Volks:

My '85 Westy Campmobile is sitting in my parent's garage in Northern
California, waiting for me to pick it up come the end of my school
semester in December.  In January, I plan on driving back up to Tacoma.
  I have yet to see it in person, but have seen the extensive photos my
parents have taken, and according to my pops, it really is one of the
nicest around...completely babied by PO with every record and every
accessory in perfect shape.  Only 79,000 on original engine, which was
checked by a great VW mechanic in town who gave two thumbs up.  Just
one thing has been going wrong-the battery keeps dying.  My dad takes
it to work (30 minute commute each way) once a week, and sometimes
takes it out on weekends too.  So why would the battery be dying
(fairly recently replaced).  The PO noted that the van seemed to go
through batteries much quicker than other vehicles, but didn't say why.
  Is this just a bad battery, or a chronic condition to be dealt with?
I'd like to get a better battery in there like the optima, but if the
problem is deeper than the battery, I'd like to fix that before
spending $$$ for one.  Also, is the optima fine for single battery
setups? Eventually I will hook up a second battery, but until then
should I stick with a certain type?

As you can surely tell, I'm a newbie in the Vanagon world and would
appreciate some input. Thanks in advance!!!

D. Kahler
dkahler@ups.edu
'85 Westy Campmobile