Tom,
Okay, we need pictures! Particularly of the location for your charge
controller..
I've been contemplating a good spot for mine (easy view of the Leds), but
since I've got my aux. battery under the sink, I want to locate the
controller near the load.
Doug '85 Westy in CT

----- Original Message -----
From: "tom ring" <taring@TARING.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 8:44 PM
Subject: Re: Costco vs. diehard batteries

> 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
>