http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

Oops sorry guys, here's the link.
Guess my "low batt" light was blinking.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug in Calif" <vanagon@astound.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2005 12:24 PM
Subject: Re: optima the one for starting battery?

> 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,