Battery Meter readings

[BruceC]

I just purchased a 09 Ds. I installed all new Trojan 8v batteries as well as connecting cables between batteries. I charge until the charger shuts down, and the meter is into green about 3/8 of full green. Voltage with meter measures 52 volts. Over night the meter with key shut off falls to just a very short distance into green. Voltage remains at 52v. As I start to drive it performs ok but as load is applied the meter drops into read about 1/4 of the way. Voltage at this time still remains around 50. Further driving drops voltage I feel fast, say to about 42v. Power feels low. In summary seems batteries drop fast and performance is sluggish. Any suggestions for diagnosing. I'm not familiar with driving performance of club cars, any help would be appreciated.
Also can I measure battery drain by using voltage meter by taking negative cable off and measuring mv between battery neg. post and neg cable end. And if yes what is normal? Thanks for any help. I want to sell cart but want to make sure everything is ok.

[scottyb]

You may have a battery condition problem. Drop from 50 to 42v in a short drive is not a good sign. You may want to repeat the drive test/voltage test for each individual battery to see if one bad apple is crippling the pack.

[Night life]

Is it possible your main pack positive is not on the last battery (4th or 6th)in your pack?

[Night life]

I would start by measuring each battery individually at rest after a charge, and after this condition appears.