regarding battery height ...
for a 2WD vanagon I wouldn't even want two batteries in the forward
underseat battery boxes..
the poor vans are too front heavy as is.
( not an issue in Syncro vans particularily though )

If I'm going to add significant weight ..
I want it aft, low, and within the wheel base.
I think for my own aux batt I'l lhave it under the back seat, right side (
there's so much weight on the left in a westy anyway ..and it's handy that
it's close to the sliding door ) ..

and for a more ambitious installation I would be tempted to use some of that
wasted space behind the rear firewall and ahead of the rear axles .   Weld
in  a metal battery box, sealed, and vented overbaord.

300 bucks ! ..better be *really* good !

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard DIXON" <dickd@SYMPATICO.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 3:47 AM
Subject: new series 48 Odyssey battery

Like may of us, I have been looking for that perfect deep cycle battery that
will fit in the tiny spot under our seat in our vanagons.  Well I recently
came across the Odyssey brand of batteries and they have introduced a new 48
series unit................

specs on the Odyssey PC1220 ( group 48 ) battery.

CCA 680, 70 amp @ 20hr rate, 135 reserve capacity, 11.89x6.88x7.48price
about $300

Problem is the height of the new battery - seems like it is about 3/4 " too
high to fit into that compartment.I was wondering if any of you have had
experience with this new battery; perhaps there is a way to overcome this
problem.

Looking forward to your replies,Richard
                                          =