I've been using the Priority Start device for several years in two 4x4 vehicles.
They work as advertised and are cost-effective. It just occurred to me to post about it here, to save others from becoming stranded with a dead
battery and a long walk for help.
Very simple to install. Price is a little over $100. Well worth it. Maybe save a few dollars on eBay "Buy It Now" w/ free shipping.
(And, no, I don't own stock in the company
One installation minor suggestion: The giant "rubber band" (actually ethylene propylene terpolymer) may not be entirely adequate to hold the device
firmly to the battery over several years. (At least, the way I drive off road). I linked a couple zip ties (aka plastic wire ties) and wrapped the
circumference of the battery with the device. X2 for added security. willardguy - 9-15-2018 at 04:23 PM
Acme parasitic draw remover........why not?AKgringo - 9-15-2018 at 05:16 PM
I need one of those! Better make that three, I leave the lights on in several vehicles more often that I care to admit.
The mandatory headlight zones have got me a few too many times when it is bright daylight!
[Edited on 9-16-2018 by AKgringo]Maderita - 9-15-2018 at 05:28 PM
I have a parasitic draw in my 4x4 van which I haven't been able to trace. The other "parasitic" draws are friends who leave my stereo or cabin lights
on all night. Fortunately, the Priority Start is smarter than they are TMW - 9-15-2018 at 05:45 PM
I need one of those! Better make that three, I leave the lights on in several vehicles more often that I care to admit.
The mandatory headlight zones have got me a few too many times when it is bright daylight!
[Edited on 9-16-2018 by AKgringo]
You must drive a pretty old vehicle to not have an automatic headlight shutoff system. My 2004 Tacoma and my 2004 GMC have it. My 98 Acura does not.
On my GMC I just leave it in the auto mode. The Tacoma headlights are wired thru the drivers door. When the key is off and the headlights are on they
go out when the door is opened. SFandH - 9-15-2018 at 05:58 PM
Hmmmm, this might solve the problem I have with my dog falling asleep on the truck floor, leaning against the brake pedal.woody with a view - 9-15-2018 at 06:00 PM
My 03 Tundra shuts off the lights when the drivers door opens and ignition is off. 2015 Prius C just beeps at you as you walk away. WTF will a friend
or valet do? Walk away? 🤣
[Edited on 9-16-2018 by woody with a view]4x4abc - 9-15-2018 at 07:26 PM
since it is nothing more than software, every new car could have it. Mercedes had it for about 15 years in every car.
If voltage drops below a set point, the battery is disconnected David K - 9-16-2018 at 08:43 AM
Thank you Maderita... great contributions to Nomad!John Harper - 9-16-2018 at 11:48 AM
Another great reason to carry a charger/starter device onboard. I learned my lesson. Part of my (self) rescue gear from now on.
Another bonus: you can start other people's cars, those that don't buy the battery saving device!
John
[Edited on 9-17-2018 by John Harper]John Harper - 9-16-2018 at 06:15 PM
If voltage drops below a set point, the battery is disconnected
When I inadvertently ran my battery down once this summer, everything went off at once, and I thought there was some kind of "low voltage" cutoff
system, since the radio didn't gradually fade out. Just cut out suddenly.
When I tried the ignition, not enough power to start. Neighboring campsite had a portable charger/starter. I was sold on them after that. That's on
my 2000 Ranger, so I'm sure things have changed a lot software/electronics wise since then.
Johnbasautter - 9-17-2018 at 04:39 AM
Interesting device, and worth considering! Would work well for boats too. Thanks for the heads up. PaulW - 9-17-2018 at 08:19 AM
My 2018 Ford pickup goes into sleep mode which results in removal of most parasitic loads. It does this when parked for a day or so.
Nice to have a modern truck.
