Well, I'll skip my battery opinions for right now, and tell you one thing
that's a good idea no matter the brand you use - get an automatic trickle
charger.  I got one at Fleet Farm (midwest farm superstore) for about 23 bucks.
 It runs 1 amp max when on and turns off when done.  No relays, all electronic.
 It is designed to be permanently connected to the starter battery of a
vehicle.  It is also designed to be firewall mounted.  I mounted mine on the
right end of the rear seat next to my solar charge controller that handles the
deep cycle stuff.  That way I can easily see the status LEDs.  It is plugged to
the 6 way expansion outlet I put on over the  120 AC outlet, and I just plug in
the norrmal outside connection anytime it's going to sit more than a week.  No
pain, all gain.

tom

On 5 Aug 2003 at 15:54, Jeff Oxroad wrote:

> 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
>

------
Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
85 Westphalia GL Albert
96 Jetta GL The Intimidator
taring@taring.org

"It is better to go into a turn slow, and come out fast, than to go into a turn fast
and come out dead." Stirling Moss