Mark:

Actually, there is a Group 42 battery that fits under Vanagon seats as well.  Many battery fitment charts indicate it as the "correct" size battery for Vanagons (including Walmart, I believe), probably because it is a little smaller and easier to install.  It has the same height, terminal configuration, and price as a Group 41, but is weaker in regards to cranking amps.  BTW, it should be pointed out that price and under-seat fitment aside, standard type car batteries are a poor choice for camping, as they won't last long under steady current drain, and draining them till they're dead will kill their life expectancy (of course with Walmart, you have a two year replacement warranty!).  It is probably better to pay $10-20 more at Walmart for their deep cycle / marine starting battery, and put it in a plastic battery box under the rear seat.  Although still a compromise, it will do both jobs, and in the short term is cheaper than two golf cart batteries.

Cary 

Cary

Date:    Thu, 15 Nov 2001 16:17:01 -0800
From:    Bill Kasper <dragonlist@IPMTS.UCSC.EDU>
Subject: Re: Optima deep cycle batt. as starting battery?

so are there any deep cycle, group 41 batteries?

bill
'87 syncro westfalia


On Thursday, November 15, 2001, at 03:42 , mark drillock wrote:

> Bill, group 41 is the only size made to fit into the stock battery
> locations so all Vanagons with the battery under the front seat
should
> have them. The terminals on the top of the battery are different on
> group 41 batteries and no other group model will fit safely. The 41
> refers to a size/fit and not to the battery capacity. There are some
> weak batteries out there in that size. Be sure to get one that says
both
> "cold cranking amps" of at least 600 and "cranking amps" of at least
> 800. The Walmart batteries meet these numbers. Kragen has them too
for a
> few bucks more. Walmart is the best deal I think. The Optimas are
> special purpose batteries and don't fit quite right as well as
costing
> over $100. They don't come in a group 41 size so you have to modify
> things to get them to fit safely in the under front seat battery
> compartments.
>
>
> Mark
>