vehicle storage

[akshadow]

We will need to leave our truck in southern California when we come home to Alaska for a couple of months around Dec. /Jan. The manual says disconnect the batteries if storing over 21 days, seems like a very short time,

any other suggestions for storage?

ron

 

[Deezul1]

Quite possible for the multiple computers to run down the batteries in that time. Other than that not much else is needed especially if stored inside out of the acid rain and smog.

 

[Ladders]

Find a member in SoCal and leave it with. That way you could pay less and the mbr could watch it closer and keep it in top shape for you.





SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[tpuig]

If you're lucky enough to be able to park it inside, they make a nice battery trickle charger. Called a "Battery tender" or similar name, and they go for about $30-40. Plug it in, and it tops of the battery with a slow charge as needed. However, not sure how it would work with two batteries.

If you're outside, they also sell a decent solar charger that does the same thing. Just run the cord and put it on the dash or somewhere exposed to sun.

Otherwise, you may just have somebody fire up the truck and drive it around the neighborhood for a half hour. I'm sure some TDR members would be willing to volunteer some seat time. ;-)

TP

 

[MojaveJoe]

An Alternative

Go to harbor freight and buy a float charger. It will keep your battery charged, as long as your power is on (barring an east coast style blackout )and only cost you about $20.



Ive had a Corolla on a float charger and in storage for over a year. It seems to work fine.



MY $. 03 worth.



Regards,

Joe

 

[RankRam]

Be sure to top off the fuel tank.

 

[akshadow]

thanks for all the advice, think I will rent a storage unit and truck inside. Power is usually not available in storage uits so will just disconnect the battery.



thanks ron

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Restarting after storage

akshadow, Cummins suggests whenever the engine hasn't been fired up for a few weeks or longer to crank it over without starting it to get oil circulating, then fire it up.



On the 2nd Gen 24V you removed Fuse 9 to keep the engine from starting while cranking. I am not sure how you do it on the 3rd gen trucks though. Personally, I don't think it will do any harm to just get in and light it off since these things start so smooth and easy anyway (and take a few more compression strokes so oil starts circulating a bit anyway).



Vaughn

 

[JPunda]

Where in So Cal?

Stored my last diesel... 98, 3500 long bed while in IRAQ last year for 10 months. Neighbor started once a month and drove very little. No problems and didn't touch the battery.

Topped off fuel tank and put in several of those "stink pretty" hanging air fresheners.

Started right up when I returned. Never a doubt about condition after extended rest period.

 

[pstillo]

I use super smart trickle charger on my harley and atv. they also make them so you can plug in more than one vehicle.

http://hdcustomcycle.com/electrical/batterycharger/