Re: [VACList] Need Battery suggestions !

[Charlie or Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chas,

One more thought on Optima batteries.
An essential consideration for deep cycle batteries in RV applications. 
That is Reserve Capacity Minutes or RCM. RCM is kind of the EPA rating 
for deep cycle batteries. It is based on a discharge rate of 25A at 80 
deg. from a full charge and is given in minutes. Typical wet cell 
batteries such as the Interstates that Airstream uses are rated at 160 
minutes.
Given the space you have to work with you always want the most RCM you 
can get for you money if dry camping is part of your lifestyle. RCM, 
like cost, size, and convienence are all factors to consider. One note, 
engine start batteries do not have RCM ratings, If the person you are 
talking to doesn't understand Reserve Capacity Minute, then he doesn't 
know what he is talking about and you need to proceed with caution.
The data we have seen here at the dealership have indicated the Optima 
batteries are not all that long legged for dry camping, their RCM's are 
pretty low.