Potential upgrade warnings

DJBlade

I thought it would be beneficial to warn our members about upgrading their carts with more powerful equipment.....i.e. high speed motors, high power controllers, ect. This is to inform them about their responsibilities as an upgraded cart owner. It isn't as simple as "plug n play".

I know it has been stated more that once about all the requirements necessary for successful upgrading but let me list out what I know as necessary. Feel free to add to the list:

1) A STRONG battery pack. This is defined by a battery pack that has passed a certified load test from a club car dealer OR a battery pack that is a new install. I can't stress enough the importance of a strong power supply.

2) A minimum of 4 ga cable throughout the power supply. What this means is this upgrade needs to be throughout the power supply. If you have a cart that has a "lever" F/R switch, include the upgrade there. The only power cables that don't need to be upgraded are the S1, S2, or the F1, F2 cables.

3) Upgrade your F&R switch to a Heavy Duty Switch. Not necessary on IQ or Excel carts but DS carts with the "lever switch"....very necessary!

4) Upgrade your Solenoid. It is the one thing taking all the abusive power!!!

5) Understand that certain things can be catastrophic when upgrades have been implemented.....stalling your motor, running your pack voltage low and continuing to use the cart, abusive high speeds. Avoid any extreme use with an upgraded cart.

6) Never tow or have your cart pushed unless your tow/run switch has been set to "tow". I have seen carts that couldn't make it up hills due to a bad battery and they have had a buddy push them up the hill with their accelerator applied. That is a quick way to burn up a motor and a controller.

Remember that the choice to upgrade your cart above and beyond its intended use as a "golf cart" puts major responsibilities on you as a cart owner. It is your responsibility at this point to monitor its "health". You are pushing the limits of what it is intended to be used for. The possibilities of some sort of failure has been increased. Understand the risks and pay attention to how your cart is reacting to your driving scenarios.

Again feel free to add to the list of "DONT'S" !!!!!!

BGW

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jjance

Nothing will show up all of your carts flaws faster than upgrading it. Be prepared to upgrade the entire power train.

tag50

7) Don't mount taller tires before doing all the above.

We've all seen too many threads that go, " just installed 23" tires on 12" wheels and a rear seat, looks bitch'n, speed's okay but my torque sucks."


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jadar

Thanks DJ. I have a better than average understanding of electricity and have learned even more since purchasing my cart. Posts like yours are always beneficial!

scooterman

Warning, once you purchase a cart, it will take you money away because you become so addicted!

jjance

When you upgrade always be prepared to put it back like it was. Never chop things up so bad that you wouldn't be able to go back to the original config. Never throw away or sell anything for a long time