Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 22:38:21 -0700
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bob Bellanca <bajatrvlr@ABAC.COM>
Subject: Re: Camping Battery
>So my questions are now:
> - Is a small deep cycle wheelchair battery really better than
> a top of the line Group 41 battery if one is normally not
> going to empty the battery. (we just want to have some
> extra security that we are not going to drain the main battery
> and be stranded. And having a 2nd battery for a jump start
> seems like a good investment. I am pretty good at leaving
> my headlights on.
>
> - What bad happens when you use a std battery instead of a
> deep cycle battery. Does it just wear out sooner?
> One person told me that the deep cycle will recharge
> faster. Is that true?
>
> - Is an Optima at $130 + really worth it compared to
> one of the above alternative (which seem to run about
> $55-70 at Sears)
John,
I'll take a stab at this one...
First of all, lets look at the difference between a "starting battery" and
a "deep cycle battery". Starting batteries are designed for a lot of power
very quickly. To this end, they are constructed with many thin plates. The
plates are what react with the electrolyte to produce power, being an
electro-chemical reaction. Also, being very thin, these plates have a very
large surface area so's to regenerate quickly. They don't take kindly to
prolonged discharge. They like to get in quick and out quick, then go out
for a drink. Long duration discharging weakens the structure of the plates.
Now, lets look at a deep cycle battery...These are constructed with fewer,
thicker plates. The design purpose and theory is less surface area but much
stronger lattice work in the plates themselves. Basically more bullet-proof
in the long duration use of an R/V. This doesn't mean you can't use a deep
cycle battery as a starting battery for a small (relatively) engine, like a
VW. I modified my engine compartment to accept a group 27 (120 amp hr)
battery, in my diesel Westy. I don't know if this is an option for you Gas
Guys, but it would be a good thing to look into.
Now let's see if we've covered everything...your first question, "is a
wheelchair battery better"? Yes, for your house battery.
Second question, Yes, it wears out quicker.
Third,"is the Optima,etc", only if you want a battery that doesn't care how
you mount it. Otherwise, I'd stick with an R/V battery you can pick up at
any discount store ( Costco comes to mind), less than $50.
Good Luck,
Bob Bellanca
`81 Diesel Rabbit
`82 Diesel Westy (soon to be 1.9L turbo, I hope)
`84 Turbo Diesel Jetta
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