Long term storage question.....

[Sarge]

I am going to be putting the 08' in the garage for several months when I go back out on the road in the RV. I was wondering what the recommended procedure is for long term storage of the batteries. Take them out and put them on a float charger on the bench? If so, would I lose all the stored info in the ECM after a period of time?



My brother-in-law is willing to start it up occassionally if I leave the batteries in the truck, I just don't think that idle speed will do much to maintain a charge.



What are your thoughts guys??



Thanks, Sarge

 

[Grizzly]

I am going to be putting the 08' in the garage for several months when I go back out on the road in the RV. I was wondering what the recommended procedure is for long term storage of the batteries. Take them out and put them on a float charger on the bench? If so, would I lose all the stored info in the ECM after a period of time?



My brother-in-law is willing to start it up occassionally if I leave the batteries in the truck, I just don't think that idle speed will do much to maintain a charge.



What are your thoughts guys??



Thanks, Sarge

Have the BIL start it once a months and drive it around at various speeds till the engine reaches full temperature. That way all parts get lubricated, seals stay pliable and the batteries get charged.



Just make sure you maintain your insurance and registration.



george

 

[Sarge]

Well, that's part of the problem. The BIL is older and not able to drive the truck, so it will remain parked. The most that he would be able to do is start it from time to time. The license and reg are easy. It's the mechanical part that I'm debating.

 

[cojhl2]

For several months

For that short of time I would shut er off and walk away.



If there is a draw then I would disconnect the bats.



If a battery is any good it will hold a charge for a long time with no draw.



With my odyssey i found out from their factory that they will not take a long down time discharged and I draw about 145 ma with the pickup turnd off.



So I installed a disconnect.



Of course I dont have an ECM to worry about. i don't know how that works but I can't beleive they require a constant bias to keep them set.



But so far as seals are concerned it's no problem.

 

[Grizzly]

Well, that's part of the problem. The BIL is older and not able to drive the truck, so it will remain parked. The most that he would be able to do is start it from time to time. The license and reg are easy. It's the mechanical part that I'm debating.

For only several months it should be okay for the BIL to start it now and then. I would however keep a trickle charger on the batteries.



Maybe the BIL can check the water level on the batteries every three months and fill them if necessary.

 

[KEpperly]

just stick a battery tender on it. I do it on my quad and my boss does it on all his old cars that he doesn't drive, and they always start.

 

[TBartlett1]

If it can't be thoroughly warmed up as in a 30 minute drive don't even start it.

If it is just started without driveling moisture will accumulate in the oil & acids will have a tendency to form.

Moisture can accumulate in the exhaust & start corrosion, however being a diesel this is not as much a concern as on a gas job.

I hope the garage has a concrete floor and is dry.

When I park our BMW Z3 in the fall I give it a hot supper, drive it in the garage and don't start it until it comes out for summer.

A trickle charger would be recommended for 8 months.



Tim

 

[Sarge]

Thanks for replies guys. A trickle charger it is. The garage is cement and dry. The weather here is not extreme so no worries in that department.



Sarge

 

[Bob4x4]

I was kinda hoping you would just leave it with me for a while... ... ... I promise to exercise it on a regular basis.

 

[Grizzly]

I was kinda hoping you would just leave it with me for a while... ... ... I promise to exercise it on a regular basis.

I bet you would Bob, but I don't believe it would do good in the Baja without 4WD.

 

[Bob4x4]

I bet you would Bob, but I don't believe it would do good in the Baja without 4WD.

:-laf I am an ex Marine... ..... I will adapt and conquer

 

[Sarge]

Hey Bob, I was hoping you would chime in! You were right about that 6. 7... ... ... . I hooked up a 40' TT that I am putting on the property for my sister and Bro-in-law. 1700# on the hitch and it pulled it easily. This rig is awsome. I may just have to give you a key to come down and blow the cob webs out from time to time... ... ...



Sarge