Using Vehicle to Charge Devices While Off Grid

sport2004

sport2004

Member
Re: 2004 Sport

Of course, with the vehicle ignition off, the lighter socket is not hot. Is there any downside to turning the ignition to the first position, i.e. cluster/dash lights still off, and leaving it there for an hour or so to charge a phone? Is there anything else draining the battery when the ignition is at this position?

Thanks for any insight on this...

(Sorry for the borderline dumb question.)
 
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for that short of time charging a phone it should not be an issue at all... providing the battery is in good shape. the ACC position lets you listen to the radio etc without starting the engine.

not too familiar with 2004's but does it have an AC jack in the console or a cig lighter port in the rear cargo area that can be used? my 08 has a standard AC plug in the console box & a cig lighter in the rear cargo area.
 
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firebirdguy said:
not too familial with 2004's but does it have an AC jack in the console or a cig lighter port in the rear cargo area that can be used? my 08 has a standard AC plug in the console box & a cig lighter in the rear cargo area.
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Thanks...it has a cig lighter plug in the console and also in the cargo area. No problems with the battery currently, but it is old.

It does make me wonder about the one in the cargo area. Who's back there when you're on the road?
 
You will be running everything that's on ACC if you do that (Radio, amp's, power windows and the interior lights). I would be worried that the combination would kill the battery if i mistakenly left it in ACC too long with anything else on.

I ran a dedicated constant power acc for this exact purpose.
 
Ripper238 said:
You will be running everything that's on ACC if you do that (Radio, amp's, power windows and the interior lights). I would be worried that the combination would kill the battery if i mistakenly left it in ACC too long with anything else on.
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Ok, thanks...what if everything is turned off? Would these still pulling electricity?

If I'm not mistaken, I do believe the interior lights are programmed to turn off by themselves after 10-15 min.
 
sport2004 said:
Thanks...it has a cig lighter plug in the console and also in the cargo area. No problems with the battery currently, but it is old.

It does make me wonder about the one in the cargo area. Who's back there when you're on the road?
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I added 2 quick charge usb's and 12 volt plug to the back and use it all the time when I camp. Since I sleep in the 4runner when I'm solo.
 
BagiMT said:
The full time 12V mod below solves the issues be provided constant 12v power to all outlets. Well worth the 10 min it takes and you can charge devices over night without running the battery low.

Toyota 4Runner Constant Full Time 12V Power Outlet Mod

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Wouldn't this cause potential battery drain issues? Also, how long could someone charge a phone or 2 off of a car battery without any concern of draining too much? I have always been super sketchy about car batteries as I've had to replace so many in my life for various reasons. It's a brand new True start Toyota battery though.

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sport2004 said:
Ok, thanks...what if everything is turned off? Would these still pulling electricity?

If I'm not mistaken, I do believe the interior lights are programmed to turn off by themselves after 10-15 min.
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If you're sure everything's off you should be fine. Most phones now have the ability to rapid charge so you probably won't be charging it more than an hour or so.
 
A small lithium ion battery pack is indispensable a very versatile for things such as this. Both my wife and I have one.

Can recharge phones, flashlights etc without the worry or hassle. And, you don’t need to bring your 4Runner! ;)


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johnnygraphic said:
A small lithium ion battery pack is indispensable a very versatile for things such as this. Both my wife and I have one.

Can recharge phones, flashlights etc without the worry or hassle. And, you don’t need to bring your 4Runner! ;)


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Click to expand...

I've been considering something like that, as well.
 
sport2004 said:
Thanks...it has a cig lighter plug in the console and also in the cargo area. No problems with the battery currently, but it is old.

It does make me wonder about the one in the cargo area. Who's back there when you're on the road?
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you were asking about the engine off... whos on the road with the engine off?? i figured you meant while camping or not "on the road."

charging a modern phone doesnt take much juice or time so in the ACC position i dont see any issue doing that. ive had the radio on for 2-3 hours at a time occasionally with no signs the battery was drained.

& with the other things off, like the radio/amps it doesnt drain the battery... especially power windows or lights, they dont take any power unless they are being used.
 
sport2004 said:
Thank you for that, had a look at it, but that's probably not something I would mess with.
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Alternatively you can get one of these Amazon.com: Cllena Quick Charge 3.0 Dual USB Port Charger Socket for Toyota: Electronics for the center console and connect it to an always on spot in the fuse block using an add-a-fuse. I have both. Having your vehicle on ACC definitely uses a lot more power than what is used to charge a phone. It's also nice to be able to charge a tablet or something overnight without leaving the key in the car when camping!

MacRendar said:
Wouldn't this cause potential battery drain issues? Also, how long could someone charge a phone or 2 off of a car battery without any concern of draining too much? I have always been super sketchy about car batteries as I've had to replace so many in my life for various reasons. It's a brand new True start Toyota battery though.
Click to expand...

It can if you spend several days in a place and charge a lot of things (family of 4 here, so I know). Charging one or two phones a couple of times won't run down your battery. If you drive every day or two there is definitely no risk of running your battery down (assuming it is in good shape).
 
BagiMT said:
Alternatively you can get one of these Amazon.com: Cllena Quick Charge 3.0 Dual USB Port Charger Socket for Toyota: Electronics for the center console and connect it to an always on spot in the fuse block using an add-a-fuse. I have both. Having your vehicle on ACC definitely uses a lot more power than what is used to charge a phone. It's also nice to be able to charge a tablet or something overnight without leaving the key in the car when camping!



It can if you spend several days in a place and charge a lot of things (family of 4 here, so I know). Charging one or two phones a couple of times won't run down your battery. If you drive every day or two there is definitely no risk of running your battery down (assuming it is in good shape).
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Thanks!
 
Hi guys- Turns out the only other electrical draw when the ignition is in the ACC position is the illumination behind the function window, i.e. time, temp, etc. Nothing major.
 
sport2004 said:
Hi guys- Turns out the only other electrical draw when the ignition is in the ACC position is the illumination behind the function window, i.e. time, temp, etc. Nothing major.
Click to expand...


I would resort to using the car battery power as a last resort. The small battery packs from Anker and the like are inexpensive and very versatile. My wife and I each have one in our EDC backpack and a car jump start battery in each car.


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