I've heard the plug in the back can't handle serious power like the most it can take are laptops and phone chargers. Idk thou I've never tried it with anything but my phone charger

 

wouldn't push a 32" led tv.

 

Should be able to run radio, have screen off, for 90 minutes. Poor design.

 

Well hell I have one those old ones you used to use for camping. The Lil black and white 5 inch screen I was gonna use for the kids as punishment haha but doubt it'll even do that

 

Well, this is most certainly a First World problem, isn't it?
If this is the only thing we are complaining about on our trucks this morning, it is a grand and glorious day!

 

Haha some of these responses are great. Thanks everyone, I ended up just having to keep cycling the truck on and off. Luckily by the last movie most everyone else had left around us so the noise wasn't bothering anyone. This particular drive in only has speakers by the concession stand, and they make trucks park in the back or on the extreme left or right, so we couldn't hear it. It was a good time and cheap, $16 for 2 people and $5 pass to allow me to bring in outside food and drink. But now I know to bring a portable stereo for next time.

 

Drive ins? Drive ins? There are still drive ins out there?

 

Based on this thread, I did some googling on the Ford Battery Saver function. From what I read, it sounds like the GEM computer controls a relay that turns on all of the accessories. Based on that, it seems like it would be possible to "hotwire" the circuit to bypass the relay, or at least turn the relay on with a switch (I'd try not to do that as the relay coil draws more power than you may think.

Now, if you do this, don't come yelling if the battery actually does die and you need to jump start the truck.... I agree with others that I used to play the radio for many hours without running the engine, don't understand why we can't listen for 90 minutes with the large batteries in our trucks.

--Rick

 

The one in southern indiana has 5 screens and thurs, fri, sat you can't find a spot anywhere ... makes me wish I could see them back in the day!

 

People: have you considered the raw computing power that is on when the key is left in ACC, against the reserve required to potentially turn over a a cold, high compression engine?

Auto OEMs all face the cost of having an ACC switch 1 and 2 and the design issues of getting the computer to not set codes when it cannot "see all things," or throwing in a battery so big that it effects price point and potentially CAFE ratings.