Batteries?

huntbuggie

Looks like I may be buying new set of batteries for my 05 ezgo pds. Are there any differences in brands, or what makes one better than the other? The batteries are the original and after checking the individual cells, I found that a few are dead. Is there anything special I should look for in the new batteries?

BGW

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scottyb

Lead ..... the more the better. More lead means more amp storage. Shop by weight. A good battery will weigh 62-64 pounds.

huntbuggie

I've read where some people are switching from 36v to 48v. What are the benefits of changing the voltage?

SpoiledRotten

Power and torque! Much better! You'll be glad you went with the two additional batteries in that modification. Have you already changed out the stock controller and solenoid? You probably won't notice too much difference it you don't change those two components out. You'll still be trying to push lots of power through small components.

huntbuggie

I was looking into that before this issue came up. May have to put off on that idea for the time being. Will the stock motor be ok on 48v?

scottyb

You can get a big improvement in your PDS cart just by going to a bigger controller, solenoid, and a few 4g cables.
48v in a pds cart is only needed the most extreme builds with a motor upgrade IMO
But to answer your question, yes. your motor will handle 48v as long as you drive it within it's rpm and heat range limits. Sepex motors are not as forgiving as the series motors. So when it comes to over-volting them, you have to be careful not to overheat or over rev.

Bryan-22

I took my cart to the hunting property this weekend and it wouldn't last more than about 2-3 miles before it was real weak and the battery gauge was low red so I'm thinking new batteries. It's an 05 PDS as well. I was going to go with 6-8 volts and swap out the solenoid and charger (already have Alltrax 400 controller) because of all I've read here on the 48 volt conversion. But now ScottyB, you've got me worried. Should we PDS guys just stick with 36 volts? I would hate to burn up a motor.

huntbuggie

If it won't be that big of a difference, I had just as soon stay with 36v and keep everything as simple as possible. After the batteries, I will still probably upgrade the controller and solonoid and wires.

Bryan-22

I can tell you that updating the controller and wires definitely increases speed and torque. In fact I don't think I need more but since I have to switch batteries anyway I was going to go the 48V route because of the good responses from everybody else. Also was hoping 48V would have more range (run time) but it may not. Anybody have any advice on the 48V for a PDS?
Not trying to hijack Huntbuggies thread......

scottyb

I had this discussion with an electric motor builder. He explained that when you run the carts slow with big tires on em, that you are in a heavy torque mode ... This will produce extra heat. Heat is a motor & controller killer.... over-volting or increasing the amperage to a sepex motor probably isn't gonna hurt it as much as creeping thru the woods will, driving faster or running smaller tires relieves some of the strain put on the motor. The Series motors are much better suited to this task. If you already have a sepex motor (PDS or DCS or any Regen) I would just use the 400DCX controller and HD solenoid and 4g cables on 36v = about 24mph on flat ground and lots of hill climbing power.... just keep in mind that extended slow speed (especially uphill) will heat it up.... There are bigger motors better suited with venting. That may be another alternative.