04-02-2017, 11:56 AM | #1 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 4
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new guy starting a 1st build
I am new to carts and new to this forum. Looking for advice and opinions.
I am interested in buying a used electric cart as a DIY project and installing a lift kit and other mods to turn it into an offroad/hunting cart. I have not yet chosen any brand or model yet. I was hoping to get some opinions on that. I own some wooded acreage with UTV trails throughout. 90% of the terrain is no more extreme than a really hilly golf course. Once I have a lifted cart, I would like to make some speed and torque mods. When I drive a stock electric cart on a golf course, it seems as though the go pedal is always mashed to the floor. I would like a little extra speed and torque so I can drive throughout my property without always being at 100% power. I would like my initial investment on a cart to be around $3500. With that being said, which make, models and year range should I look at? What are the goods and bads about Club Car, EZGO and Yamaha? What condition cart should I expect for this price? Being new and relatively inexperienced about carts, would I be better off buying from a reputable dealer over a private seller? When you are inspecting a cart to buy what are the main points to look for? Red flags? Out of these 3 mfg.'s , which would have the best stock speed and torque without mods? I know most people are partial to what they own, so I would like to hear why they like their particular setup. Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully some of you will choose to weigh in and give me something to think about! |
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04-02-2017, 01:40 PM | #2 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Galveston, Texas
Posts: 720
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Re: new guy starting a 1st build
Of the carts mentioned, only the Club Car has an aluminum frame, no rust problems. They all have pluses and minuses, but the longevity of the frame is what makes all my carts Club Car's. That's a decent price range for a DIY cart, just look everywhere for the best deal...
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04-02-2017, 03:07 PM | #3 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 4
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Re: new guy starting a 1st build
I do like the looks of a Club Car a lot. Also the aluminum frame is a plus too.
dannyre, I was reading your cart description on your post. How much of a performance improvement did you see after adding the motor, controller and larger gauge wire over stock condition? |
04-02-2017, 10:33 PM | #4 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Ma
Posts: 425
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Re: new guy starting a 1st build
Batteries are a huge cost. So check date and voltage of batteries in the cart you plan on buying. Old batteries need replacement they will kill speed and torque. Check prices in your area, the seem to vary a lot. Trojan, Crown, Deka, and Interstate seem to be the favorites on here.
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04-08-2017, 01:19 AM | #5 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Texas
Posts: 66
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Re: new guy starting a 1st build
I'm a fan of Club Car as well. The frame and battery tray area were two pluses in my view. They certainly are common carts and there's tons of speed parts out there.
I picked up a '13 Precedent that was in nice shape and it was a $2500 buy. I've since spent another $3000. As mentioned Batteries are a big cost point. I went for a new set to make sure the cart was going to be reliable. Here's my DIY build list so far in no particular order: New US Batteries (the US8VHCXC) Custom #2 g cable set GTW 6” A Arm lift New passenger brake cable on the driver side to eliminate brake binding Dual action rear leaf springs with new bushings Matt black 7X12 Vegas alloy wheels, Duro 23" all terrain tires, black lug nuts LED headlight and LED tail light kit with bucket harness Rigid D2 series driving lights (deer-friendly green) MadJax front brush guard (beefier than Jakes and also has light tabs) MadJax front clays basket Grizzley interior clays basket GTW rear flip seat with beige cushions to match front seats LED Battery meter MadJax fender flares 5 panel rear view mirror Hunter Green rhino lined body MadJax rear hitch kit Speed code 4 Most of these parts came from the common web based Buggy suppliers, a local cart guy and a local Club Car dealer. I've also built a removable rear seat horizontal cross bar that has two Koplin "V" gun/bow holders. Lot's of build hours, a few busted knuckles, dirt in the eyes..... The good stuff, ya know ;) |
04-08-2017, 02:08 PM | #6 |
Vegas modded 420
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: West MI
Posts: 15,433
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Re: new guy starting a 1st build
If you are set on electric go for it, otherwise I would recommend a gas cart for off road use.
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