It really depends if you need a true deep cycle battery and the type of loads you will be putting on it.

  A stock starting battery will take about 6-10 deep cycles before it has a very limited storage capacity. But they are cheap and you can probably replace them every 6-months at Wal*Mart for free.

  I have killed my 4-year old Optima more times than I can remember and it will still run my Dometic fridge for 6-8 hours (8-amp draw). My Optima lays on it side with the terminals up facing the front. I did no modifications, but I don't have swivel seats in my Camper either.

  Good luck,

  Tim

Brian Tipsword <nobleman1962@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
  I was wondering what folks are actually using for their 2nd battery.

I am debating on whether to spend 170.00 (+) for an Optima Yellow top or stick w/ the factory form factor and be able to keep my battery box area in tact.

I have to make a decision to finish my Propex install.

My van is a weekender w/ the factory dual battery installed already.

What say the masses?
Brian from Salem,Or

TJ Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
1981 Bluebird Wanderlodge, FC-33
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FC_wanderlodge
FAVOR website:  http://home.earthlink.net/~clubvanagon

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