take care from now on that no
> one is placing feet on the battery lid. We never stand on the battery
> box. I have a stool specifically for the purpose of reaching into the
> upper bunk (where we store stuff when in camp) and into the luggage rack,
> or simply to raise and lower the tent.
> DMc
>
> ---- David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>> At 03:03 PM 7/8/2010 Thursday, Jeff Lincoln wrote:
>> >On Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 2:56 PM, Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> > > Did it have the correct battery?
>> > >
>> >Yes it did Jeff - but I think the cover was a bit bent in or something -
>> >either that or I was mad and slammed the thing shut.
>>
>> Well, that's why the group 41 batteries come with a terminal cover
>> for the positive terminal. Little plastic bridge thing with three or
>> four legs. That's why it exists.
>>
>> Yours,
>> DAvid
>>
>>
>>
>> >--
>> >Thanks,
>> >
>> >Jeff
>> >'85 GL (Gertie)
>> >'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
>> >'86 (We call this one Scrap)
>> >'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>
> --
> David McNeely
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