What things should I do when I know I am going to put the HS in storage for a few months? should I do an outdoor or indoor area? appreciate any advice or recommendations

I was Toyota today for servicing and they said it should ok to store as is

I also noticed the charge periodically goes down into the charge range, does it mean the charge in the battery is going bad? A new battery is required? how much is a new battery?

 

If storing outside get a Solar Powered Battery Tender to maintain your 12 volt electrical system and battery. You will have to run the cables from the 12 volt battery in the trunk to the solar panel which you can place on the deck behind the rear seats. I have used one of these several times when storing cars for friends who went away for months. Cost is under $40

If storing inside with electrical power get a battery tender which will maintain your battery in a similar manner. Also around $40.

There is no need to get a new 12 volt battery if yours is still okay as they cost $300 and are a dealer only item.

The charge range you see on the gauge is normal when driving and just indicates how the computer is controlling the discharge and charge loads and rates on the big hybrid battery. It is fine, they last almost forever. If one of your batteries was going bad the dealer would have told you as they never miss an opportunity to sell you something!

Also put some Gas Stabilizer in the gas tank and drive it a few miles to distribute it through the fuel system. Any auto parts store has it, brand name Stabile is the most popular.

 

Thanks for the tips! Stored for 5 months and worked out well!