Gordon,
If the information you have posted is all the info you possess, it is not enough to blame anyone for the 2 year life cycle. Here
are two facts.

1) All lead acid batteries degenerate over time and that degeneration is amazingly linear. The slope of this linear line is a
function of usage. The accepted industry typical usage length is 5 years if the discharge doesn't drop below 70%. (That's charge,
like in coulombs, not voltage)

2) Battery design choice and sizing is very important and should be tailored to the intended service expected.

I suspect you have either underestimated your house load, underrated your storage requirement or violated one or more of the rules
above. Keep in mind that the rating a manufacturer states is based on the best conditions possible, which you have no chance of
duplicating. You should derate the amp/hr rating by at least 25% to compensate. You should re-analyze your real requirements to
make certain the failure isn't your own.
Steve


"Gordon" wrote in message m...
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.