Kombi second battery replacement

**tapsy** · 15-08-2011, 07:12 PM

anyone know what other battery will fit under passenger seat to replace VW supplied battery for Kombi Beach T5 '06?

the original is a 80Ah Varda, the one they say now fits is a 95Ah Varda @ $345, but are there any other brands that will fit in that space and that may be cheaper and stronger 100Ah+.

**BrianJ** · 15-08-2011, 07:43 PM

Hi Tapsy, good to see you still have your beach, so have we, and just returning home from a trip to NT.

Our original battery died last year and as we were in Broome we got the only one in town that would fit which was about the same as the original. Since then, as the original is not a deep cycle, we would also like to fit a larger and deep cycle type to our van.

I did investigate a Ritar 120Ah which would need to be laid on its side to fit in, but I am a bit hesiatant about that. Also most deep cycle do not have the lower flange for clamping so a new method of clamping would need to be found.

So the simple answer is that I am also trying to find a larger capacity battery that fits, but also want deep cycle and easy fitment.

Brian

**rob64981** · 15-08-2011, 07:43 PM

Hello Tapsy,
Not seen you on here for a while, hope things are OK?

Transporter can get batteries for your Beach he priced one for my Multi as I have the cable on its way from VW to retro fit second battery.
If he does not see this thread give him a shout.

Rob

**Transporter** · 15-08-2011, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by tapsy

anyone know what other battery will fit under passenger seat to replace VW supplied battery for Kombi Beach T5 '06?

the original is a 80Ah Varda, the one they say now fits is a 95Ah Varda @ $345, but are there any other brands that will fit in that space and that may be cheaper and stronger 100Ah+.

Yes, you can have 100Ah deep cycle SLA batetry that is more suitable than starting battery for similar money or maybe a bit less.

**rob64981** · 15-08-2011, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Transporter

Yes, you can have 100Ah deep cycle SLA batetry that is more suitable than starting battery for similar money or maybe a bit less.

I told you he was the man to speak to!!!

Thanks Miro

**Transporter** · 15-08-2011, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by BrianJ

I am also trying to find a larger capacity battery that fits, but also want deep cycle and easy fitment.

Brian

I'm sure that the Optima would have a deep cycle battery with the lower flange. But it's not that difficult to bolt any battery using the bracket from the top and use the hole(s) that are there for securing the flange.

**tapsy** · 16-08-2011, 04:29 PM

after a looking around come up with what WILL fit under the seat and approx prices:

1) original Varta battery 80Ah $300 (wet cell) Not Deep Cycle (000 915 105 DH)

2) Bosch 80Ah $140 (same size) (wet cell) Not Deep Cycle (58014)

3) Varta 80Ah (wet cell) Deep Cycle $330 (956 002) (on web site states as 60Ah but have been told it is a 80Ah)

any size with larger Ah will not fit in space, mainly too long

My question is: for @ $330 would a deep cycle be better value than the $140 Bosch

I have been told that a non deep cycle does not like being run flat and after a few times will fail whereas a deep cycle can run flat and be recharged without that problem ?????

**Transporter** · 16-08-2011, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by tapsy

after a looking around come up with what WILL fit under the seat and approx prices:

1) original Varta battery 80Ah $300 (wet cell) Not Deep Cycle (000 915 105 DH)

2) Bosch 80Ah $140 (same size) (wet cell) Not Deep Cycle (58014)

3) Varta 80Ah (wet cell) Deep Cycle $330 (956 002) (on web site states as 60Ah but have been told it is a 80Ah)

any size with larger Ah will not fit in space, mainly too long

My question is: for @ $330 would a deep cycle be better value than the $140 Bosch

I have been told that a non deep cycle does not like being run flat and after a few times will fail whereas a deep cycle can run flat and be recharged without that problem ?????

Also the battery voltage will drop faster in the starting battery than in SLA deep cycle (it means shorter running time), and some of your accessories (some fridges and 240V inverters) that you run from that battery may have the circuitry that will switch itself off to protect your battery going completely flat.