I used to drive my van when it was -30 and now it has trouble starting at 0 and it's not the battery.  I believe there is a heavier duty battery cable available for my stock 85 but I understand you have to drop the gas tank to access for installation?
Wonder if those portable battery charges we've been discussing might be of help?
Jeff

> Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 10:49:56 -0600
> From: jim.felder@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: Another Primary Battery Option
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> I guess you have thought about putting the battery under the rear seat?
> there is room there for a larger battery and the cables to the starter
> could be a lot shorter which would deliver more cranking power to whatever
> battery you choose. That and a starter relay should help a lot.
> 
> Jim
> 
> On Friday, December 12, 2014, Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@cfu.net> wrote:
> 
> > Folks:  Just bought an Autocraft H-6 AGM battery for like $170 at
> > Advanced Auto in hopes I'll find a solution to cold starting up here in
> > Iowa.  I've gone through two Interstates over the last 7 or 8 years and
> > they are lasting just about long enough that it's not worth using up the
> > remaining warranty trading it in on a new one.
> >
> > The H-6 has the recessed terminals and fits in the Vanagon box just
> > fine, but is about a half inch too tall for the metal lid to properly
> > close.  I drilled out the small rivets holding the hinge on the rear of
> > the lid and will make a small shim and reattach the lid as time allows.
> > If that doesn't work.  I have a couple of wood and/or fiberglass
> > options that should work and still have clearance for the seat sliding
> > if the shim idea isn't workable.   I keep a thin piece of conveyor belt
> > glued to the underside ofthe  metal lid for extra protection in the
> > positive terminal side of the compartment.  The facytory hold down clamp
> > was modified slightly so it could contact the battery housing properly
> >
> > The $170 for the battery is a lot for someone on my budget, but the
> > glass mat technology intrigues me and having the 950 CA/760 CCA rating
> > should help out this time of year.  I'm not saying for all of your to
> > run out and buy one just yet, but I will be monitoring how it performs
> > this winter.
> >
> > DM&FS
> >