In a message dated 22/10/2008 2:29:54 P.M. Central Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

        Wes, I have written about  this subject extensively.  Look in the
archives.  To make a quick  summary.  This is exactly the set-up I have in my van
and install in all my  customers vans.  I use the COSTCO Kirkland Group 41,
42 or 48 battery as  COSTCO has the lowest price and offers a 3 year no
questions asked warranty  which is good in Canada, US and Mexico.  From my
experiences this system  works very well.  I use a Sure Power 1315 battery separator
also.   There are no group 41 deep cycle batteries.   Anyways check the  archives
for more details.

>>>>>>>>My starter battery could use replacing,  and I'm thinking its a good
time to
do some rewiring and install an aux  battery at the same time.

After looking at the whole optima/deep cycle  battery situation, I'm tempted
to just get two of the walmart everstart  plus group 41 batteries, and use
the second one as an aux battery (with the  hella battery relay setup).  I'd
be interested to hear what people  think of this idea.  (Especially if you've
tried it!)

I don't  intend to run the fridge off the battery for any significant amount
of  time; I want the aux battery for the stereo/cabin lights/etc/ and 12v  and
110v outlets (I'm going to install an inverter) to use things  like
laptops/music players/fans/etc.

And, just to confirm it...  there really aren't any deep cycle group 41
batteries out there,  right?<<<<<<<<<<

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