Date:         Tue, 16 Apr 1996 12:04:16 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ron Lussier <coyote@zuni.chaco.com>
Subject:      Re: RV battery for vanagon

At 01:41 PM 4/16/96 -0500, Brian M. Miller wrote:
>To my amazement, and horror, I discover that the battery well is VERY shallow;
>only 7" deep.  The only battery which will fit is a group 42 which is NOT
>available as a deep cycle!  Was Volkswagon really that dumb or were there
>suitable deep cycle, group 42 batteries available in 1980?  Short of modifying
>the battery box, does anyone have any suggestions?  Is there a supplier of 
>group 42 deep cycle batteries which I have been unable to find?

I believe type 42 batteries are available in deep-cycle in European sizes,
which *do* fit the second battery compartment.

There are several routes available to you.  Some list members have installed
a second battery in this compartment which sticks up a few inches.  Remove
the cover door and make a replacement cover from a cooking pan.  It tends to
work pretty well.

You could install a battery under the bench seat.  Plenty of room.  You
might need venting, however.

My solution was to use a deep-cycle gel-cell battery made for wheelchairs.
It is very small and fits into the compartment, but only yields 30 or so
amp-hours.  Okay for my needs.

Ron
--                                       
Ron 'Coyote' Lussier         /\_/\      ____             Chaco Communications
(408) 865-0657              (     )     \ _/__        10164 Parkwood Drive #8
coyote@chaco.com             \   /       \X  /       Cupertino, CA 95014-1533
(1990 VW Westfalia Camper)    \_/          \/    http://www.chaco.com/~coyote