Date:         Mon, 11 Feb 2019 17:28:07 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Subject:      Re: 2nd Battery

You can deplete an AGM deep-cycle battery down by 80%, with the lifespan
decreased.
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/absorbent_glass_mat_agm
True 'flooded' lead-acid, yes, 50% is the normal recommendation. There are
no flooded true deep-cycle batteries that really fit, so it's a non-issue.

Victron has recently released AGM version that can go 300+ cycles to 90%
without a problem. These are currently available in 100Ah and 170Ah
versions, neither of which fits the stock box.

The battery boxes in all Vanagons are the same size, left or right, Westy or
not. 'Wheelchair batteries' or UB12220 as one brand option are 22Ah each and
are AGM, not flooded L/A batteries, so in my opinion a decent option for the
cost. Set up with the proper charging system (NOT the GW setup, which is
undersized and leads to early failure of almost any battery!) the UB12220s
work very well and four can be fitted in the original battery box, providing
88Ah. I know of several folks with over five years of use on these.
The only other 'big' option that fits is the Odyssey PC1750 at 74Ah. One
thing I always mention to folks is that a larger, easily accessible battery
under the rear seat works out just as well because you now have that box
under the driver's seat to store small items that you would have stored
under the bench.

Karl
westyventures.com

On Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:12:49 -0500, kenneth wilford <kenwilfy@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>If you have a Westy, the space for the battery is tighter than a
>non-westy.  You can fit some lead/acid wheel chair batteries under there
>and I have a video on doing that on YouTube.  Here is a link:
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzh6pwfK3gY
>
>However if you want the batteries to last more than a year, you are going
>to have to be very careful on how much you drain them down and on how you
>charge them.  Lead Acid batteries should never be discharged below 50
>percent of their rated capacity.  If you do so you will hurt them.  However
>they are cheap and so replacing them every year or two isn't too painful.
>Or you can upgrade to a Lithium Battery which many folks are doing or
>lusting after.