Sorry to have hijacked this thread with my own aux battery probs, but I hope
there's enough general info here for others to use.

Interesting:

On Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:24:32 -0600, John <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>if you
>invest in true deep cycle batteries, and don't use a three stage charger
>to keep them topped off, you are not getting the max life out of it, and
>in fact, are never getting it "filled up" in the first place. It may say
>100aH, but without the proper charge rates and controlled currents, you
>won't see those numbers in real life. These are not 'starter' batteries,
>and are not made to be bulk charged, with a constant dump of current

In other words, just putting the Optima (or whatever) in and connecting it
to the relay, etc., is NEVER going to be enough to keep it fully charged?
That sounds like the problem here--it's never quite fully charged. (This
goes back even before my mishap with the espresso maker.) So to really get
the max out of a deep cycle battery, you have to use a separate charger?
I'll try it but sure seems like a PITA to have to do.

If they're not made to be charged "with a constant dump of current," then
how can you connect them to our typical alternator/relay systems to good effect?

>Just wanted to point that out....Dennis knows of what he speaks. Those
>who are paying for true deep cycle batteries, who want to take care of
>their investments, and get the most out of them, would do well to do
>some web work, and get the details on how to best take care of them.
>
>HTH,
>
>John

Thanks, good post!