Prius C 12v Deep Cycle Battery?

The 12v battery does not spin the engine to start it (the transmission uses the traction battery to spin it). The 12v is only used to boot-up the computers.

 

None at all. Many of us use the Yellow Top battery on the Gen II and III hatchbacks.

 

I think he's saying there's not much reason to... unless you are modifying your electronics to draw a heavier load.

 

sorry, but what's the point of upgrading the battery into a deep cycle one? i don't usually deal with battery stuff and just stick with original. just want some info, thanks

 

Owners have found that leaving the interior lights on can result in a dead battery. Do this two or three times and you might damage the OEM battery. Replacing the damaged battery with a deep cycle battery might not cost more. We also find that the OEM battery becomes marginal after 4 to 5 years even if you are careful not fully discharge it.

 

It should be noted that Prius c cars without the smart key system are less subject to 12V battery issues, since the main parasitic drain (while parked) doesn't apply to them.

 

Shouldn't be a problem. Just check your amperage.

 

1. Can you find a deep cycle that fits the compartment?
2. What will be the current load of the sound equipment that you install?
3. Can the Prius C keep up with current draw caused by this installation.
In the end w/o answers to any of the above, just try it, save and maintain the
Original battery. If it doesn't work, you are only out the new deep cycle battery. Not having a C yet I'm not aware if it has the typical breathing tube, etc the other Prii have. Should you go to Gen 2 Posts, there are people that have put in extra sound equipment.

 

After 4.5 years and 80k miles, my 12V battery died and I replaced it with an optima yellow top deep cycle battery (they have one specific for the Prius with pencil tip terminals). I've heard this battery will last over 10 years. I got it for $150 from amazon. Installation was pretty easy. It does fit in the battery compartment, but because the battery is slightly wider, the vertical bar that secures it won't fit because it has a side bar with a 90 deg angle. You can either leave the bar off, or what i did was bend the bar flat. Hope this helps!

 

It doesn't look to me like the Optima has a vent tube. Does it not need one?

My girlfriend is using my Prius for grocery deliveries, and was thinking about using a 12v fridge instead of a cooler, which I would prefer to wire in so that it can stay on even with the car turned off. Any advice about this would be greatly appreciated!

 

The optima does have a vent tube. I've installed one in my C with a hold down bar from Home Depot parts.
Regarding the 12v fridge, I'd have a hard time believing the battery would survive the fridge's TEC amperage drain for an extended period of time. Normally our acc ports turn off when the car is off. If you're still determined to making it happen, perhaps wiring an acc port directly from the battery? You'd just have to be concepts of when it's plugged in to not drain the battery when the car is off.

 

I forgot what model optima I got, but assuming you got one for the regular Prius here:
DS46B24R | OPTIMA Batteries
Assuming it's Ah rating was correct @ 38Ah, and you have a similar 12v dc fridge like I do for mini road trips, the battery would discharge in ~11hrs. I'm not a battery guy, or aware if there are safety mechanisms in place for that, but I figure that would be damaging the battery. It may take ages to get back to a full charge depending on what A our cars charge the 12v battery.

Pics of the specs on the fridge I have. It's just big enough to hold 6 cans of soda:

All FYI of course, but final decision is up to you and still technically doable.
Maybe portable 12v as a power source that you don't care as much for, and charge in your hotel room on long trips? Use car acc on the fridge while the car is on and charge the backup 12v on acc too? Only use the portable 12v on the fridge when parked in a car park or something?
Iono, brainstorm mode..

 

It's probably ok to use BUT, ANYTIME YOUR USING THE REFIG, CAR MUST BE IN READY. Parked or driving. If left in ACC mode even the car radio will wipe out the battery.

 

With the battery, the vent tube is barely visible above the red terminal connection, but it's there. To keep it in place I cut some aluminum to size, drilled and bent to shape, and the battery stays put.