Seeking Sage Advice (98 48V club car)

Emmster29

Dear Club Car Gurus,

I have a 98 club car that came with a camper located on a small lake I bought last fall. The cart is "okay" meaning that its dog slow and a bit run down, none of the lights work and it needs all new batteries. I am trying to figure out if I should invest in it or junk it. Basically, here are the issues

- It won't be run much... the property is only 2 miles around, and we're realistically talking about 15-20 weekends per year when it will be lightly used.
- It came with 6v duracell batteries, which is probably where most of my performance problems are since its a 48v setup.
- As far as I can tell, the motor and whatever else is involved in running works well because even with 36volts, it runs... just really slow and barely uphill.

I want a cart that will run with more power and looks nice. Refurbishing the seats and body and getting the lights fixed will be easy and cheap for me to do because of my line of work. The innards concern me though because I've never worked on an electric cart before. So here's what I want to know.

It sounds like new batteries and cables are a given, but what else should / can I check on it electrically and mechanically to see if I'm getting into a project that won't be worth it?

Based on what I said about usage, how should I maintain the batteries? Should I keep a trickle charger on it at all times? Just keep it plugged into the charger all season? Leave it off the charger completely and just plug it in for a full charge before we use it at the start of each weekend?

Also based on the usage, would it be better to go with cheaper (Duracell) batteries as my operating cost / year would certainly be lower and I don't anticipate having a full charge cycle more than 20-30x / year?

Sorry this is so vauge. Just trying to figure out if it's worth it.

Thanks!
Mike

BGW

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scottyb

You can do it bit by bit or install the Alltrax SR48500 (assuming series drive), 400 solenoid, HD F&R switch, 2g cables, and Admiral B1 motor for a solid 20-25mph depending upon tire size... Maintain with a DPI 48v Charger with float mode.

By design the stock motor will run out about 14-15 mph by design.

Jdulac88

If the body is in decent shape than I would say go for it. The DS's are a great backbone and there are plenty of parts around. For a camp ground you probably don't need much speed. I know at my campground they will yell at you if you go over 10mph. My cart now does about 17mph and that is plenty.

It seems like all you might need for now is 6 new batteries. I got Crowns for $120 a piece. They weren't much more than the duracells and I trust the Crown name. The DPI chargers are great because they will keep your batteries perfect even if you leave them on the charger for a week.

I have learned a lot on this site. Just ask and you will get an answer.

By the way seat covers are cheap.

Emmster29

Thanks for the responses. I'm picking up new batteries this weekend so hopefully that'll give good results. Thanks much for the rebuild overview scottyb. That'll probably be in my future if I can get the exterior looking good.

crash test dummy

i agree the ds is worth the effort and you can bling it to the max
the DPI charger is the best