PSA on battery life

Just putting this out there, I have a 2016 3.5v6 trd off Rd and have had it since new, 53k miles. This morning it started with a little hesitation for the first time ever (I am in new england and the temps are starting to drop a bit, so figured that might be part of it). Went to work, got in my truck after work and that was it - dead battery, wouldn't turn over the starter. Not a hard fix, was able to get a jump and hit the auto part store on the way home but just wanted to put it out there that anyone who's got a battery that's 5 years old, don't expect a lot of time to address a slowly dying battery.

I'm sure everyone's situation is different, but could save someone a jump and a bit of an inconvenience.

 

Sorry you have had to deal with this issue, but most of us already know the stock battery is a Pos and lasts maybe 2 to 3 years.. 5 if you are lucky.

 

I carry one of those portable jumper packs. They are the future...

 

One of the very few valid reasons I drive a 6mt, I can self jump situation permitting. Other than that they are cool and I like them.

 

Portable jump packs FTW. After using mine on a company truck they are now standard equipment at the office.

Jump pack, tire inflator, and first aid kit should be in every vehicle.

 

I actually do have a mt but was on a really flat level in a parking garage and by myself, but the thought of trying to get it rolling to bump start it did cross my mind!

 

Mine lasted 2 month short of 3 years so toyota bought my AGM replacement for me because i wasn't able to get to a dealership..

you got 5 so that's good, most get 2 1/2 to 4

 

Just got me thinking, and those portable battery packs have come a long way since I last looked at them. Probably will pick one of these up, just to have:

$150 HULKMAN Alpha85 Smart JumpStarter 2000 Amp 20000mAh Car Starter for up to 8.5L Gas and 6L Diesel Engines with Boost Function for Totally Dead Battery 12V Lithium Portable Car Battery Booster Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08M41FX48?smid=A1HTANIN6TP0K2

Thanks for the suggestion

 

I'm right on 3 years with my original battery and I'll have it until it craps out. I've always, from day 1, carried a NOCO battery pack and have one in the trunk cubby hole of my wife's C-HR. They are really good investments.

 

It's not if you'll need it,,, it's will you have it when you need it? Mine goes everywhere with me. Another bonus; it's much easier and quicker to help others.

I used mine to help my buddy up at the gas station last year, he went home bought himself one and a couple for Christmas gifts. One of the couples he gave it to had a WTF? Look on their face when they opened it. A few months later they called thanking him, and how he/it saved their ass on a road trip.

 

Glad you were able to make it to the parts store. I've been stuck in the middle of nowhere before. Never leave home without a jump pack now

 

Kind of tough to self-jump if you are parked such that you have an incline to navigate, or have to backup, in a city or high traffic area, etc… I’d love to a fly on the wall.

 

Got me thinking also. I'm only 18 months into my battery. My Gen 2 lasted 4 years almost to the day. I believe I'll order me one this week.
Any suggestions on brand, model or amps?

 

Yea I dont trust the battery tacoma's come with. Same boat, bought my truck new in 2017 now at 52,000 mi. I noticed it was also slow to start but thought it was the cold weather here in NC. Last year I went to take my sick newborn to the doctor and when we were done the battery didnt have enough juice to start the truck. Some guy in a tacoma pulled up and gave me a jump and said these batteries are junk. Bought a new battery and jumperpack. Lesson learned.

 

Your battery lasted a long time. At least for an OEM battery

 

My stock battery is still going strong after almost 6 years and 120k+, I'm gonna let it ride and be reactive instead of proactive. Cause screw future me, that guys a jerk.

 

I admit it's not ideal and I have a jump pack in my wife's car. In terms of push starting in the city you would be kinda amazed at the kindness I have run into when I have had to do it...in the center of Los Angeles no less.

 

So many of these things are popping up, brand doesnt seem to be a major issue. Just thoroughly read the reviews. NOCO is the favorite brand and it is what I have, but I also bought some no-name brands for work and they are equally as effective.


2000 amps at a bare minimum (to jump the Tacoma). But also remember that half the time you are jumping someone else, so you might want a 3000 amp unit.

That's my favorite part - helping a stranger at the grocery store no longer means getting out the cables and having to patiently deal with their dumb ass repeatedly insisting on "helping." Now there is no longer a chance of them getting their grubby fingers on the leads and crossing the poles.

 

I carry the jump packs when I'm going anywhere that's not close to home. By close to home I mean:

- MTB trails 10 minutes away
- Dog park 12 minutes away
- Kayak pond 8 minutes away
- Work 10 minutes away

Long of the short - living in the city sucks. Anyway, any longer trip I go on (to Texas, or California, etc) I bring it with me.

I'm looking at a dual battery setup but that's for my needs, not for the average Joe who MIGHT need a jump every so often. But I do have one of the portable ones at home. It's old, I should check that it still works before I go to Michigan next month.

Nice! I'm on roughly 2 years from factory build (bought in Dec 2019, a 2020 so it was new wasn't sitting around a while). I figure if it doesn't die by the end of next summer I will replace it and sell it OR I end up spending like a grand on a dual battery setup so I can have a heated blanket to sleep at night

 

Just replaced my original battery from 2016, lasted 5yr 4 months, it was still working when I changed it but going downhill. Rather than getting stuck someplace, got out in front of it.