This is an email from the south bound cruising group. Take it as you will.



Be Careful!!
Here is my short story on Trojan AGM Batteries:
I purchased 6 6v 200Ah Trojan AGM batteries in August of 2008 for our
house bank. We spent one season (8 months) in Mexico before returning to
San Diego in June of 2009. Since then we have been tied to the dock
other some weekends and a few weeks during the summer of '09 and '10.
In September while away from the dock we found our bank voltage dropped
to 10.3 overnight with not much load on the bank. After charging with
the engines and solar panels, all looked fine by the end of the day. We
experienced the same results the next night.
The batteries have been fully charged and when in Mexico (08-09) were
never run down more than 30-35%.
Subsequently we have removed the batteries for a full charge and load
test, which they failed completely.
So essentially we had the batteries for 25 months before total failure.
Our cost for the batteries was $2,000.00, in Seattle.
I am told by the vendor in Seattle that they offer 1 year of full
replacement and a prorated replacement for months 13 to 16. Total 13
months - after that you are on your own. Clearly I am out of the
warranty range.
Subsequently I spoke with "Larry" a Trojan regional manager about the
issue. He essentially said that 2 years is about what I can expect from
their batteries.
So in effect, Trojan feels comfortable in having their customers pay
$1,000 per year for privilege of owning their batteries.
So I am purchasing a new house bank, and yes AGM's (a necessity since
the bank is under a bunk and is difficult to get to).
My advice is to research the batteries AND the vendor before making any
purchase. I find the warranty offered by Trojan to be grossly
insufficient. I would never ever purchase Trojan batteries again and
would not accept them if they were given to me.
So that's my story, sad but true.
Be Careful.