Don,
As usual, I'm late to the party, but wanted to put a couple of ideas in front of you about your battery.
I had a similar experience to you a few years ago. Coming home from a night event, and the lights got dimmer and dimmer. Got off the highway, and the truck gave out turning up the hill - blocking traffic! Ran out of juice, because the charging system wasn't charging.
So . . . do you know for sure that it was just the battery, and not a failed charging system? If your truck has a voltmeter, it should read 13-14 volts when you're running. Remember that you have to put in higher voltage than the system to "fill" the battery back up. If the truck has an ammeter, it should read in the positive, especially right after cranking to start, then settle towards "even".
You can also use a volt-meter at the battery terminals to determine if the generator is charging the battery. Check the battery voltage before starting the truck (should be 12.6-13.2). Then, test it again with the truck running. Should be over 14, though over 13 will get you by probably.
It would be frustrating to find out with your new battery, that the charging system isn't working, and you get stranded again!
Good on ya' for trying - your efforts will be rewarded in some way. Cosmic Karma demands it. Call me if you want to chat.
-Michael
