But Gel Cells have special charging requirements... they are damaged at the
14+ volts that come off the alternator.
Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Sassone" <brians@xwarecorp.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 9:37 AM
Subject: Re: Batteries: Optima vs new Exide spiral wound?

> Check the demensions carefully - It was inferred in the FAQ (or was it the
> archives?  Or maybe vanagon.com??) the Optima dropped in on it's side,
with
> one person saying to bash out the bracket with a hammer.  Well, the
bracket
> on my '87 wasn't coming out unless I used a 25# sledge!  I cut it out with
a
> Sawz-All and still had to notch what was left a bit to get the Optima in.
>
> If the Exide is any larger in either the height or width demensions, it
will
> not fit.  I've seen other people install batteries in the "hidden"
> compartment where the AC outlet and breaker are, the little compartment
next
> to it, or under the backseat.  These latter two options allow you to get a
> standard gel cell that give you better $$ per amp/hour.
>
> Brian
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ken Hunter" <EVEHART33@aol.com>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 9:08 AM
> Subject: Batteries: Optima vs new Exide spiral wound?
>
>
> > Exide has a new, blue case, spiral wound deep cycle for $102 with 48 mo
> > warranty rated 50ah. Optima dealer quoted $165, 65ah, 1 year warranty.
Any
> > experience or comments appreciated.
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Ken Hunter
> > 82 Westy 1.9D
> > 84 Jetta 1.5D
> > 89 Mitsubishi van
>