thanks,
so this 1500W looks nice for $150 http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/for/4080463302.html
$116 for the charger http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-VEC1093DBD-Battery-Charger/dp/B000EJQJ1G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1379779881&sr=8-5&keywords=black+%26+Decker+40a+charger
$77 for the battery http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-27DC-6-Marine-Battery/16795212
$50 for misc stuff like a sound box for the genny, A/B switch for isolating the start battery in the van
total $400 and i guess i can sell the genny and charger when i'm done
here's another battery
http://www.sears.com/diehard-marine-deep-cycle-rv-battery-group-size-27m/p-02827524000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
would you go sears or wallmart? i'm thinking if i accidentally kill the battery, who would give me less hassle about replacing it? and who has the most locations?