It is a general consensus that AGM batteries do not do well when
charging directly from an alternator.  The powerstream bc1212-15 is a
dc to dc charger that incorporates multi stage charging it it's design
and may solve the problem.  Rocket J. notes that this device does well
charging his Trojan brand house battery.

More to come on this.

On 6/19/08, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:
> In a message dated 18/06/2008 2:03:29 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
> I have  an optima yellow top that never seemed to get charged properly
> from the  alternator.
>
>
>
>
>        EXACTLY, I've toasted at  least three of those EXPEN$IVE Optimas
> before giving up on them.  They are  JUNK to put it mildly.  Waste of $$$ in my
> humble opinion !!!!!
>
> 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, June 12 ~ 15,  2008
>