Newbie battery question.. Help!!

[rickauf66]

Hi all,

I purchased a 06 Amarillo 250 about 6 months ago. I only use it during the nicer weather to tow with.

Over the past 3 months, it usually sits about 2 to 3 weeks at a time. the batteries are dead, and constantly need charge. they are the original motorcraft, truck ahs 14k miles on it.
when driven regularly, no problems, but the long sits are killing my batteries.

I know i should get a trickle charger, and will, but my question is:

1. i want to put ne w batteries in it.

do i only need the big one (drivers side??) to start with, or should i chang e both out?

2. what is the nest battery to get? I want quality, not concerned about cost.

3. what size(s) do i need? should sears have diehards for powesrtokes, etc??

i want overkill with my cca, should i get deep cycle, etc?

i know a lot of dumb questions have been posed. any answers are greatly appreciated!

thanks

rick

[bismic]

Both batteries are the same - there is no "big one".

Change them both out at the same time. A weak battery will ruin the other one.

The choices I have seen the mot often are
Optima Yellow Top
Odyssey
Interstate MTP65

All the above are good. The Interstate is the economy one of the bunch, but many/most get very good life from it. I have stuck w/ the Motorcraft and have gotten over 3 years w/ every one I have had (owned Ford Diesels since 1986).

If you are running a lot of accessories and need a lot of AMPS, the Optima's and Odyssey are the best.

[dhanna6powerstroke]

I would go with yellow top optimas and get a battery tender to keep hooked to it while sitting. It will detect low charge and turn itself on to keep the batteries fully charged.

[jerzydiver]

the problem can also be solved by placing a trickle charge on the battery while it is sitting. such as battery tender. 3 weeks with a small dsraw will kill the batteries even if they are new.

[Clay Henry]

I am lookin for some new batteries as well. I pulled up Autozone on the web and they carry Duralast for 96 bucks. 8 year warranty.
Anyone have any experience with these?
AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year

[Fechmupbud]

8 year warranty!!!! I'm sold. I like the optima's for the boat - but I don't PERSONALLY see much need for the truck. I am surprised that guys are putting on-board charging systems in their trucks. We put one on the boat last year - just never thought about the truck needing one.

Who's got a Northern Lights 25Kw install guide???

[bismic]

I don't think that is a need as much as a bit of insurance. These batteries are very expensive and if the battery tenders help keep stress off of the batteries to the point you can get an extra year - it almost pays for itself.