Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:02:17 -0800
Reply-To: colorworks@GCI.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject: new series 48 Odyssey battery
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252
Like may of us, I have been looking for that perfect deep cycle battery that
will fit in the tiny spot under our seat in our vanagons. Well I recently
came across the Odyssey brand of batteries and they have introduced a new 48
series unit................
specs on the Odyssey PC1220 ( group 48 ) battery.
CCA 680, 70 amp @ 20hr rate, 135 reserve capacity, 11.89x6.88x7.48price
about $300
I just wanted to add a few comments here about the odyssey batteries and perhaps save the unsuspecting a few dollars. Several years ago I was a happy new owner of an 89 Westy, and easily influenced by all the hype on Go Westy's site, and bought one of the odyssey batteries. (the 1200) The AH ratings were very optimistic, and even before installing my DC fridge, the battery did not have enough reserve capacity. These batteries also require a fairly high amperage to charge them properly, and the stock alternator can not do that, so unless you use a auxiliary battery charger on a regular basis, you're going to cause premature death to the battery. I have a Subaru conversion, which puts out more amps from the alternator than normal, but the battery still lost its reserve capacity very quickly. I got to the point where I got maybe 2 or 4 hours worth of reserve power. At several hundred dollars, I figured I would just get a new battery, but no. In fact, the warrantee sucks big time. I was given a prorated amount. I think I ended up with something like $20 and had to haul the battery over 300 miles away to a dealer to get that. Wanted to throw the damn thing, well, don't get me started.
So, I cannot say enough bad things about the Odyssey brand battery. Absolute garbage in my opinion. Go to Carl's site www.westyventures.com and follow the links to the golf cart batteries. Put yourself four of those behind the seat, (88AH) and add a few extra if you like behind the rear seat for some real reserve capacity. They are true deep cycle batteries. I'd also like to add that a number of people were putting standard car batteries behind the driver's seat, knowing that they are not designed for deep discharge and taking advantage of the warrantee. After only one year, my car battery no longer has the reserve capacity it did. So, if I had this to do over, I would simply buy the golf cart batteries. I currently have 2 of those in the rear, and then a car battery upfront. I have 2 years left on the warrantee, but think I will scrap the car battery anyway, as they are kind of a PITA to get in and out.
Stay clear of the Odyssey!!!! The best thing about odyssey batteries is their advertising! Search the archive if in doubt.
Troy |