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Two Week Vacation Time

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by kdmorse, Sep 15, 2006.

  1. kdmorse

    kdmorse Member

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    <Silly Post>
    Here's my dilemma. I'm off to the beach for two weeks tomorrow, and will be driving down there in my 2006 Prius. Along with me, will be two large SUV's, a cheap pickup, and a large Diesel Truck. It goes without saying that I'll win the fuel efficiency compitition on the 6 hour trip, but that's not the issue.

    After we get there, my car will likely sit for two weeks, untouched. While the 12v battery certainly should be up to the task, there have been way too many posts here about coming back to a bad 12v battery after two, or even one week of inactivity.

    Chances are everything will be fine. BUT - if come Saturday two weeks from now my little Prius won't start, and I need a jump from a SUV, I'll never hear the end of it. Poor little Prius with a weak little battery. I'll be receiving offers for jump starts daily (just in case), and presumably battery gag gifts. And I will have brought shame to all Prius's everywhere.

    So - what are the actual chances of a problem? Anything I can do that won't make matters worse? ie - I can turn of the SKS, but then if anyone does want to see the car in action, the magical doors are disabled. And if anyone noticed... "Poor little prius, you have to turn things off if you want it to survive attended", more nagging and shame.
    </Silly Post>

    Any thoughts?

    -Ken
     
    #1 kdmorse, Sep 15, 2006
  2. Proco

    Proco Senior Member

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    Ken -

    There's a great thread here about leaving the Prius unattended for an extended period of time. I've never done it myself, so I can't provide any real life data myself.

    If anyone gives you grief about choosing to turn of SKS just remind them who'll be the one getting home without needing to gas up. :lol:

    Enjoy your trip!

    Mike
     
    #2 Proco, Sep 15, 2006
  3. eagle33199

    eagle33199 Platinum Member

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    Definately turn the SKS off... just remember that it's turned off so you don't make a fool of yourself yanking on the handle at the end of the two weeks. And have a story prepared - "The button activates some advanced security settings in the car, so when we get back i have to go through a special sequence to start up the car again. better safe than sorry!" Then of course on the way back make a big show about pressing various buttons in a certain order, ending with the SKS button (to turn it back on) then the power button. maybe eve ::gasp:: put the key in the slot.

    Now, i just had a thought (only semi-related). For situations like this, where you know you'll be gone a while, it would be possible to wire up a secondary 12V battery through a switch. you leave the car with the switch turned off, then when you get back just flip the switch to connect the secondary "backup" battery... Since the switch probably can't handle too many Amps, you let the car trickle charge through this while you load up luggage and such, then flip the switch off and start it up, no worries. In an ideal world, you'd even mount the switch somewhere unobtrusive that you could get at without anyone noticing. (or maybe somewhere like the undercairage of the car where you could flip it if the battery is dead and you want in the trunk first through SKS). Just a crazy nice person idea that i'm sure i'll never actually do, but interesting none the less.
     
    #3 eagle33199, Sep 15, 2006
  4. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    I don't think you should even worry about it. Most of those who have drained the 12V battery have left the hatch partially unlatched, left the headlights on, etc. The car has reportedly been left for a month or longer with SKS on, and started just fine, by many posters.

    Just remember to fully close the hatch and doors, and for sure turn the car OFF! ;)
     
    #4 David Beale, Sep 15, 2006
  5. eagle33199

    eagle33199 Platinum Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Sep 15 2006, 03:53 PM) [snapback]320244[/snapback]</div>
    But it's also been left for two weeks with the SKS on and been dead... IMO, it's better safe than sorry...
     
    #5 eagle33199, Sep 17, 2006
  6. 8AA

    8AA Active Member

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    Chances are the SUVs will stay parked and the Prius will be used to run errands. I know the car can sit for a week with SKS on, I do it all the time. If you're not volunteering to do the beer runs, just do it one time half way through the trip.
     
    #6 8AA, Sep 17, 2006
  7. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    I have not been beyond 2 weeks but in 2 weeks there is no problem with the SKS off. My battery is now just over 2 years old and I expect this will not hold forever.
     
    #7 hdrygas, Sep 17, 2006
  8. Lola&#39;05

    Lola&#39;05 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(8AA @ Sep 17 2006, 06:50 PM) [snapback]320908[/snapback]</div>

    Exactly what I was thinking. Everyone wants to ride in your car.
    I have left Lola for a week or a week and a half at a time with the SKS off without any problem.

    Lola '05
     
    #8 Lola&#39;05, Sep 17, 2006
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