Hi TJ,

Are you new here?  Optima batteries are a very contentious topic on this
list; and the archives have plenty of technical discussion about them.

A quick search for messages with optima as subject and warranty in the
body got me 61 hits, going back as far as 2003.

But I gotta ask this: If you NEVER have to worry about them, why did you
have to replace one under warranty? By your own experience I see 12%
premature failure rate.  Considering the places some people take their
campers, a battery failure could be a very serious issue.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca

TJ Hemrick wrote:
> All,
>   I realize that this thread is as quick to ignite into a flame contest as
> "which oil" or the ever popular "what tire to run" but I'm surprised no one
> mentioned the Optima battery line for this guy.  In fact, I'm shocked anyone
> would ever use a standard lead acid battery especially in a REAL Volkswagen
> (ones that keep the battery in the car away from engine heat).  Regardless
> of the fact I get a good discount at a military base for an Optima battery,
> they have have great warranties, huge CCA numbers, you can mount them any
> way you want, and they DON'T leak!  Yes, I would pay more at the local FLAPS
> if I had to.  I realize some of you Westy guys have some issues with the
> space under your seats, hey, sorry, you'll have to figure that one out.  I
> heard they fit if you place the post forward and on top.  I can't speak for
> the folks with seats that swivel.  I suspect you might have some problems
> but again, you'll have to work that one.  I've run Optima reds in my Porsche
> (86 - 911) other VW's (Jetta diesel) and the Vanagons (2-GL's and 1-
> syncro).  The Vanagon's got the Yellow deep cycle in addition to the red
> starting battery.  No matter what the temperature or compression, those
> batteries pack some punch.  In fact, when replacing one under warranty, I
> ordered a special one (no charge upgrade) with the poles reversed to fit in
> my 911.  They're smaller, better, and I NEVER worry if the battery will be
> an issue.  They're worth EVERY penny.  Yeah, that's 8 batteries and about
> $1000 (not all at once!) but I'll never go back to standard batteries.  Just
> my ,02..
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "JAIME E FORERO" <jforero@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:08 PM
> Subject: Battery
>
>> Folks, I need to buy a battery for my 91 vanagon.  The one I am replacing
>> is a unit from NTB and based on its performance I would rather not buy
>> another one from NTB.  Any good experiences with batteries out there??
>> Cheers
>> Jaime
>> 91 vanagon, Houston
>