Hi  All,

Here is a question I asked Optima Batteries (www.optimabatteries.com)
about their D750 deep cycle battery.  I was wondering if any of you
had anything to add to their response from experience (or technical
knowledge):

The question I posed:
I have an '85 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia poptop camper van.  I am
considering adding an Optima D750 deep cycle battery as an auxillary
battery to power electrical accessories while camping.  There are a
few disadvantages of adding an auxillary battery that I'm grappling
with:
1) takes up extra space
2) adds weight
3) expense (cost of aux. batt. plus about $100 for a solid-state
batt. isolator compatible with my Bosch alternator.

I noticed that the D750 has a CCA starting capacity of 750 A, well in
excess of the 400 req. for my Vanagon.  Could I simply replace my
existing starter battery with the D750 (assumming I could make it
fit)?  Can the D750 be used as a starter battery without
significantly degrading its deep cycle capability?

Their response:
Scott,

Yes, you can use the deep cycle Yellow for a starting battery as long as
you have other accessories pulling from the battery.  Thank you for your
continued support and interest in Optima Batteries, a Johnson Controls
company.