interstate is the way to go in my opion, that's what i use, but not cheap. i also use a battery tender, have a plug for it on my atv, snowblower, lawn & garden tractor, and the generator. just switch it around every now and then.

 

I just replaced my gel/agm battery after 6 years. They are the only way to go. No acid, no checking. if you try and charge them with the wrong charger they will toast. They also give up without warning.
Eveyone else is correct on conventional batteries if they are weak, they will freeze. I see you are from the cold midwest where i came from and that was always an issue.