Here's a good easy read on batteries talking specifically about the Optima
vs. other types,
And a good breakdown on why the 3 stages of charging are important.

I never realized how much there is to batteries.
The world seems to be asking for a really really good way to store
electrons.
I hope someday soon we can look back and laugh that we used these heavy,
acid fume producing potentially explosive batteries. .

Doug

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Haynes" <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2005 7:18 AM
Subject: Re: optima the one for starting battery?

> I see 3 problems.
>
> Combination starting-deep cycle batteries are sort of like all season
> tires. They try to be all things but they are a compromise at best.
>
> Many deep cycle batteries are made from modified starting batteries. The
> quality for the demand is not there. Rolls-Surrette and Trojan are the
> brands you want. The Trojan is affordable.
>
> Battery charging. Relying on an engine alternator will properly charge a
> deep cycle battery. Economy trickle chargers do not help.
>
> For large engine starting and occasional deep cycle use, try this.
> http://www.trojan-battery.com/Products/Commercial.aspx
>
> Here is the list of their marine products.
> http://www.trojan-battery.com/Products/Marine.aspx
> The T-105 is probably the standard for a reasonable deep cycle battery
> that lasts. My previous motor home had a set of these from the factory.
> At 5 years and 64,000 miles of RV use, they were still going strong at
> trade in. The new RV uses 4 of these to support the 2,500 watt inverter.
>
>
> Proper charging requires use of an intelligent, 3 stage charger.
> http://www.trojan-battery.com/Tech-Support/BatteryMaintenance/ChargerSel
> ection.aspx
>
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Robert Cardo
> Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:52 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: optima the one for starting battery?
>
> Flame on Dennis.
>
> I want to empty your head of the knowledge you have on this.
>
> I have been using deep cycle batteries for 30 some years in my boats.
> Maybe max 2 years if I yanked them out of the hull and kept the on a
> trickle charger all winter.
>
> (900 or 1000 cca batteries marine deep cycle batteries ain't cheap .
> And I think that is because it sez marine on them )
>
> Ok Dennis, unload on me.
>
> Why aren't the gel cell batteries any better than the sulfuric acid and
> lead plate batteries???
>
> I need to know prior to taking the plunge.
>
> Thanks,