05-28-2019, 03:59 PM | #1 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
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Info needed for first build
For my first cart I wanted one that was lifted with neat tires and a clay basket on the front. One that would climb hills like a goat. What I got was a stock 2014 Ezgo RXV with rear seat. It was a matter of convenience as it was 5 miles from my house and owned by an elderly gentleman in a lake resort area. It was like new and only used on the hardtop going around the resort. Always cared for at the local cart shop.
I live in a very steep area but this cart climbs anything I throw at it. It will only be driven on logging trails and open pastures and used daily for work on the farm and hunting. Travel will be under 5 miles a day with 1-2 adults and occasionally 2 children on the back. Quite honestly it meets all of my requirements right now but .... I just want it to look a little neater. I figured I would do a small lift in the 3" to 4" area and minimal tire upgrade in the 20" area. I don't want to do anything that would hurt me on the hills. I doubt I would ever drive it over 5 miles an hour so top end doesn't matter. I have been reading the forums but still don't have a solid plan. This is what I have been thinking .... correct me if i'm going down the wrong track. Step 1 - get a set of all terrain tires and check the fit (low profile?). Looking at Steeleng 10" BULLDOG Wheels and 20x10-10" DOT All Terrain Tires. Might put on heavy duty leaf springs at the same time. Step 2 - if it looks like I need a lift kit I was looking at a 3" or 4" lift. After reading the forums I still don't know which one is best. The available lifts for a 2014 RXV in the 3-4" area is limited. Don't really want to go to a 6" lift. Step 3 - after the cart is standing tall I was going to add a brush guard and front clay basket. Doable ? |
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05-28-2019, 09:17 PM | #2 |
Searching for The Way
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Medina, Ohio (NEOHIO)
Posts: 11,436
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Re: Info needed for first build
An empty cart with driver going up steep hills is one thing....a loaded cart, with heavier bumpers, shotguns, ammo, cooler, gear, and three passengers....that's a whole different animal.
In my experience on steep hills, especially muddy rutted ones, you need suspension clearance, aggressive tires, and a good "working" suspension. Most importantly you'll need extra torque. You might get away with some clutch work for lower gearing and slower upshift, but it depends how steep and how much load you are carrying. two adults, two teens = 500-600 lbs hunting gear = 100 lbs stocked cooler = 50 lbs totaled up it could be an extra 750 lbs, plus all your modifications to the cart that could add more weight. Asking that of a stock golf cart engine and drivetrain might be asking a lot. I'm not saying it can't be done, it will just be tough. |
05-29-2019, 07:01 AM | #3 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
|
Re: Info needed for first build
Thanks for that info. I have been using the cart daily. I built a rear box for it and have had it filled with at least 100 lbs while carrying 2 adults. Still took all my hills.
I had considered selling this cart and just getting one that meets all my needs. I really like the braking system on the RXV. I haven't had to use the brakes once and it creeps downhill with little effort. I read you can't really upgrade the controller so you are stuck with stock. I originally was looking at a 4 wheel drive Bad Boy Buggy and really liked it. The forums had so many horror stories about them I passed. I bought the cart at an excellent price and it is still in "like new" condition. I will think long and hard before doing any upgrades. |
05-30-2019, 03:26 PM | #4 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
|
Re: Info needed for first build
I have thought about selling vs upgrade and I have decided to upgrade. I have a nice cart that performs really well. I guess I will start with 20" tires and then see if a lift is needed.
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05-30-2019, 04:00 PM | #5 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 3
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Re: Info needed for first build
A high torque secondary clutch is a must for larger tires and disk brakes to stop well on hills
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05-30-2019, 05:18 PM | #6 |
Searching for The Way
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Medina, Ohio (NEOHIO)
Posts: 11,436
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Re: Info needed for first build
Necessity is the mother of.....modifications?
Yes, it is. Once you get started, you'll quickly learn what needs improved. I think you need to get the lift and tires first, drive it around a lot, get to know how it runs/rides with different terrains and loads. Put some friends in it, drive it around. Put some sand bags in it, load it up with gear, drive it around. This is the only true way to figure out what it's limits are. Since we cannot see your hills, we cannot cast judgement on what needs done. Only you can relay the information to us. Keep us posted! |
05-31-2019, 07:05 AM | #7 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
|
Re: Info needed for first build
The cart is in my summer home in the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia. My hills are large enough that my tractor needs 4 wheel drive to get up the worst spots. My RXV goes up the same hills in 2WD with 2 adults and gear.
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05-31-2019, 08:35 AM | #8 |
Nincompoop village idiot
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,666
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Re: Info needed for first build
Maybe it's just me, but I think I'd be more comfortable in a Ranger or something?
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05-31-2019, 07:28 PM | #9 |
Searching for The Way
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Medina, Ohio (NEOHIO)
Posts: 11,436
|
Re: Info needed for first build
Golf carts can be made to handle that terrain, no problem. I'm just thinking that I'd want more suspension and more power, but then again, I would probably want that not matter what the terrain was lol.
A side by side would do great. But even used they are twice the cost of a nicely built golf cart. So cost is a consideration. Can a golf cart do what a side by side can do? No. But can the golf cart do the job the OP needs? Possibly. Again, only he/she knows how aggressive the terrain is. You say you have hills a tractor can't go up? And the stock golf cart can do it? I think I need a video of that one. |
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