On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 7:39 PM, Ellen in
Oregon<elleninoregon@hotmail.com> wrote:
.....

> As I bought Lola in 2006, I had no idea as to the condition of the batteries. �Rotating the passenger seat revealed a Napa battery, dated 2005. �Taking the drivers seat off revealed another Napa battery, dated 2004. �Both batteries have performed well, and I will be sorely tempted to replace them with Napa batteries again when the time comes. �Any thoughts from the list?

Hey Ellen.

If it were me...

If I weren't increasing demands on the aux. battery and both batteries
were/are treated well, (not run down too far, charged up), I'd wait
until they showed signs of aging. Since yours have lasted this long,
and were only 1 and 2 YO when you bought Lola, they likely weren't
mistreated by the PO. But likely this is your plan already.

FWIW, the three LEDs on my Westy were my first clue that the battery
was going south. Does the ASI have an indicator for house battery
charge level?

I'm installing a standard group 41 starter battery purchased from
WellMurt. Likely similar to your NAPA battery(s). Based on other
peoples findings, if treated well, it'll be fine for some time. I use
it for 3 Dot-it LED lamps, fridge fans, portable radio, sink pump, and
DVD once in a while. Not heavy use. This makes a difference.

From what I've read.....

Advantages to using a standard starter battery as an aux. battery?

- The vehicles alternator will likely charge it more fully. A deep
cycle (and/or AGM?) is fussy about the charging cycle. It may not
charge fully if using just the vehicles alternator. It needs to be
topped up with an intelligent charger once in a while.

- Cheaper. May last a few years in this capacity

- Warranty possibly better.

- You can find a starter battery almost anywhere

Possible disadvantages?

-Can't handle being discharged as much, and/or as far, as a deep
cycle. Not good for heavy demands

-AFAIK, not a true sealed battery. i.e. Within a year, acid fuzzies
were back again in my starter battery box. Maybe down the road, my
aux. battery will do the same thing?

Of course YMMV.  :)

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