On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 9:38 AM, Thomas Kitts <thokitts@gmail.com> wrote:

>  Since I have the duel battery set up, is it smart to go ahead and replace
> both batteries at the same time, or just the starter battery under the
> passenger seat if it tests as bad? I understand the battery under the
> driver's seat is more difficult to access.

Replacing both shouldn't be necessary unless both are bad, that is, won't
take or hold a charge.
Accessing the aux battery under the drivers seat is straight forward.  Slide
the driver seat all the way forward and off the tracks, take it out.  This
requires depressing a small lever on the rail at the front of the track.
Then rotate the swivel base 180 degrees and you will have full access to the
aux battery compartment.

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> And, is there anything I should look for with regards to quality or
> cranking power? People talk about installing marine batteries but I don't
> understand why.

Most exotic batteries that are installed are the aux battery though some
have gone to the very expensive marine batteries for a starting battery.
That's their choice but I've never seen a compelling argument for doing
that.

Battery setups in a Vanagon or Vanagon Westy can range from simple and
elegant to complicated and wonderful.  It all depends on the individual
owner.  The KISS principle usually meets the requirements of 90% of owners.
As for the rating of the batteries if you live in a very cold climate and
drive frequently in the Winter than that can be a consideration.  But any
battery that fits is probably going to do the job for most.

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