开云体育

Jim,

Battery Tenders are way way over priced and over rated. There are several other Battery Chargers that also have a Maintain mode and/or just Maintainers that are a lot less expensive. I bought a 4 amp charger and maintainer from Harbor Freight that also has a automatic Desulfate mode IF the battery voltage has dropped below a specific voltage before the charger has been connected.

That said, buy the Largest battery you can that will fit the location it is going in. This includes BOTH physical size AND more importantly Highest Specs (Highest Cranking Amps, Highest Cold Cranking Amps & Highest Reserve Capacity). These higher specs will help crank the engine over faster and longer, plus should help the battery to last longer as it isn't being as stressed as hard when performing these tasks (as in it isn't at or even close to it's rated limits). Also the higher reserve capacity will help in cases where you accidentally left say the lights on for a little too long and still be able to crank the engine over and possibly start the car (thus not leaving you stranded and waiting for a jump).

Also make sure ALL battery/grounds/alternator connections are clean (NO corrosion, oxidation and/or rust on the contact surfaces) and have good contact. Make sure ALL battery cables are in good condition and are NOT undersized.

NOTE: There can be 2 different terminal orientations for a specific size and/or Group battery, + - or - +.

Additionally I have found that more and more batteries are coming with less and less warranty & the life expectancy/quality doesn't seem to be as good as it has been in the past.

See the attached Motorcraft Battery spec PDF.

And what ever battery you choose to buy make SURE you KEEP the Receipt safe at home AND keep a copy of it in the car you put the battery in. This WILL help you in case of a Warranty Claim.

NOTE: Ford Motorcraft does/did have a 48-month FREE replacement warranty battery in their "NEW Super Duty Truck and SUV" battery line. You MIGHT want to check into this, PROVIDED they have one of them in a physical size you can use/fit in your car.

David from WNY