Date:         Wed, 2 May 2012 11:31:26 -0400
Reply-To:     Derek Drew <derekdrew@DEREKMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Derek Drew <derekdrew@DEREKMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Another Monster Battery Option For Stock Locations
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2012050210485691@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
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In looking at the choice of batteries, take a look at the difference
between the Group 27 and Group 31 (XT) batteries at Lifeline. If you
could fit the 31 the way I did, you would jump up a massive 25% or so
in battery capacity (e.g., from 100 to 125 amp hours) and similarly
on all the other metrics of battery power. A 25% increase in battery
capacity is nothing to sneeze at and makes a little metal trimming
seem worthwhile if you have the time, obviously not if you don't.
None of the metal trimming you have to do to fit a 31 size shows!!! A
separate detailed comparison between the Sears PM-1 and the Lifeline
31XT would be of benefit to decide between the two batteries, but
based on a quick scan of the specs, it looks like the Lifeline 31XT
has power characteristics that make it look superior for camping, and
the Sears PM-1 has power characteristics that make it superior for
vehicle starting. If these parameters are true, then the 31XT might
be the best battery choice possible for Westfalia under the drivers
seat since all of these batteries have enough CCA for the sorts of
engines we install anyway. Maybe the PM-1 would be better when you
have the stereo cranked up to 10,000 watts while you are winching though.


At 10:41 AM 5/2/2012, you wrote:
>http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvdeepcyclebatteries.php
>
>Lifeline is perhaps the first step down from what most consider the best
>available - the Rolls Surrette batteries - followed by Trojan. Reserve
>capacity and cranking amps are mostly immaterial in choosing a true deep
>cycle battery. The GPL-27T I am using is 100 a/h and will fit, length and
>width wise, in the stock, unmodified box. Deepening or lengthening the box
>to retain a stock appearance is important to me. The 'NC-27' battery you
>refer to is an inexpensive Exide product and 'dual-purpose', i.e. not a true
>HD deep cycle.
>
>Regarding charging: the link provided above seems to relate to
>small-amperage chargers designed primarily to charge small batteries.
>Xantrex makes several charge regulators for alternators:
>http://xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/alternator-regulator.aspx
>I plan to add one of these to my rig, since I'll be using two identical
>GPL-27 batteries for storage (200a/h). Connecting this is a little more
>difficult with a Bosch alternator but can be done. Also, there will be an
>on-board charger (most likely an Iota) for the times when I have access to
>110V power and want to top off the batteries.
>
>Karl

_______________________________________________
Derek Drew
Washington DC / New York
derekdrew@derekmail.com
Email is best normally but...
PHONE: 202-966-7907 (Call the number at left normally)
(alt/cell for diligent calling only): 703-408-1532