2023 - Battery dies quickly while camping

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Andy B

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I have had SUVs for decades (98 Durango, 2010 Expy, now 2023 Exp SPP)

I have a use pattern that is causing problems only with the 2023.

I camp at music festvials. Car camping. So I am in and out of the truck frequently. It's where I keep the coolers and food out of the sun and safe from critters as well as store less used items that don't need to take up tent space.

This has always been fine before, but with the 2023 it seems like 2 days or so is the limit before the battery gets low and it goes i to dark mode. (and if I ignore it, it goes dead).

Is there anything I can do to extend this? Really what I would like is to turn off EVERYTHING except for the door locks. But every time I open the door all the computers and screens wake up. I assume this is the difference with the new truck.

Thanks in advance for tips and ideas.

(One note. Last year I added a small solar panel and battery tender. This works, but it's a pain to set up AND only works if it is sunny.)
 

GaryH

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If the solar panel battery tender doesn't work for you, try starting the vehicle and running it for 20 minutes every day.
 

Rob6805

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I have had SUVs for decades (98 Durango, 2010 Expy, now 2023 Exp SPP)

I have a use pattern that is causing problems only with the 2023.

I camp at music festvials. Car camping. So I am in and out of the truck frequently. It's where I keep the coolers and food out of the sun and safe from critters as well as store less used items that don't need to take up tent space.

This has always been fine before, but with the 2023 it seems like 2 days or so is the limit before the battery gets low and it goes i to dark mode. (and if I ignore it, it goes dead).

Is there anything I can do to extend this? Really what I would like is to turn off EVERYTHING except for the door locks. But every time I open the door all the computers and screens wake up. I assume this is the difference with the new truck.

Thanks in advance for tips and ideas.

(One note. Last year I added a small solar panel and battery tender. This works, but it's a pain to set up AND only works if it is sunny.)
Those older vehicles didn't have nearly the KOEO (key on, engine off) demand on the battery that your new 2023 does. And you are correct, every time you open the door the vehicle wakes up and everything turns on. Do that multiple times over the course of a few days without starting or driving the vehicle and you see the result, dead battery. Your solar battery tender is a really good idea. As someone else suggested, you need to start and run the vehicle for a good 15-20 min each day (or maybe more).

Maybe get one of these so you can monitor the battery voltage
 

BigOleFordFan

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Yep, the newer vehicles tend to draw down the batteries quicker with all the electronics, sensors & displays that power up every time you unlock or open the doors/hatch etc...

A few days after buying my wife's '17 Acadia, we discovered that it does this too, and it took a few weeks to get used to :)

But running the vehicle for 15-20 mins/day would probably help, or you may want to consider getting a larger-capacity battery too.....
 

Fizzy

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Get two new identical batteries and wire them in parrelel. Same voltage, double the capacity. Although where you'd mount the second one under the hood would be interesting.

<Note: This is only a semi-serious response>
 

gasman5045

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I'm not sure about the 23 model but I run dual battery setup under the hood and 2 more aux batteries on floor behind passenger seat. All high reserve agm battery. I use a battery isolator to keep my starting battery from going dead
 

gasman5045

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As a footnote I'm running a 4000 watt inverter off road lights and other 12 volt high demand items
 
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