Well.. is there a way to fix that so that you can do the same thing with a solar panel... so you don't have to fool around with that... 

From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Golf Cart Batteries

> Either you are miss interpreting something or they are only mechanics with
> no electrical knowledge. There is some truth that an alternator based
> charging system can not properly charge cycling batteries. This is because
> some intelligence is needed to provide a proper 3 stage charging cycle.
> Charging batteries also takes time. The alternator will try real hard to
> supply fixed voltage. The current absorbed by the battery will be determined
> by the state of charge, charge acceptance, and suitability of the wiring and
> relays between the alternator and the charger. A quality, 110v charger is a
> good investment to desulphate and really top off the batteries when home or
> when park power is available.
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> JP
> Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:51 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Golf Cart Batteries
> 
> Volks,
> 
> My mechanics told me that  the vanagon alternator cannot properly charge
> these 6V batteries. He also told  me that he has to hooked them up in
> parallel (as opposed to series) to get 12V. Is this true?
> 
> Jean-Pierre
> 
> BTW, I still haven't found any vendor with a front differential syncro kit
> for less than 1500$ US
> 
> Is this reasonable?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Date:    Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:30:17 -0700
> > From:    Mark C <obeechi@RUNBOX.COM>
> > Subject: Re: Golf Cart Batteries
> >
> > I was sold on the Trojans, but now I'm curious about the Rolls Surrette...
> > =
> > so I'll poke around the web to reach a conclusion... this is all new to
> > me.=
> > .. here I was owning one 100 amp 12 volt, oblivious to the fact that for
> > 30=
> > more dollars I could have owned two 6 volts w 225 amp hours.. at least by
> > =
> > the time I get the golf cart batteries I'll have my heavy duty relay
> > instal=
> > led.. though I'm unclear why it has two attachments for, apparently,
> > ground=
> > ing it...=20
> >
> > From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@optonline.net>
> > To: obeechi@RUNBOX.COM, vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: RE: Golf Cart Batteries
> >
> > > True. For starters, the golf cart batteries will be much more durable.
> > Ju=
> > st
> > > a better, more abuse resistant design. The A/H capacity will be about
> > 225
> > > A/H. The group 27 will probably last 2-3 years. The golf cart batteries
> > w=
> > ill
> > > give 3-5 or more. For the money, Trojan is the best. Rolls Surrette
> > gives=
> > 7
> > > year warranty but cost is at double.=20
> > >=20
> > > Dennis
> > >=20
> >
> 

----- End Original Message -----