Hi Spencer,

        Glad I got this message.  Most of the thread went to junk mail. 

I use a group 41 in my vans for the start battery.  Both went in with effort.  I also always put a strap around the battery so I can more easily lower it in and lift it out.  Usually a piece of flat nylon strap.

As I do have aux batteries so in the future I might use a smaller battery.  I also have the adaptor for the   starter and that uses less power.  Also, several items like my radios and dash power points are on my Aux battery. 

Best.

Eric   

> On Mar 27, 2026, at 7:51 AM, Spencer Allen <soxndubs1951@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Dave I don't have an aux battery. Over on the Samba forum a post with
> pictures shows a 41 battery with the side flanges cut off and the bottom
> edge trimmed down. I may try that. The discussion also states a T5 battery
> is a better fit and same CCA but I'm not sure of the amp hours.  What main
> battery are you using?
> Spencer
> 
> On Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 5:55 AM ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
> ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Spencer
>> 
>> I know what you mean!!
>> 
>> Are you talking about the house or start battery?
>> 
>> Dave B.
>> 
>> On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 03:49:23 PM EDT, Spencer Allen <
>> soxndubs1951@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> I think my 85 westy's battery box shrank (shrunk?) over winter. For years
>> I've always had a struggle when dropping the group 41 battery past the
>> pos-neg cables and have banged-up the pos cables some but always got the
>> battery in with a bit of maneuvering. today no matter what I did that
>> battery will not settle into the box. Any tips from those still using the
>> lead acid battery?
>> Spencer
>>