Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 667
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
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"Priority Start" device prevents dead battery
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.
The device is a "Low-Voltage Automatic Battery Disconnect Switch."
https://www.prioritystart.com/
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.
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6451
Registered: 9-19-2009
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Acme parasitic draw remover........why not?
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6027
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Mood: Retireded
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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]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 667
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
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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 
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  | 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.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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Hmmmm, this might solve the problem I have with my dog falling asleep on the truck floor, leaning against the brake pedal.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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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]
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4x4abc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4289
Registered: 4-24-2009
Location: La Paz, BCS
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Mood: happy - always
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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
Harald Pietschmann
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64848
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Thank you Maderita... great contributions to Nomad!
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John Harper
Super Nomad
Posts: 2289
Registered: 3-9-2017
Location: SoCal
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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]
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John Harper
Super Nomad
Posts: 2289
Registered: 3-9-2017
Location: SoCal
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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.
John
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basautter
Senior Nomad
Posts: 862
Registered: 7-1-2013
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Interesting device, and worth considering! Would work well for boats too. Thanks for the heads up.
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PaulW
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3074
Registered: 5-21-2013
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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.
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