Hey Volks

There was some discussion about batteries on Wetwesties that I thought  
I'd share with the Vanagon list as well:

> OK, I just got off the phone with Al Fredrich at Arc Battery Co. in  
> Sausalito, CA (415-332-3272) and he gave me the scoop on the group  
> 41 deep cycle batteries that he sells. Yes, there is more than one  
> choice.
>
> First is a lead-acid flooded deep cycle with heavy density oxide  
> plates. 78 amp hours, 125 minutes reserve capacity, 850 CCA. $94 +  
> tax with core. Add about 10% more if you want it shipped dry plus  
> shipping costs. He says there is a process that needs to be done  
> before a battery is shipped dry.
>
> The second choice Al mentioned was a battery similar to the Odyssey.  
> Here is some info from the website <http://www.odysseybatteries.com>
> "The ODYSSEY� battery has both massive starting power and amazing  
> deep cycling capability - up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of  
> discharge. With twice the overall power and three times the life of  
> conventional batteries, the ODYSSEY battery is ideal for trolling,  
> starting, and for powering the many on-board electronic accessories  
> common in today's boats and recreational vehicles." Al is very  
> impressed by this battery and said it lasts a lot longer than any  
> deep cycle flooded battery. But it is not cheap: about $270
>
> Due to the higher cost of lead, the prices of batteries have gone  
> up, especially deep cycle batteries because they contain more lead  
> than a starting battery.
>
> I asked Al why this size in a deep cycle model is not available in  
> most places. Arc is a custom battery shop that caters mostly to  
> boaters and exotic car owners, mostly European. There is a market  
> here for such things.
>
> So, if you are looking for a group 41 deep cycle auxiliary battery  
> for your van, Al can help you out. Arc Battery is a family run  
> business that Al's dad started. Good people, great service.
>
>
> Hope you volks find this info interesting and useful.
>
> Keith O