Question - Off Road Power with Gas Cart?

larrybud

Looking to travel on Forest Service Trails with 50" max width.

Will not need speed but would like some torque. Would use the buggy to travel to hunting locations with one or two passengers and may have some hills to climb. I think a lifted cart may be perfect.

We would be using it at 8-9,000' so the carbs may need to be adjusted and i suspect i'd lose some power.

What would I need to get the job done? Is it feasible? Where do I start?

Thanks,

LB

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

ProjectClubCar

So what kind of cart are we dealing with???
That would be a great place to start.....
So we can give you a more accurate description .....

larrybud

Thank you for the reply. I don't have a cart and really don't know where to start.

I guess what I'm looking for is some advice like " Look for an 1996-2000 Club car with the XXX Gas motor " or somewhere to start. I do believe a lifted cart with a modified or replace engine would be ideal for what I need it to do and the width restrictions in place.

A typical UTV is too wide and I need to move two people and some gear. My fear is with larger wheels I'll loose power at altitude.

Thanks all,

LB

ProjectClubCar

We have the same thing here in Texas, We ride a lot of the state parks trails, but you have to have an OHV (Off
Highway Vehicle)sticker.
We have the same 50 inch rule as far as riding trails goes as well...
I actually have a hopped-up golf cart that I use for driving trails, but it is a Club Car. My friend has a club car that has a fe350 motor(standard motor for most newer club cars) no mods, just a 6 inch lift kit and tires. His cart can go anywhere my cart can go...
The only reason I have a big motor in my golf cart is the original motor finally died after day in and day out torture.
Yamaha makes a great golf cart as well, I am just Club Car kinda guy...
When it comes to golf carts or anything else, it will be like Ford versus Chevy, when it comes to opinions...
Side note, my golf cart has been to Colorado, I live on the beach... 3 foot above sea level, I don't know what the elevation was when I was in Golden, but it's pretty freaking High.... In the golf cart did struggle with the altitude, high octane gas seemed to do the trick no adjustments to the carburetor was needed after running high octane fuel.....
Hope this info helps out...

Rooster59

If you want to run a stock drivetrain look for the newer models of any name brand that came with the engines rated at 13+ hp. The older ones, like my 96 EZGO, came with a 9hp engine. Electric isn't an option IMHO due to potential range limitations. You can carry a spare gas can if needed.

Aftermarket engines are even more powerful if you have the knowledge or ability to install and maintain them. My Vegas 625 is awesome but it takes some mechanical knowledge to tune and maintain them.

Wish I was back in Texas to ride the trails in Sam Houston National Forest. Here in MO no vehicles are allowed unless you work for the DNR.

ProjectClubCar

It's funny that you mentioned Sam Houston National Forest,
I forget how many miles and miles of trails there were,
Headed to Big Thicket National Forest this weekend, my daughter's property actually butts up to the Big Thicket National Forest...

larrybud

Thanks Fellas,

I have a start. The search is on.

slonomo

I'm a little late to the party, but....

As far as the cart goes, any cart with a long travel jakes front suspension with the disc brakes will be top notch. Great handling, steering, and stopping is essential when going off road. For parts availability the EZGO TXT is the most common and probably easiest to work on. You might even spring for an EZGO Workhorse model with the 2 speed rear end and locking differential if you can find one. It will have a bed on the back and likely have a bigger engine than a standard cart.

I'd vote for a 16hp Briggs Vanguard with a rev kit for the powerplant. I've seen the Workhorse come with this engine. The only issue I'm not sure of is how to set it up for high altitude. The Vtwin will have the low end torque that you need to climb hills and traverse ruts, especially when hauling some gear.

If you go a step further, get the 23hp Vanguard. With this setup you can use a carb that has an externally adjustable main jet that might help with on the fly adjustments for the altitude.

I'd also equip the cart with a winch. You never know when you might need it, but that one time you do.....you'll be glad you spent the bucks.

Budget is the only limiting factor when it comes to making a golf cart off road capable. A budget of $5000 can build quite a rig, while $2500 would probably not cut the mustard for what you need.

slonomo

Oh, did you ever consider a Landmaster? It's a golf cart sized UTV with Vtwin engine and 4x4. They also have low range and a diff lock. Just a thought. They are pricey at around $7000 for the good one. But if the cost isn't an issue, this might be your ticket. Just a thought!

https://americanlandmaster.com/ameri...vs/ls-550-eps/