Re: [SilverStreak] battery questions

["Eddie" <Eddie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joe,
Basically batteries cannot freeze in the lower 48 if charged. Basically 
batteries heat while discharging and heat is enemy of a battery. (industrial 
exceptions-forklifts) So the battery likes cool. Really!

Batteries are heavy. You need to keep in front or at least forward. Opinions 
vary. I like/don't like gel cells. Have pluses like can be used in any 
"clocking" position, are under vacuum, emit nothing, can be any size and 
load required. Have minuses like horribly expensive, cannot be "maintained" 
no access, have inherent problems of Gel characteristics. Optima is just a 
gel cell battery with a name following.

All batteries get stolen and are theft targets now. So inside may have 
merit, but would you want someone prying open your coach anyway? Inside 
keeps it from the elements, especially the hot sun which is bad. Inside is a 
give up of space, but space you may never use. Inside requires securing the 
battery. It is heavy and a moving battery will tear up a coach.

All batteries have a limited life. They are like tires with a questionable 
value after a maximum of five to seven years. A giant yellow Wal-Mart 
battery can be exchanged if defective every three years and is about $75 
bucks. The optima prices vary, but your talking basically about a $300 
battery. It will be just as dead as a typical lead acid battery as it has no 
better longevity. It's a choice. It's an opinion. Varies!

Battery technology is a hot science of a clamoring for a "better battery". 
With alternate fuels quest, you will see a lot about batteries as electric 
vehicles and electronics all rush to solve the dilemma of more power with 
less size and weight. The biggest part of the old Motorola "Brick" cell 
phone was the battery. Look at cell phones now! We've a long way to go. Cost 
of fuels will now market-justify the quest.
-Eddie-
Houston, TX