Anyone running a deeper cycle battery?

[Ryan Stewart]

For a car that sits?

Ive run into a bit of a problem. My car sits for extended periods of time and its taken a toll on the battery, it no longer takes a charge from my charger.

Im wondering, what would be my best investment for this? I need a battery that can withstand being drained by the DME and alarm for 3 weeks, charged back up, and drained again without crapping out.

I know Optima makes one that is more like what I am looking for but I am wondering if they are really legit beyond being isolated cells for durability. Is there better bang for your buck? (not really worried about cheaper, just better for similar price)

[M-technik-3]

Maybe a solar powered battery tender?

[hye d]

Optima yellow top with a battery cut off switch, or trickle charger?

[Ryan Stewart]

I could run a cut off switch but right now I would probably just remove the battery, its not that hard to put it back in. I was just hoping I could find something that was able to run in a standby mode to keep all of my settings and to not have the DME pissed at me for the first few miles of driving.

I wish I could run a trickle charger but there isnt any power nearby (apt for now).

[M-technik-3]

Solar trickle they make them.

[Ryan Stewart]

The only downside is its under cover so it doesnt have direct sunlight. if it had a long cord and I could put it on a pole or something that might work.

[assoutE12]

I've gone through a couple of Optimas over the years with good luck. I bought my E30 in like 05 I think, and I just replaced the Optima red top that was in it when I bought it this winter. And I tend to get into the habit of driving one of my cars all the time and leaving the other ones sitting, so I tend to be pretty hard on battery's.
With the optima I just hook up a jump box and start driving again with out charging.
I have heard that Odyssey battery's are supposed to be better and cheaper, but I always tend do need a new battery right now if I need one so I have always just picked up an Optima at a parts store.

[Mtriple]

I like the solar idea. Go to your local VW dealer and talk to the parts counter or service. VW puts solar panels in all of their cars during transit. You can even find them on ebay if you want. Just extend the cord and run it outside and set it on the roof.

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=vw+solar+battery&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[Ryan Stewart]

I've gone through a couple of Optimas over the years with good luck. I bought my E30 in like 05 I think, and I just replaced the Optima red top that was in it when I bought it this winter. And I tend to get into the habit of driving one of my cars all the time and leaving the other ones sitting, so I tend to be pretty hard on battery's.
With the optima I just hook up a jump box and start driving again with out charging.
I have heard that Odyssey battery's are supposed to be better and cheaper, but I always tend do need a new battery right now if I need one so I have always just picked up an Optima at a parts store.

Groovy. I will probably track down the Oddesy and maybe couple it with the solar charger to keep it from completely dying. I do have a jump pack but I dont know how many jumps I would trust it with and I dont think I would get enough charge out of a short drive after sitting 3 weeks.

I almost wish I could truck the E30 out to LA and drive it instead of rentals.

[M-technik-3]

Take 4 days off and fly home and drive it out to LA. I have drove across the country in 5 days numerous times.