It sounds like I'm probably an exception, but I had a red top that got taken to
zero only once by a very slow drain, and then lost a cell within 3 months of
that.  I'm probably lucky that I didn't have an alternator failure.  I noticed
it because the alternator belt squeeled occasionally.  I then checked the no
load voltage, and found the problem.  Total life, 21 months.

I will probably never buy another.  Not worth the extra price IMHO.  It was
replaced with a nice standard type 41 wet cell low maintenance from NAPA for
about half the price.

Tom

On 15 Oct 2005 at 7:33, Mark Magee wrote:

> Steven,
> I had never heard of the Sonnenschein dryfit, I went and read up on them.
> >From what I read they are the same technology as Optima's: Absorbed Glass
> Mat, so I assume they will perform excellently.
> I have a Red Top (starting only) in my 90 Carat laid forward on it's side
> and it has been deep cycled to zero numerous times by children leaving dome
> lights on in the van. After a recharge you can't notice any noticeable loss
> of CCA's when starting. That is a big change vs. wet cell starting batts
> which are noticeably damaged upon accidental deep cycle.
> I am sold on AGM technology and my Optima's have never failed so far, I just
> don't have any experience with other companies AGM batteries.
> If the Sonnenschein dryfit fits without alteration that is an advantage, for
> I did have to do some slight alteration to get the Optima to fit: laid on
> it's side, terminal to chassis insulation ect.
> Mark
>

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

What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic
simulations
involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can assume it will
be pretty bad.
                - Dave Barry
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