Battery going dead. PLEASE HELP!!

lfloyd87 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 05:59 PM

Hi everyone. I'm not a trucker. However, I recently purchased a 12-volt plug in cooler (small coleman from walmart) for my car so I can take a lunch with me to work. I figured you guys on this forum could answer my question.

My battery on my car seems to be pretty crappy. I drive a 2003 VW Jetta and this cooler will kill the battery after 1 hour running with the car off. What can I do to overcome this problem? Get a better battery? How about other methods? I don't know much about cars and stuff. If I could get it to run for 4-5 hours, I'd be happy.
I did a search but couldn't find much.
Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Lucas

ava · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 06:31 PM

I thought they were only meant to run cold with the vehicle running, but I could be
wrong, I've never had one.

kantgetryte · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 06:40 PM

how old is the battery?

derilect · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 07:48 PM

optima yellow top battery ought to do it. I still wouldn't leave cooler plugged in 24/7. Should be ok for hours at a time though.

pro1driver · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lfloyd87

Hi everyone. I'm not a trucker. However, I recently purchased a 12-volt plug in cooler (small coleman from walmart) for my car so I can take a lunch with me to work. I figured you guys on this forum could answer my question.

My battery on my car seems to be pretty crappy. I drive a 2003 VW Jetta and this cooler will kill the battery after 1 hour running with the car off. What can I do to overcome this problem? Get a better battery? How about other methods? I don't know much about cars and stuff. If I could get it to run for 4-5 hours, I'd be happy.
I did a search but couldn't find much.
Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Lucas

here's what I DO for my lunch time..........

i have a SEARS "jump start" battery, that i keep in my pick-up truck, in case my battery goes dead, then i can just jump it myself, and be on my way. of course, i can also jump start anyone else that needs it.

this one i have, has a power outlet. i simply plug-in my small Igloo cooler, and run it off that jump start battery. then, when THAT battery goes to a near dead charge, i simply take it into the house, plug it in, and in a fe hours, a fully charged battery again........

these can also be used for camping....

this is what i have:

DieHard Portable Power 950 with 12 Volt Outlets and Light

BUT of course, you can buy these at pep-boys, and almost any other automotive store.

and for your own peace of mind, get your car's charging system checked, and maybe buy a new battery now, beofre the current one goes dead, but if it does, you could jump start yourself........!!!

derilect · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 08:25 PM

I like pro1's idea. It still wouldn't hurt to check out the yellow top in addition though. I can run my car stereo for hours and hours. Plus if you do run them down, they are not damaged. Its hard to get a dead cell, unless its just vey old. I'm on five years with my yellow top.