I should have said "standard deep cycle" which are bigger than the optima
but will fit under the seat or in the side lower compartment of a westy.
You don't have a westy?  Guess you'll have to find a sawz-all.  ;-)

One other clarification, the "height and width" are of the battery.  When
laying on it's side, the height gives you clearance forward to back, the
width top to bottom.  The top to bottom clearance is sufficient so that the
little door can still close.  The top posts stick forward in the opening
just under the seat.  (The battery without the side posts is cheaper
anyway).  The side to side clearance is sloppy, so I just wedged it in with
a scrap piece of lumber.

Brian (again)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Davidson" <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 9:48 AM
Subject: Re: Batteries: Optima vs new Exide spiral wound?

> 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
> >