Note: the aux batteries charge best when there is no load on them, so if you
really want them to charge (when wired to the relay) make sure the
refrigerator is not running on battery.  This seems to pose a problem, as
when I am driving, I usually have it on battery.  It is critical to make
sure that this battery doesn't stay dead if discharged, that is the hardest
thing on a battery.  The longer is stays discharged, the quicker the battery
dies a premature death.  For that reason, I got a Costco Group 41 battery
for $49 with a full three year replacement warranty.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Troy
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 3:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Odyssey batteries

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