Any tricks to get more out of. A battery

[MGB=MPG]

i have not researched your application , but there are batteries then again there are batteries ...

if the battery is pretty new and crapped out take back to a different place than where you got it that carries the same line and present it for compensation .
. if i was running ICE [internal combustion engine] +alternator delete [ or any application where draw is expected w/o concurrent charging] i would have TWO batteries. one a small starting battery and the second a larger deep cycle battery. some wiring and switching circuits , good gauges to measure the level of batter charge.
the small starting batter only used to start and run when charging was available, the deep draw all other times ..

i think there should be off the shelf circuit designs available , it is what i would expect in a well designed RV that had a 12V system in the cabin to run lights , food coolers .. what not
How to Wire an Auxiliary Battery | eHow.com
install a battery "isolator." An isolator is an automatic battery switch that allows both batteries to be charged while the engine is running, but isolates the main battery, protecting the charge from being drained by running accesso

Read more: How to Wire an Auxiliary Battery | eHow.com How to Wire an Auxiliary Battery | eHow.com


http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5005295...tor-work_.html

BatteryStuff Articles | Guide to Understanding Flooded, AGM, and Gel Batteries
there are two types of lead acid batteries (along with 3 sub categories); The two main types are Starting (cranking), and Deep Cycle (marine/golf cart). The starting battery (SLI starting lights ignition) is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines) and therefore has a greater plate count. The plates are thinner and have somewhat different material composition. The deep cycle battery has less instant energy, but greater long-term energy delivery. Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates and can survive a number of discharge cycles. Starting batteries should not be used for deep cycle applications because the thinner plates are more prone to warping and pitting when discharged.

[MetroMPG]

Combined the previous two threads about this battery's untimely demise into one. (Smellycat - makes sense to keep all this topic together.)

[MGB=MPG]

excellent to combine these threads
..
in the prior thread a response to my remark about returning the batter was *sell their integrity and character * . returning a failed batt surely is not that.. unless the tech stamped a big VOID on the warranty i doubt the vendor warranty is voided , i should not expect a point of sale person to be able to void a vendor Warrant. in consideration of you application you might get full compensation or a prorate.. take it back when that dick is not on duty

.. put the cheap starting batter in the battery box. procure an isolator , and a deep cycle batter, put the deep cycle in the boot[trunk] cable it to the illumination, accessory, and ignition circuits , use the starting battery to fire it off and the deep cycle to run,
be aware that the cost of secondary deep cycle , the isolator and the cabling will negate tenfold any monetary savings in FE.. .. but to many its not about monetary savings , its about bragging rights in *apparent * efficiency, and the pride of design and innovation

[jakobnev]

returning a failed batt surely is not that..

It is exactly that if you know you broke it by abusing it.

[MGB=MPG]

your opinion
wal-mart is well known for shoddy merchandise
they require the supplier to manufacture at absolute minimums , thin plates etc.
the operator does not *Know* he broke it he only has the dubious word of on line acquaintances .. im like him , a battery Aught to be like a bucket of electrical juice , fill it up , empty it out , he was not aware that the one he got was inferior and would only take a very minimum of cycles

WALMART - battery warranty

as long as the operator did not beat it with a hammer in a fit of frustration it ok.
the vendor should be happy , give him a cheap new starting batter, then sell him 6 feet of cable , an isolator [assuming wal-mart actually stocks such]and a deep cycle marine batter for the boot

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by MGB=MPG

i doubt the vendor warranty is voided

I would wager it was voided. If I sold batteries, one of the first conditions of warranty would be a properly working charging system.