Quick question about sleeping in lx

[Chickenmagnet]

I stopped at a rest stop and took a nap last week. When I awoke the truck battery was dead. Jump started fine and I got battery/alt test and they were fine.

Going camping today and want to take the 570 to sleep in but are there accessory lights or tips to shut off electronics while sleeping in the back with keys in my pocket? Also can I get out of the back tailgate without raising alarms? Any info would be great, I’d like it not to die in the middle of nowhere though I will have another truck there to jump start if necessary.

Also the truck has the original Panasonic battery and it is about 7 years old. Napa said it was still good but I’m still a little cautious. Thanks.

 

[bloc]

A 7 year old battery that was run down enough to not start the car would make me nervous, personally.

Beyond that, maybe try a faraday bag for your key when sleeping inside it? The bag should prevent any communication between the key and car. But, I’m not sure if it will prevent them TRYING to communicate, which can be just as bad.

As to the hatch cruiser outfitters was selling a kit that added a button and pull handle to the inside of the rear hatch.

 

[mcgaskins]

Replace the battery in the truck. It’s time.

 

[T4Runner]

The factory Panasonic batteries are awesome but 7-8 years is about what you can expect from them...

 

[Chickenmagnet]

Thanks for the replies, I’ll get the battery changed before I go out.

 

[Mogwai]

You can swap inside bulbs for LEDs, @cruiseroutfit sells a kit to add an escape route (button) from inside hatch.

Would sleeping in LX be different than LC? I sleep in mine all the time, and with the back hatch open and don't think it draws any current.

Could also just have been a coincidence and your battery was going to do the same even if at Walmart.

 

[TonyP]

I don't know why sleeping in the rig would kill your battery, something electrical was left on.

Coincidentally, the OEM battery is on a documented 84 month replacement cycle... that's 7 years. Time for a new battery. My Northstar has been good. I accidentally ran it down flat a few times. Took a charge right back up and keeps going. Or just replace with OEM. Just don't shove an AutoZone special in there, they're rubbish.

Also, snag one of these. Small and powerful. I've jumped everything from an '84 633CSi to a diesel Bobcat snowplow. I've jumped my BMW five times (I keep forgetting to turn my lights off) and the battery pack is still at 94%.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D42U0VO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TeCKis300]

Agreed. Time to let that battery go. It won't have the reserves at this point, with age and a full discharge under its belt.

The LX doesn't need the escape hatch button mod. If you have your keyfob on your person, holding the "trunk" button will automatically open the hatch from the inside.

I've had my car die on me camping too with an old batt, and kids constantly going in and out of the car. A LED interior light upgrade will do wonders to extending battery life as they pull an order of magnitude less power to run. Highly recommended.

 

[Chickenmagnet]

Did you install the led lights yourselves, is it just a bulb or a rewire? I will def check that out and the charger. I plan on a lot of car camping for work when I am in Cody and Jackson Wy this summer so any tips will help. Anyone use the weather tech window deflectors ? I want to get opinions before I install them. I don’t like the look but you can crack the windows without notice too.

I’ll probably just get the Orielly 3 yr warranty 100% replacement battery, I’ve had good experiences in the past and their return policy is great if it does die.

 

[blatant]

The led's are just bulbs or led panels, depending on your style. I believe @pfran42 sells a plug and play kit PFran LEDs - Complete interior LED conversions

Also, with the LC/LX, if you leave the doors / hatch open, the system automatically shuts off after a given amount of time and no lighting will work until you close up everything and "reset" the system.

 

[Dan Higgins]

I've slept in the back of my LC a handful of times and can echo what everyone else says. I keep a couple of small LED backpacking lanterns in the truck for when I do need light at night. I also don't use the truck to charge any devices though I don't believe this is an issue as the electrical is shut down after a few minutes as @blatant pointed out. I do keep the keys in the truck with me but not in my pocket. I've even been known to use the remote start from inside the vehicle to warm it up in the morning.

 

[KLF]

I’ll probably just get the Orielly 3 yr warranty 100% replacement battery, I’ve had good experiences in the past and their return policy is great if it does die.

Batteries, tools, and shoes are some of the many things I've learned long ago not to go cheap on. You spent $$$ on one of the best SUVs on the planet, now you're gonna put a cheapo no-name battery in it? That doesn't make sense to me.

 

[TonyP]

A battery warranty doesn't do you any good when you're stranded.
Your choice though.

 

[Chickenmagnet]

I hear you, but I wanted to change it out before I went camping and I have had good experiences with the top Oreily battery in past performance cars. I haven't had any real recent issues with the JCI or East Penn Batteries unless the car has had electrical gremlins.

I won't be off roading this unit much until i have over 150K on it so I will look at a better set up in a few years. I did enjoy taking it on muddy logging road on Saturday, and it was a comfortable sleeper - nice to have insulation compared to sleeping in my JKU. Thanks for the advice!