Tahoe 09' How long can the battery hold charge without running

[gav70]

I went on vacation for about 3 weeks and returned to find the battery of my 09' Tahoe dead. Called On-Star to have it jumped and it ran fine all day and was dead again next morning. Took it to the dealership and they said it needs a new battery. Will pick it up soon with a new battery.

The guy who came from On-Star said that I should turn on the car and run it for 15-20 mins every 3-4 days even if I go on vacation. Is that really true??

My question with the experts here is how long do you think can a battery hold charge if the car is standing in the garage and not running? Is 2-3 weeks acceptable or do i really have to have someone start it and leave it running for some time every 3-4 days?

Thanks in advance.

Best
G

 

[shundal]

Do you have any aftermarket electronics that run when the car is off? I have an aftermarket alarm that runs while the car is off. With the factory battery I could get 7-8 days before the battery would die. With an upgraded battery I can get about 2 weeks with the alarm activated. To play it safe, when my tahoe is going to sit for a week or more I use a battery maintainer to make sure it stays charged up.

My parents stock escalade would lasted about 2 weeks on the stock battery.

 

[gav70]

I dont have any aftermarket electronics. Everything is stock on the vehicle. It could have just been an old battery. Battery maintainer is a good idea. Should have thought of that. Ill probably get one and use it if i plan on going out for more than 2 weeks.

Found the forum post below that had some good suggestions but not sure if they work on a Tahoe. Do you know which one do you use?

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...hat-is-currently-the-best-battery-tender.html

 

[shundal]

Ive been using this for a few years and its worked great. It will maintain and bring any battery up to a full charge. It however will not charge a battery that is dead. It's compact, has built in protection and is waterproof.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000CITKCE?pc_redir=1410616351&robot_redir=1

For its price it it provides great value. I know they have solar powered battery tenders now but have no experience with one.

 

[livingez_123]

Battery Tenders work great.

 

[gav70]

I asked the guy at the dealership yesterday when i went to pick up the Tahoe with the new battery installed. He said that i should not use battery tenders since we are in Arizona and they cook the batteries dry. He suggested that i remove the negative wire from the battery if i plan to be away for more than a month.

I'm guessing he is old school and doesn't know that the new ones come with technology to not cook or overcharge the battery.

 

[okfoz]

If you have the old school battery, check it before going and fill it with some water to keep it from cooking.
If you have a maintenance free... well I am not sure where the water would go, seems that being in a sealed system that it would not escape...

Most batteries have a warranty...

Honestly it sounded to me that the battery was simply lived it's life...

Here is one for you, They could make a battery that would outlive the vehicle, they chose not to.