New to Golf Carts and forum....questions...

[Trophyduck]

Hi everyone....new to all this.
I just purchased a 2007 EZGO PDS (is that a "TXT PDS"?)
Can you put bigger/more agressive tires on a non-lifted cart with 8" wheel, and/or can you put bigger wheels and tires on a non-lifted cart?
I really don't have the money to start rebuilding it.....but thought it may be sufficient to just add tires (maybe bigger wheels if needed or even possible) for the time being.
I use it mostly around the house....feeding the critters, chores, general stuff like that. (When I can get it away from the kids)
I do want to/intend on using it in the woods behind the house and deer camp...any thoughts??
THANKS IN ADVANCE

[rmarcusy]

Welcome to the forum/site,,,, pick the ezgo elect forum and read,, and read,,, and read,,, there is a LOT of good information here,,
as for the question about tires,, yes you can put a larger tire on,, but then you start spending money and it's adictive, For just puttering around the house,, stay stock and enjoy

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Trophyduck

1. I just purchased a 2007 EZGO PDS (is that a "TXT PDS"?)
2.Can you put bigger/more agressive tires on a non-lifted cart with 8" wheel, and/or can you put bigger wheels and tires on a non-lifted cart?
3. I really don't have the money to start rebuilding it.....but thought it may be sufficient to just add tires (maybe bigger wheels if needed or even possible) for the time being.
4. I use it mostly around the house....feeding the critters, chores, general stuff like that. (When I can get it away from the kids)
I do want to/intend on using it in the woods behind the house and deer camp...any thoughts??

Welcome to BGW

1. It usually works better to give Year, Body Style and Drive Type (IE: 2007 TXT PDS) when you ask questions so everybody answering is on the same page.
There are at least 3 different type drive systems used in the TXT (PCS, DCS and Series); And more than one Body style uses PDS (Precision Drive Systen)

2. Yes to both. Max mounted tire height is about 20" and you can get them on 8", 10" or 12" wheels.
Taller tires will give you more speed, but less torque. (Basically changes final drive ratio)
Also, the size stamped on the tire is only approximate and varies greatly with style and brand. My 18 X 8.5 - 8 Carlisle Link tires are only 17.4" tall.

3. It is a rear wheel drive vehicle with brakes on rear wheels only, so you might consider replacing only rear Tires & Wheels unless you're going for looks or want to do High-G turns.

4. Carts with Series wound motors (PDS has a Sepex motor) are better off-road vehicles, but as long as you don't drive through swamps, climb steep of hills or creep along, they work okay.

Just remember electric Golf Carts are designed to carry 2 golfers and two golf bags over gently contoured, well groomed cart paths for 18 holes before recharging.
If you want to do much more that that, you'll have to upgrade it some.

I drive mostly around my neighborhood, but go across some fields occasionally and climb a few 30 degree grassy slopes on stock tires without any problems.

[Spawn]

The simplest upgrade is 20x8x8 on the stock rims. they run around 50 bucks at most tire stores or Harbour freight or even some walmarts. Changing them yourself can be a issue. but nothing a can of WD40 and a Lighter cant seat.....rofl Old school way to bead a large tire from my offroad days in 4x4's. Think long term anything bigger for a pds will require a controller upgrade and you are still taxing the factory controller with a 20" over the stock 18". Never run slow or stall the cart! very the throttle if your running off road and do not install a chip unless you are only cruising the streets. Chips and off road will lead to heat in the controller more than normal and cause a early failure.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Spawn

..................Changing them yourself can be a issue. but nothing a can of WD40 and a Lighter cant seat.....rofl Old school way to bead a large tire from my offroad days in 4x4's..........

Anybody tried a Ratchet tie-down strap or a come-along wrapped around the circumference of the tire and squeeze?

[Spawn]

Sure have John. You need an industrial compressor to blast enough air in to seat it. That is why I use WD. Its propane propellant and Fish Oil base seems to explode fast enough to seat it. Doesn't hurt anything and is like a mini 4th of July Bang....

On a side note I have taken them up to the tire store to be swapped and it takes them about 5 minutes with the tire machine. About 5 bucks a tire. But its not as exciting....

[JohnnieB]

Hate to Shanghai a thread, but this is probably knowledge the OP would need or like.

Starting fluid (ether) works also and makes an interesting sound, but don't try to drive too soon after mounting tires with it.

Thanks for mentioning tire stores and jogging what few brain cells I have left.
I've been looking for a couple stock height (approx. 18") tires to replace a couple I've got with slow leaks, but didn't want to buy set of four or spend as much for shipping as I do for the tires.
I don't have any nearby Golf Cart stores, but I do have a dozen or so tire stores. Maybe I'll luck out and find some tires, or at least a place that can mount them.

[Trophyduck]

Originally Posted by Spawn

The simplest upgrade is 20x8x8 on the stock rims. they run around 50 bucks at most tire stores or Harbour freight or even some walmarts. Changing them yourself can be a issue. but nothing a can of WD40 and a Lighter cant seat.....rofl Old school way to bead a large tire from my offroad days in 4x4's. Think long term anything bigger for a pds will require a controller upgrade and you are still taxing the factory controller with a 20" over the stock 18". Never run slow or stall the cart! very the throttle if your running off road and do not install a chip unless you are only cruising the streets. Chips and off road will lead to heat in the controller more than normal and cause a early failure.

Thanks....could you explaina little more? If I put on 20" tires, would it be better to install a chip that increases torque?
Why would I need an upgrade to the controller?
My "off-roading" shold only be driving dirt raods and occasionally going thru the woods to carry treestands and maybe carry a deer out. I was thinking of a more agressive tire for traction oin case the roads are wet and wanted a little more height in case there is a log or something in the way...

I hope my cart will work

[Spawn]

I responded in your new thread. Just drive with care till you can do a few upgrades.

I have 20" on mine with a 6 inch lift. This was so I could clear roots on the trails I run. I drive like a old lady. I cant run B's Out like the gas carts. But I have fun.
Some folks say running on a dirt road is fine but in reality its not. I know I had a Thermal shut down on a flat dirt road.
If the soil is loose the cart will strain trying to push the front through. Been there and done that, learned a big leason.

[Andy4639]

The PDS models weren't meant for off roading. They are pretty much level ground cruiser's. The controller in them doesn't like heat and they have a small heat sink so any heat after awhile will kill it. Stalling the cart over loading it slow driving for extended times all will damage it sooner or later.My wife when we first bought our 04 would cuss it because it would quit on her. I would go get it and drive it home. She would even be madder!
The problem was she and her friend would just barely be moving checking out the houses in the campground. I'd hit the gas and run wide open to our house she would cuss again!