In a message dated 11/15/05 2:01:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,
guskersthecat@YAHOO.COM writes:

> Your batteries lose charge just sitting there..and this is worse in cold
> weather.  The surest way to shorten battery life is to allow sulphation to
> occur at reduced charge.  Therefore, keeping them fully charged with either
> an electronic trickle charger, or 15 watt(ish) solar panel with charge
> controller is the best thing you can do for the batteries.  Check
> electrolyte level if applicable.  Reduced charge can also lead to
> freezing.  So on the battery side, there is no need to remove the battery,
> disconnect it, or keep it warm.  Just keep it charged.
>
> If you don't use the emergency brake, don't engage it.
>
>

overcharging without battery use can cause leakage.    leakage means RUST.
 this is why i remove batteries from vehicles in storage. i have seen too
many rusted out battery trays, or in the vanagon's case, the body.

as for the E-brake -  do NOT use it when you store the vehicle.   again, i
have had to go at the rear drums with a sledgehammer to free up vehicles where
the e-brake was left on for extended periods of time and the shoes rusted to
the drum...

chris