> Anytime I hear of a Vanagon with a dead AGM or two, I'm curious to
> know
> what is the charging voltage at the battery terminals? If anything
> less
> than the "magic" number of 14.2 or so, an AGM is going to perform
> poorly or less than optimal.

I have an optima yellow top that never seemed to get charged properly
from the alternator.   About a year ago I added a supplemental solar
panel (el-cheapo brand):
  http://www.sunforceproducts.com/english/details.asp?id=89

Any idea if this charge controller is putting out enough voltage?  The
manual
   http://www.sunforceproducts.com/prodinfo/manuals/SunforceSolarManEng.pdf
suggests it will charge up to 14.2 volts, and cut back in at 13
volts.   Problem solved ?