Ok for about ten bucks you can make and try a voltage regulator that can be adj. By a pot on the dashboard or a tempistor. In addition it monitors alternator temperature to avoid overheating the alternator. www.amsterdamhouseboats.nl

-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 6:18 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Why AGM batts don't last as long as they should

Keep in mind that in order for the charge device to do its job you can not
have any significant or changing load on the battery while using it. No
high powered stereos or Dometic fridge.

In theory and according to the famous advertising, an AGM should do quit
well on alternator charging. It has superior charge acceptance. The main
problem with charging any batteries used for deep cycling use is that
charging takes time. The absorption stage will take as long as the bulk
stage. How often do you drive for 6 to 8 hours straight to get the battery
to 100%? To really take care of any deep cycle battery you need a good
charger. You do not need to get it charged to 100% every day but it needs
to be done occasionally. Flooded batteries also need to be equalized to
maintain the best capacity.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Al Knoll
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Why AGM batts don't last as long as they should

It is a general consensus that AGM batteries do not do well when
charging directly from an alternator.  The powerstream bc1212-15 is a
dc to dc charger that incorporates multi stage charging it it's design
and may solve the problem.  Rocket J. notes that this device does well
charging his Trojan brand house battery.

More to come on this.

On 6/19/08, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:
> In a message dated 18/06/2008 2:03:29 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
> I have  an optima yellow top that never seemed to get charged properly
> from the  alternator.
>
>
>
>
>        EXACTLY, I've toasted at  least three of those EXPEN$IVE Optimas
> before giving up on them.  They are  JUNK to put it mildly.  Waste of
$$$ in my
> humble opinion !!!!!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Frank  Condelli
> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
> '87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
> _Frank Condelli &  Associates_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
> - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
> _Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/exhaust.htm)
> _BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
> camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15,  2008
>