My experience with using batteries is this way is that the 6v flooded
are the best. Get two of them at Costco for about $150 and they'll
last you 5 years or more, if properly cared for. I've had AGM, gels,
4Ds 8Ds & others, but deep cycle 6v are my choice. I have eight of
them on one sailboat in two banks of four, and live on the boat 6
months of the year. My Westy has two under the seat. Get a smart
charger that connects directly to the post on the starter. I like a
100 amp switch mounted on the seat front so I can disconnect them from
the system easily. (Harbor Freight has'em cheap) They last longer if
they're not hooked up if you leave the bus for long periods of time.
Been doing this since 1994 with the boat. Another thing to consider is
a wind generator for camping.

Jim C

On Aug 19, 2009, at 11:00 AM, neil N wrote:

> Hi all.
>
> Didn't find anything directly relevant in the archives under
> "reconditioned battery" or "used battery" so....
>
> Anyone installed a reconditioned battery (flooded lead acid starter or
> ? type) for use as an aux battery?
>
> Opinions?
>
> I asked one local company what they actually did to recondition them.
> My *rough* understanding is that they get "new" batteries that may
> have been incorrectly charged, or ? by PO, or they find near new
> batteries that have only been used a short time. They then bring these
> batteries back to life. (albeit a shorter one I"m sure)
>
> I understand it's like only a ~ $50 difference between used and new
> WallMert battery, but I figure a gamble might be worth it. Besides if
> it works, you *know* I'll report my findings back to the list!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Neil.
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines