Some Suggestions about a Battery Tender?, I'd love to hear from everyone! Options

[snowbunny]

Ok, so I have a wacky schedule with my job and it takes me all over the US for seminars and stuff, which unfortunately leaves my poor car at home, not being started for 2 weeks, sometimes 3 weeks on end!
This is my problem, My car wont start after sitting for 2 weeks,
I know my first suggestions should be to check the battery, check the alternator.
But I am pretty sure those things are still kickin',

Should I install some sort of Battery Tender, or Battery trickler?
Or any other suggestions?
*I have asked my roommate to start it, but recently we were both gone for 2 weeks, and it wouldnt start then, since it sat there the 2 weeks we were gone, AND its kinda weird asking him to start my car every couple of days while I'm gone*

So please send some suggestions my way!!

[Celiracer18]

you could get one. or you could just unhook the battery before you go.(yeah you'll lose your radio presets but look at it this way, you dont need to jumpstart your car)

[snowbunny]

you could get one. or you could just unhook the battery before you go.(yeah you'll lose your radio presets but look at it this way, you dont need to jumpstart your car)

I went and put a new battery in it today, Lets see if that fixes the problem, if not, I will deff take you up on your suggestion, THX!

[laff09]

you could get one. or you could just unhook the battery before you go.(yeah you'll lose your radio presets but look at it this way, you dont need to jumpstart your car)

I went and put a new battery in it today, Lets see if that fixes the problem, if not, I will deff take you up on your suggestion, THX!

When you take it out to store it, do so on a plastic or wood shelf, not the cement floor of your garage. otherwise it will still drain.

[jc47]

You should get a trickle charger. The current is low (low enough so the battery can't be overcharged) so you can get ones that plug into the cigarette lighter. It is a very simple device, you can probably find one for under $10. I've even seen ones that run off of solar cells. A new battery will help, but it is probably still going to run down eventually if you are leaving the car unused for 2-3 weeks. Taking the battery out each time sounds a little ridiculous to me. In addition to the hassle of removing it, you will lose your clock and radio presets each time.

[bindertch]

Also running a battery low or dead will ruin it. Best to get a tender and even more convenient if is left outside to use a solar one (Radioshack sells one).