I worked for 3 years as an installer at Sears Automotive and I
installed hundreds of batteries.  After that experience I got to know
many of the other batteries out there.  I've learned that there is
relatively little difference between CostCo, Walmart, Sears, NAPA,
Canadian Tire, ABCWoopi or any strangely named battery.  There are
only a handfull of battery manufacturers and they all provide
"branded" name batteries to all kinds of retailers.  The basic design
and specs between them are all pretty much the same - although they
are not keen to let you know that.  I would go for the lowest price
that fits the Vanagon with the best warranty and not worry about the
retailer name that is selling it.

- Laurence

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Laurence Smith
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
90 Westy (fanumbos)
87 GL / 91 Subie 2.2
----------------------------------------

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List
> [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Jeff Oxroad
> Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 3:55 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Costco vs. diehard batteries
>
>
> Hello all--
>
> My bus needs a battery. Anyone run a Costco battery and
> have experience and
> know the cost?
> I've got a die hard in there which lasted about three
> years--and the one
> before that last about three years.
>
> I use the bus sporatically so the battery sits idle for
> weeks at a time and
> use the camping stuff off the same battery which I think
> limits the battery
> longevity a bit as well.
>
> Does the Optima red top fit in the battery compartment and are there
> advantages to the $99 price (that's the costco price for
> the red optima)?
>
> Any advice or other leads for "the greatest battery I've
> ever put in my
> campmobile" appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA
>