Date:         Fri, 21 Feb 1997 07:35:37 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ron Lussier <coyote@zuni.chaco.com>
Subject:      Re: source for Aux. battery

At 03:56 PM 2/20/97 -0600, Don Parce wrote:
>I'd like to put a 2nd battery into my 85 Westy and have learned
>that deep-cycle batteries are better for running accessories than
>the standard car batteries.  The FAQ and archives have been helpful
>but I can't find a source for such a battery that fits in the
>compartment for the 2nd battery under the driver's seat.  I don't
>really want to modify the seat or compartment to fit a larger battery.
>
>Can anyone give me the name/model for a deep-cycle battery that fits?

The only battery that I've found to fit is a 'wheelchair' battery.  These
batteries are both deep-cycle and gel-cell, so they are very safe.
Unfortunately, they seem to max out at 32 Amp Hours.

Optima is now making a deep-cycle battery.  In an OPTIMA battery, the lead
plates and separator are wound and tightly compressed into a cell tube so
they can't move, shed, or break, even in severe shock and vibration
applications. In independent SAE tests, the OPTIMA kept working after being
subjected to vibrations up to 5G for 12 hours. There is no "free acid" that
can leak out or spill and the OPTIMA can be operated effectively in any
position -- even upside down -- without any risk of leaking and because it
is sealed, no corrosion can form on the posts, connectors, or cables. There
is virtually no hydrogen off-gas. 

Their deep-cycle battery is 56 amp hours, has marine terminals, and is
9.94"l x 6.75"w x 7.81"h.  It *may* fit, but I haven't tried yet.  It's
also $180.00.

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