Disappointed in Trojan Batteries
 

Less than two years ago I had six Ranger batteries in stall in my Club Car at the cost of about $1,200.
I was told at the time that I would be able to go 50-60 miles on a charge and that under normal use the batteries would last four to five years.
The batteries came with an 18 month warranty.
About four months ago I noticed that I was not getting the mileage I should so I checked the specific gravity of the batteries. I found that one battery had one dead cell. I called Battery Boys who installed the batteries and they told me that the warranty had expired a month before.
I was not happy, but I figured these things happen. I had them install a new battery for $200. When the tech installed them he suggested that if I have any more problems I get in touch with Trojan. He gave me the impression that this was not uncommon and to expect more trouble.
I contacted Trojan about the one battery not asking for anything and got a run around. They told me that along with properly watering the batteries, which I do religiously, I should also check the specific gravity once a month.
I'm not sure how this is going to prevent anything, but the next month I checked and found two dead cells one in each of two batteries.
I've been e-mailing back and forth with Trojan and all they'll say is they can't do anything because they are past warranty. What I asked for was a partial credit on the new batteries that I'm going to have to buy.The company suggested that I contact their Master Distributor to see if they can do anything.
I realize the warranty has expired, but it seems to be pretty unreasonable that three batteries all die within one or two months of the warranty expiring. It also seems strange to me that when I contact the company they suggest that I contact a distributor.
Anyroad, I'm just venting here, but I would suggest that anyone who is considering Ranger batteries, or any Trojan product for that matter consider this and think carefully about it.
Like I said, I got the impression for the tech that installed the battery that this is a fairly common occurrence with Ranger batteries.

Dr., I agree that this appears to be premature failure, while I do not have an electric cart, my automotive batteries which are subjected to much higher heat ( but lower cycling) typically last 4-5 years.

Did you use distilled water to fill the batteries? Did you always keep the batteries charged? Did you notice a difference in the amount of water used between batteries or cell within batteries? Does the cart sit for extended periods with out being used? Do you use a trickle or battery minder type of charger if no using the cart for an extend period? Did you see any corrosion on the batteries?

These are the type of questions that the manufacturer and dealer are thinking about, and probably why they are reluctant to replace/credit batteries, too many things can go wrong by the end user.

I have seen reports that some of the new (2017) gas carts are very quite and fume free, and that is what I will be looking at when we get ready to replace our cart.

I know this does not help, but I am sorry for your problems.

Don't overlook the possibility that the problem could be your cart, your charger, or even your charging habits.

OMG...change the title Doc. I thought someone got pregnant!!!

:1rotfl:

Batteries
 

What is "specific gravity" and how do I check it?

VT, you should go test drive the 2017 Yamaha. They're extremely quiet and smooth riding. If our 2014 ever gives out, that'll be our replacement.

I agree
 

I agree with Gracie. I was startled at first

I thought the exact same thing!

It had me wondering there for a moment as well.

when I was a young man , I went to the drug store to buy some Trojans ,the man said to me that will be $3.95 plus tax. I said plus tax , dont they stay on by themselves.......................................I was very young

So perhaps it is worthwhile contacting the vendor a month before the warranty is over and asking them to come out and check the batteries.

:gc: Gas

OP, when I purchased my 2006 club cart new it came with trojan batteries. they went kaput in 1.5 years and neither club cart nor the dealer would honor the warranty. I then had a repair guy fit my cart for 6 trojan batteries they also went kaput in about two years. the repairman then replace them with powertrons that held up for 5 years
i then purchased a gas cart.

Trojan has been having problems for quite some time

:thumbup: I AGREE! :boom: I think the others take BEAN-O.... they don't want "gas" :oops::yuck:

Me too!:D:D