I am attempting to install an auxiliary battery (I say attempt,
because round one wasn't so perfect as my wiring skills are still
being honed).  Instead of the Odyssey, I went with a 12V WERKER Deep
Cycle battery with 30AH ($70-ish).

Granted, I am not planing on running anything major off of it, but I
will let you know how it works out -- once I get the wiring figured out.

Peace Out,

Stace
The SolShine ('82 Vanagon)

On Aug 26, 2008, at 1:24 PM, Troy wrote:

> I thought that I would pass this along, as I saw mention of the
> Odyssey battery a few days ago. Several years ago when it came time
> to put a battery in my Westy, I looked at the Go Westy web page.
> They recommended the Odyssey, so I went ahead and purchased one for
> close to $200. I found out rather quickly that the manufacturers
> rating of 44AH was optimistic to say the least. I would put this
> battery closer to 30AH.
>
> Second, because this is an AGM battery, it requires 14.4 V to charge
> it to 100% capacity. Repeated under charging, will bring that to amp
> hour rating down even further. I was just told recently by the
> battery seller that the 1200 isn't even designed as a deep cycle
> battery, but rather a starting battery, which is not what Go Westy
> suggests.
>
> Anyway, I brought my battery back hoping to get a replacement or
> refund. The battery has a two-year warranty, with only a one-year
> replacement. The second year is prorated. Since I had only two
> months left on my warranty, I got a whopping $14 back, and an
> argument from the vendor besides.
>
> I think it was Dennis Hayes who said the best thing about Odyssey
> batteries is their advertisement-- I totally agree. For anyone
> looking for an auxiliary battery, I would steer very clear of
> anything with the Odyssey name on it. Absolute junk IMO. I sure
> learned my lesson.
>
> Troy