How long between drives can it sit
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,961
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How long between drives can it sit
My F-450 was never meant to be a Daily Driver, at the time of purchase I was still work at home. 2 months later and the company went back to 3 days on site. April 15 that changes to the normal 5 days a week. Diesel and tires are too costly to DD, so found and bought a 2014 Flex. 20MPG vs 14 MPG and at least 30-40 cents less per gallon adds up quickly driving 640 miles a week.
So without a battery minder on it, how long should I let it sit between trips? 1 day a week, 1 day every 2 weeks? Each trip is 60 miles one way.
So without a battery minder on it, how long should I let it sit between trips? 1 day a week, 1 day every 2 weeks? Each trip is 60 miles one way.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 161
Likes: 81
From: So Cal...for now
Not an exact comparison, but my 2016 RAM will kill the batteries right around the 2.5 to 3 week mark. I start it at least every two weeks and let it run. I am daily driving my F450 right now, so I have yet to test the waters with it.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 26
Likes: 8
I mounted a NOCO Genius battery tender under the hood of my '20 F 250 and routed a cord down near the block heater plug. Leave it pugged in all the time when the truck is not in daily use. Less than $40 on Amazon.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,277
Likes: 949
I'd like to do something similar so I don't have to pop the hood. Did you get the 2 amp? They're $50 now.
Last edited by 85e150; Mar 26, 2024 at 02:45 PM. Reason: cleanup
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 26
Likes: 8
Yes I have the 2 amp. Model 2D w/eyelets, not alligator clips. $39.95 on Amazon...just checked.
Last edited by 85e150; Mar 26, 2024 at 02:46 PM. Reason: cleanup
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2020
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2012
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I drive my 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins once every couple of weeks to stretch its legs. I don't drive it in the winter as I'm trying to preserve it for as long as possible. My winter truck is my 2003 F150.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,426
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From: Wisconsin
The Peterbilt dealership and the Ford dealer by me has a lot of new/used trucks for sale, they sit for months without issue. But like "Just Chillin" said I would be more concerned with critters.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,277
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 385
Likes: 116
From: Full time RVer
Lead acid batteries at 50 percent charge are at 12.2 volts. They should not fall below that. My old truck use to sit for a few months sometimes, only pulls the tin can (camper). I used a cigarette charge adapter that displayed voltage. Plugged a small 5 amp charger in until it was floating.