The issue is not the reduction of quality but rather the increase in
information from dissatisfied customers and other sources. Regardless of
brand AGM batteries just have not proven to have the longevity benefits on a
consistent basis. Most now have reduced warranties. Charging and storage is
critical to long life and both of these are a problem in vehicles. Probably
the major cause of failure is them venting, losing some electrolyte and the
mats drying out. There are applications where these are an absolute
necessity (marine). If abuse tolerance and long life are the goals, nothing
beats a well-designed-built flooded battery. Unfortunately we can't get a
deep cycle battery that fits under that seat.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil n
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 3:20 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: optima batteries that fit under the driver's seat

Of what vintage is your YellowTop Tom?

had read and heard that the more recent Optima's were of poorer quality than
those of old.

i too am in the middle of a battery decision.

Harry: FWIW, a starter type (flooded cell) battery can be sufficient if the
appliance draw isn't too high. And it fits easily. I may g/w that type
again. Installed one in my '81  image:
http://tinyurl.com/cxhvgov  It served my needs ok. (sink pump, small set of
LED's, *short* use for Dometic while shopping en route. 1/2 hour max)

Thanks

Neil.

On Wed, Dec 26, 2012 at 6:32 AM, Tom Buese <tantonbz@gmail.com> wrote:

> I have a yellow top Optima, I'll have to check the size, but I believe
> it is a group 41

> On Wed, Dec 26, 2012 at 8:16 AM, Harry Hoffman
<hhoffman@ip-solutions.net>wrote:

>> Is anyone using a optima battery under the driver's seat?

--
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engine
s