As I have mentioned on the list before, there is a true deep cycle battery
available for the under-the-seat box. It is not easy to find in the US
because it is a Euro-spec battery for small cars, boats and campers, but is
available at Arc Battery in Sausalito. I had 2 in my 84 Westy and have 1 for
my aux system in my 90 Westy. They last about 5 years with the abuse I dish
out to them. Actually, I have never run them flat or even close to flat. The
electrolyte level is checked once a month or so. The solar panel on the roof
keeps it topped up every day and it gets a de-sulfite charge with a smart
charger several times per year. The only thing that I can think of to make
the battery last longer is a DC to DC 4 stage charger instead of relying on
the alternator/regulator (which does not charge deep cycle batteries
properly). But I can't find one for less than $150.

Arc Battery is owned by Al Fredrich (415  332-3272) who took over the family
business from his dad. The battery that fits the Vanagon is less than $100
and he claims that most of those sealed batteries and AGM's are a waste of
money. A flooded deep cycle battery is better, cheaper and will last longer
if properly maintained. Well, at least until someone comes up with a better
alternative.

On Wed, May 7, 2008 at 3:19 AM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:

> In a message dated 06/05/2008 8:27:06 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
> Okay  then, so which batteries do you guys think is best?
>
>
>
>                 This  subject has been discussed audnauseum to say it
> mildly.
>  THERE IS NO PROPER  DEEP CYCLE BATTERY THAT WILL FIT IN THAT HOLE UNDER
> THE
> DRIVERS SEAT !   That's it that's all !  Now what I do is this, and it
> worked
> for 5-1/2  months, traveling around, see the _ZamoraBlog_
> (http://poolio.net/zamorablog/) .  I use a normal group  41, or 48 battery
> from COSTCO that fits
> perfectly in the battery boxes under the  seats.  Cost $58 ? if I remember
> correctly, comes with a 3 year, no  questions asked guarantee.  So when
> you think
> the battery is not performing  to your expectations, just drop into your
> local
> COSTCO anywhere in Canada,  US or Mexico and give it to the girl or guy at
> the counter and they will  give you a ticket to get a new one !  Until
> someone
> comes up with a proper  deep cycle battery that fits in that hole then I'm
> sticking with my way as it  works just fine !  NOW, all that crap said,
> here's
> another option I am just  now investigating.  You can get from VW, only, a
> glass
> matt battery used as  a house battery in the Eurovan campers.  It is a 61
> AH,
> 330 A battery, part  # 000 915 105 AD, that "supposedly" can take repeated
> recycling.  I have  one coming here this week and will try it out in a
> customers
> AUX battery set  up.  This battery will fit perfectly in that hole under
> the
> seat, is only  available from VW, supposedly made by Johnson controls for
> VW
> under some kind of  special contract.  More news at this test progresses.
>  Stay
> tuned for  more AUX battery banter !
>
> Cheers,
>
> Frank  Condelli
> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
> '87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
> _Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html
> )
> - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
> _Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/exhaust.htm)
> _BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
> camping event, Almonte, ON, June12 ~ 15,  2008
>