Only the campers had the sealed and vented battery boxes. Why? I don't know. Beetles for years had the batteries under the back seat without venting. Later Audis used a battery with a small vent tube. Many group 41 (Vanagon) and group 42 (Beetle, Gas Rabbit, etc) are available with this feature.

Normally, the venting is not a problem and a battery will only off-gas while charging. The normal 13.8 charging voltage does not create much gas. In crease the voltage to 14.5 and gassing will occur. If a battery has a cell sort out, the remaining cells will gas vilently and electrlyte can spill over. This can make a real mess.

A typical group 41 battery is good for ~ 65 amp/hours.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Date: Friday, March 10, 2006 12:55 pm
Subject: Re: 2nd battery; two questions

> First, let me point out that my '84 7 passenger came from the factory
> without a sealed or vented battery box for the MAIN battery.
>
> My '85 Westy has the vented box for the main battery only.
>
> I installed an ordinary group 41 battery as my aux battery under the
> driver's seat in the Westy (box not sealed or vented) and I've had no
> problems with fumes.  I have my aux battery feeding the interior
> lights,the sound equipment, the cigar lighter, etc.
>
> Mike
>
>
> Gerald Masar wrote:
> > For those who have installed a regular group 41 (or other size,
> same type) battery, do
> > you have any problems or concerns with fumes, given that the
> compartment under the
> > driver's seat is neither sealed nor vented.
> >
> > How does one figure out the amp/hour rating of a battery if it
> is not listed and the
> > sales person hasn't the foggiest idea what you are talking about?
> > Or, what are the approximate amp/hr ratings for run-of-the-mill
> group 41's and
> > Optimas?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Jerry
> >
>