EZGO PDS 48V upgrade questions.

D-Money24

Frst, let me say that I'm really glad i found this site, as I'm new to the cart world and have found this site very helpful.

I currently have a 36V, 2005 EXGO PDS cart w/ a 4" lift an 22" tires. I recently installed a programable Alltrax 400 DCX controller & 4 gauge wiring. I was thinking about upgrading to 48V. I will be using this cart for hunting in moderate terain and was wanting more torque. Questions?

1.Other than getting a HD solenoid is ther anything else I need to do?

2. Can I use 6 8V bat as opposed to 8 6Volt Bat?

3. Will this hurt the stock motor?

4. How much more torque/speed should I gain?

5. Will I increase runniing time on a charge?

6. Anything else I should know?

Also, are there any tricks to getting longer running time on a charge? Thanks in advance for all the help on the site.

gornoman

You will need a way to charge a 48v pack.

Yes, but either method will work.

No, the stock motor will be fine on 48v.

About 33% on each

If you go with 8-6v batteries your range will increase nicely. Using 6-8v batteries your range should be about the same as now.

48v is great! I prefer the 8-6v setup for a few reasons:
Lower cost by just adding 2 fresh batteries
Lower cost by just adding a 12v automotive smart charger
Still allows 12v taps from the pack for accessories and such

When faced with a high-load situation back-off the throttle to 3/4. The cart will not slow down any, and the pack won't discharge as fast. Keeping your foot to the floor up a long hill just discharges the pack as heat in the wires.

D-Money24

Thnks Gor.. I haven't upgraded to 48V yet, only the alltrax 400amp controller and 4 gauge wires. I took it to thr hunting property this weekend and it performed well. I do have one concern. After riding for a while the cart wouldn't make it up a moderate hill (bat little over 1/2) With a little pushing the cart made it, but smoke was coming out of the motor.(not good) We let it sit for awhile and all was fine, it never shut off like others I've heard of. I haven't had a chance to take the motor off to examine it, but I'm thinking I need to get it rebuilt with lower gears for more torque or get another motor. It has run fine since, but does get hot after riding awhile and you can sometimes smell it. What do you think it is and what is your suggestion. Any advice is welcome.

gornoman

Smoke from a motor is never good. It would appear that your controller is sending plenty of amps to the motor. Your problem sounds torque related, you're not getting enough of it, and the motor is suffering. It won't last long under that abuse (smoking).

I have not built a hunting buggy, so don't look to me for the RIGHT setup. That being said, you have a few options, including a torque motor (lower top end), a 2/speed motor rebuild via EMP, or even the available torque gears for your differential (again, lower top end). Add a 48v conversion and you should be good to go. But wait for others who have gone this route to chime in. I'm a street cart guy!

rusty

Welcome......................

buckmanmike

Was your motor smoking or the terminals on motor smoking? check them for good contact. If motor is smoking it doesn't sound good. Your cart should have plenty of torque with your controller. It should pull hills with no problem. If motor is bad EMP can take care of that with a rebuild. Call them for expert advice. Be sure to let them know if you want to upgrade to higher volts. There is no substitute for higher voltage.