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Any issues with battery disconnectors??

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by ToyotaJim, Dec 27, 2020.

  1. Dec 27, 2020 at 10:53 PM
    #1
    ToyotaJim

    ToyotaJim [OP] New Member

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    I have 2 Tundras, and many other vehicles. I've been experiencing dead batteries due to inability to keep them all driving in the rotation. I know it's a good idea to start and idle them regularly. But in the mean time, for battery preservation (I'm tired of jumping them) and as an added anti-theft item, how about battery disconnectors?

    Anyone use them, any advice or warnings? I don't care if it erases radio or clock settings.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Dec 28, 2020 at 4:22 AM
    #2
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I keep a 10mm box wrench handy as my disconnector when traveling into unknown territory. Takes about 20 seconds.

    As far as idling to recharge, I believe the Alternator doesn’t recharge until the engine gets over certain RPM’s. Driving is probably best. Or, just disconnect and bring the battery inside where its warmer and put a charger on it. $$$
     
    FrenchToasty, Black Wolf and Tundra2 like this.
  3. Dec 28, 2020 at 5:10 AM
    #3
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Battery disconnects were popular with classic car owners for awhile, but one brand of disconnect was prone to engine compartment fires. I believe it was the knob type rather than the blade. The blade type also leaves a lot of exposed bare conductor that is easily bridged to the positive terminal.

    I probably drive my 2017 Tundra on average every 2-3 weeks. I installed a charging cord to the battery terminals, and keep the cord plugged into a CTEK smart charger when the truck is parked in the garage. The AGM battery is checked for condition every time I plug it in (charger has a maintenance cycle), and the charge is maintained where an AGM battery prefers to be. The truck cranks like it has a new battery every time.
     
    Haggis777, Tundra2 and FrenchToasty like this.
  4. Dec 28, 2020 at 5:25 AM
    #4
    w666

    w666 D. None of the above

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  5. Dec 28, 2020 at 5:44 AM
    #5
    Gunship Guy

    Gunship Guy New Member

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    Maybe take a look at Pulse Tech. We used their solar chargers on our Utility District vehicles that spend their whole life at job sites. It greatly reduced service calls for jump starts. They also claim to extend battery life through a trickle charge and use a pulse that de-sulfates.
     
  6. Dec 28, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #6
    Siebler

    Siebler Taco Tow Vehicle

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    I run a big Blue Seas switch on my Tacoma to isolate either battery or disconnect fully. Works on boats, works in the truck.

    I too however go with the trickle charger route to keep my batteries in good shape and all. The switch is used far moreso to isolate the batteries than to keep them from discharging from sitting.
     
  7. Dec 28, 2020 at 11:36 AM
    #7
    Kimosabe

    Kimosabe Slacker

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    Sun Valley, Idaho
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    My truck came with one installed. The PO is a firefighter and installed the same on my truck as they use on their trucks. I haven't ever used it to really evaluate, but doesn't seem to cause any issues that I can tell.
     

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