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Old 06-25-2016, 07:18 AM   #1
ncrr
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Location: Georgetown, SC
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Unhappy Upgrading my EZ-GO -

I have a 2004 PDS EZ-GO (36v), lift kit, 12" tires/rims, back fold down seat. I use it mostly around the neighborhood, but also to go to the beach.

It has LOUSY response in reverse, a slight incline will totally stall it out . Forward motion is ok as long as you either avoid the really dry loose sand, or "keep the petal to the metal", and hope you make it. On many occasions we get bogged down and have to do repeated reverse/forward moves in order to keep going.

During these 'bog downs' the wheels are not spinning, digging a hole, they are just stopped dead.

Right now I'm in the process of replacing all the battery wiring (i believe its 6ga about 1/4" dia, no markings anywhere) with 2ga (some of the crimps are bad, none are soldered). The copper lugs will be crimped, soldered and shrink wrapped. All the battery connections will be cleaned, and secured, then some sort of spray applied (Ideas here please What is the 'good stuff'? ).

I realize this will most likely not make a really noticeable change, but I believe it is a 'must' step. Sadly my budget is somewhat limited (the curse of being mature and retired for many years), so please think in that direction.

Batteries (Trojan 6v) are about a year old, take a charge well (checked by specific gravity).

OK, looking forward to responses - thanks

Mel
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Old 06-25-2016, 07:56 AM   #2
scottyb
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Welcome to BGW. The PDS cart is one of the best neighborhood carts. Great performance can be had with XCT400PDS control and HD solenoid for around $500.
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Old 06-25-2016, 08:31 AM   #3
ncrr
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
The PDS cart is one of the best neighborhood carts.
Great performance can be had with XCT400PDS control and HD solenoid.
Thanks scottyb for the suggestion.......
Out of curiosity - what makes the cart 'best neighborhood carts". From what I see, it's nice and peppy, has some limitations that I believe are torque related.
I'd rather the motor was series, I feel the regen will be a drawback with upgrades..
Thanks.....
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Old 06-25-2016, 08:52 AM   #4
scottyb
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Quote:
Originally Posted by ncrr View Post
Thanks scottyb for the suggestion.......
Out of curiosity - what makes the cart 'best neighborhood carts". From what I see, it's nice and peppy, has some limitations that I believe are torque related.
I'd rather the motor was series, I feel the regen will be a drawback with upgrades..
Thanks.....
Click the link below to read more about series vs sepex advantages and disadvantages. Both systems have their strong points. For neighborhood electric vehicle Sepex gives better street speed and they cost less to upgrade.

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/tech-help-upgrades.html
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Old 06-25-2016, 09:10 AM   #5
ncrr
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Scottyb-good read thanks - so much to learn.....
I believe that at some time i'd upgrade to 48.... but at this point dunno....
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Old 06-25-2016, 11:18 AM   #6
Clemsoncartguy
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Sounds like you need big large low pressure off road tires to help float you across the sand.
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Old 06-25-2016, 11:24 AM   #7
ncrr
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Got 12" rims , 23" Knobby tires at 5LBS....
They "float" most of the time.... LOL
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Old 06-25-2016, 11:36 AM   #8
Clemsoncartguy
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Sounds like you need a larger controller to give you more torque?
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Old 06-25-2016, 12:11 PM   #9
scottyb
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

The 23 inch tires are 28% larger than the stock tires. Putting this size tire on the cart reduces the torque (power) by an equal amount. Calculate in the additional width and weight of each tire & wheel, add the lower pressure and mathematically you have reduced power by 1/3rd.
Which is why the cart can barely go where full power is needed. The stock 275 amp control was designed for 2 people to ride 300 yds on a groomed path then rest. It's not going to perform well with the big tires, deep sand, or rear seat (if added) without some real upgrades like you just read about on my website.
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Old 06-25-2016, 12:15 PM   #10
JohnnieB
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Default Re: Upgrading my EZ-GO -

Ouch! 23" tire height, low pressure type tires, stock PDS controller, stock PDS motor and sandy terrain.

The 23" tire height is costing you 22% of the torque the stock motor produces.
Low pressure type tires take a lot of torque to turn on a hard surface and more in sand, so it is no wonder it has trouble climbing the slightest incline.

2Ga high current cables throughout is a good starting point. There is a total of ten of them.

There are a lot of electrical connection protectorants out there. Vaseline petroleum jelly works as do the commercial spray-on products sold in auto stores. I use NO-OX-ID A Special from Sanchem https://www.amazon.com/NO-OX-ID-Comp.../dp/B00HSW341A

The two smaller cables going to the motor (F1 & F2), don't need to be replaced unless they are damaged. The field current maxes out at about 30A, so the stock 10Ga wires are sufficient.

---------
ooops - pushed the wrong button - not through yet - will edit with added info/comments.

-------
Continued:

I don't know how long a stock PDS motor will last turning those tall soft tires in sand, but it ought to be okay for a little while.

As suggested, drop an Alltrax XCT48400-PDS (or larger) in it and it will do a lot better on the sandy hills.

Get the super-duty solenoid (400A continuous/1000A peak). Like the XCT controller, it'll run at 36V, 42V and 48V, so it doesn't have to be replaced when you go to a higher voltage battery pack.

As for Series drive vs SepEx drive:

With a series drive you have to install a high-speed motor, or a high-torque motor, or something in between and what you've got is what you get performance-wise.

With a SepEx drive, you still have the same three motor choices, but using a process called field mapping, the controller can shift the installed motor towards being high speed motor or high torque motor during operation. Sort of a best of both worlds scenario.

--------
Being retired myself, I understand where you are coming from.
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