[mwalsh5757]

Is anyone (after the Coastal 12v outlet upgrade, of course) keeping their 12v topped up with a plug-in solar trickle charger?

 

[firepa63]

There is really no need for that unless you're leaving the vehicle in storage for a 3+ week period.

 

[jeromep]

When the vehicle is in Ready, it is always working on keeping the 12v system fully charged, so I don't see any benefit in getting any kind of battery tender unless the vehicle is stored for a long time. If you are going to use a battery tender be sure to attach it to the battery properly to avoid doing any damage to it. Do not trickel charge the 12v battery, unatended at least, that may do more damage to the battery than letting it go unused for 3 weeks.

 

[DanMan32]

Yup, that DC-DC converter does a much better (steady) job than an alternator.

 

[sub3marathonman]

Will the 12V battery still be charged by the main battery if the car is in Ready mode and immediately put in N? Or does it have to be driving or in Park to charge the 12V battery?

 

[DanMan32]

I believe it will still sustain 12V in N. The MG1/2 controls are disabled in N, so the car can't move, and engine can't start. However AC still works, which is another high voltage component.

 

[tochatihu]

assaulting the battery

The Prius low voltage system is indeed held at 13.8 v approx while in N, so the lead acid battery is float charging. The high voltage system is discharging, though.

DAS