Joel,

" Next question what is the positives of having deep cycles..."

The biggest positive (IMHO) to a SEALED deep cycle under the driver's seat
is that you don't have to breathe the poison fumes that an unsealed battery
puts into the cabin air. The biggest positive of a deep cycle battery is
that it was designed to run appliances and be recharged on a regular basis;
regular starter batteries are not designed to do this. So the bottom line is
that a deep cycle battery will last longer in this application.

" and how do I get them in my van that now has the
regular batteries in it? "

I just posted today how to make an Optima deep cycle battery fit. But just
getting the battery in may not be the end of it. Since you have the
Weekender my may have the larger 6.0mm wire feeding the auxiliary battery.
In that case you may be okay. But you might want to read my post dated March
10 regarding the auxiliary battery wiring and relay upgrades. I'll send it
to you by p mail.

"Is there a differing alternator,  regulator?"

No, the alternator and regulator do not have to be changed because the deep
cycle is still going to be a 12 volt battery just like the starter battery
is.

Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: Joel D Shortlidge <shortlid@JUNO.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 1999 10:56 AM
Subject: Non-GL Batteries

>I own a '87 Syncro Westy Weekender or Non-GL camper, which ever you
>prefer.  I have asked other Non-GL owners and they have the same battery
>set up as me.  The batteries under BOTH seats are REGULAR car batteries,
>no deep cycle, like our GL friends?   My question is this the setup other
>Non-Glers on the list have?  Next question what is the positives of
>having deep cycles and how do I get them in my van that now has the
>regular batteries in it?  Is there a differing alternator,  regulator?
>
>Joel
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