On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 12:24 PM, Jim Cochran<mxsailor@gmail.com> wrote:
> 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.
>
>

Hey Jim

For now, just need something that fits under the driver seat. But
should I finally ditch my Dometic, more amps will be needed. Thanks
for tips on pairing up 2 6V deep cycles.

Wind power? Yah I wondered about that. Lucky me, I get to sail with a
buddy once in a while. There is a boat moored near the gas float that
has a wind generator. Likely only good for keeping batteries topped
up, but I wonder how practical that kind of thing would be on a Westy?

But I bet that's been discussed here before!  :)

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