2ToTango

I am thankful and grateful for these replies. I got a Powertech 6/12VDC 3.8A 8 Step intelligent Lead acid and Lithium Battery Charger (https://www.jaycar.com.au/6-12vdc-4a-8-step-bluetooth-intelligent-lead-acid-and-lithium-battery-charger/p/MB3906) posted to me from Jaycar (ordered before your recommendation Tony). It was waiting for me on the doorstep when I returned from my overseas trip. Sure enough the car battery was dead flat. My booster did not have a hope. I took the 12v battery out of the boot and connected the trickle charger. It was a bit too intelligent (or maybe not intelligent enough) because it immediatly set itself to charging a 6v battery. Instructions say to select your mode. I found that the system did not respond to me pressing the mode button, although there was a moment when the recovery mode was selected it would swtich back to the 6v. I tried pressing the mode numerous times and eventualy I was able to select and hold the recovery mode. After 6 hours I was already about 50% "full". I left on all night the in the morning I had a fully charged green light. The car started as normal after reinstalling the battery. Why does the manual not tell you to use a trickle charge when storing the car? Thanks guys you saved me heaps of money for a tow truck.

thanks for the comment and confidence. I brought it on line. I am still overseas but sent my son out to take the car for a drive. He reported it was already flat, so I'll need the trickle when I get home. Cheers.

Thanks Conrod. So you use this with your RAV 4? I am asking becuase I read some threads that say trickle charge is not good for the 12v battery. BUT I know my toyota service provider did recharge last time using a trickle charge overnight. I am guessing the issue to ensuring that you do not overcharge. A possibility if it on for 2 months. But a smart trickle charge fixes this issue. I see JarCar has discontinued your recommendation - but replaced with this one - https://www.jaycar.com.au/6-12vdc-3-8a-8-step-intelligent-lead-acid-and-lithium-battery-charger/p/MB3904?utm_campaign=redirect&utm_source=MB3904r&utm_medium=web It seems to be smart (features overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, safety timer and wrong battery protection). Thanks for your help.

Hello, I gargaed my hybrid last year for 2 months to find it totally dead on my return. I tried a jump start but it did not work. RAC could not start it. In the end I had to tralier the car to the Toyota garage (at great cost). It turns out a trickle charge was sufficent to recharge the 12v battery and start the car. This year is garaged the car again for 2 months but after pulling out a fuse that a you tuber recommneded to avoid this problem. But that did not work - I still have a dead flat battery. I am confused with my interent research. Some say a tickle charge is not good for the 12v battery and some say you should put the 12v battery on trickle charge if its left standing for more than 1 month. SUrely I am not the only person with RAV4 hybrid who goes overseas every year for a couple months. What is the solution to thsi problem other having someone come in and drive it around the block every week! Any insights and guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.