Headlights to Battery Pack or Alternate Power Source?

[griffey]

I know, I know--two dumb questions in one day. Sorry. :)

So now that I know that I need to buy 6 new batteries all at once...

I am also looking into installing a headlight/taillight kit, and possibly a radio in the (far away) future.

Do people hook their lights up to their 36 (or 4 volt pack of batteries? Or do I get a separate battery and stuff it under the left side of the seat and use it just for the lights, etc. so that I don't drain the "drive" batteries too much? I would only envision using the headlights for driving home (two blocks) from the golf course at night, but I assume that the brake lights turn on every time you press the brake pedal whether the headlights are on or not.

Am I just being overly worrisome because I'm replacing my batteries soon?

Thanks!

G.--

[cableguy_hd]

just lights, make it easy on yourself and run them off the pack. but you could get a seperate 12v for them...or a voltage reducer.....the first choice would be the cheapest for now

[griffey]

Thanks! That's what I'll do!

[DaveTM]

Well....I'll take the opposing viewpoint and say that for a 12-V auto battery cost of $80, I'd go with a separate battery. I have a 48-V system on my hunting cart and my front & rear winch, along with my headlights, and my dash power socket all run off my 12-V auto battery.

Yes, I have a separate 12-V trickle charger, but I also know that the "stuff" hooked up to the 12-V battery doesn't have anything to do with the cart not running should that occur when I'm out in the middle of nowhere. (That's only happen once). Plus, those 12-V items do not take additional power away from where I need it the most.....getting out there and getting back.

My $0.02

Dave

[griffey]

See, that's where I was leaning originally. I'm worried silly that I'm going to screw up my not-even-purchased-yet new batteries hooking gizmos like lights and stuff to them.

There is room in my cart under the left side of the seat for an extra battery, and I'm sure I could rig something to strap it in nice and tight, and a 6/12 volt trickle charger isn't that expensive.

I have a lot to think about, especially since it is 15 degrees out and the middle of January and none of this is happening for several months.

Will be painting the cart black then too. :)

Thanks again for the feedback folks!

G.--

[dawgn86]

I would go seperate 12 v battery

[dawgn86]

may can see this one better

[chloe]

I used a gel type motorcycle battery for my extras. It's small, fairly inexpensive and holds up quite well. I'm only running the head and tail lights and 10 4/6 light LED pods but I have never drawn the little battery down to a point where the trickle charger couldn't get it back up to max inside an hour.

[griffey]

Awesome! Thanks both for your responses. I think that's what I needed to know. Can't WAIT for Spring to get here! Brrr... :)