The Diesels also use a larger group 49 battery. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Loren Busch
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Further Information

 RE: Batteries
The stock location for the starting battery in the diesel is in the engine compartment, based on what I've seen.  Shorter wire runs because of the heavier strating loads from the diesel.
The two battery compartments under the two front seats will take a Group 41
(stock) or Group 48 battery, tight fit on the Group 41 but it fits.