Building my first Cart... Need advice!

[JakeJohnson]

I've been looking at a few motors online and i came across one that is 12hp at 1300 rpm. Do you think this limit my speed too much? I don't forsee myself pulling a truck around or anything but I want to be able to haul 4 people on it no problem and not sacrifice too much speed... I know I'm asking a lot of questions but don't wanna make a mistake and purchase the wrong stuff.

[JohnnieB]

If that it is peak HP, that is a mighty slow, but mighty high torque motor.

Here is a motor selection guide that may help a bit: http://ddmotorsystems.com/ChooseAMotorPage.php
Plug in the particulars about your cart and you'll get a better idea of what is needed.

Or contact scottyb at Carts Unlimited and talk to him about what motor is needed for your setup.

[JakeJohnson]

I've seen some of his stuff. Seems like really good packages! Thanks for all your help!

[JakeJohnson]

So I hopped on another cart this evening that I could possibly trade for. It's a 2006 ezgo non pds. Pros: it already has the following upgrades... Flip back seat with footrest, 4-6 inch lift, large tires and wheels, light kit, new floor mat... Problem is, when I went to go up a pretty steep hill it barely creeped. I'm assuming I would have to buy a new controller (and possibly motor) to give it the "umph" to make it up the hill easily. Good thing is that is about the only other thing I would have to buy besides replacing the batteries. They are about to need to be changed. I figure that would come out cheaper. But I want to make sure that the controller is going to fix that hill climbing problem. Any suggestions?!

[cgtech]

If it is a stock controller, just about any aftermarket controller would be better (not saying you should choose "any controller" that you see, the stock one was bare essentials for golf use). Need to match the whole system for your desires, from batteries, cables, controller, F&R, & motor. If your needs are not extreme, some stock designed parts may be ok (36v may meet your needs, stock motor may be ok). But, plan on a better controller, better cables, HD f&r, HD solenoid, these are pretty much "minimum required upgrades" for any lifted/big tire cart.

[cgtech]

Adding a better controller, better cables can do pretty good if you dont climb mountains.... A controller upgrade will increase your torque, top speed, AND motor temps substantially. Sorry about the screw-up. Reading texts & posting here at the same time sometimes ends with "foot-in-mouth-syndrome". All the stock PDS motors are capable of 20+ mph with stock size tires and upgraded controller (bigger tires = higher top speed with lost torque as the trade-off).

[JohnnieB]

@ CG: He owns a 2001 PDS and is thinking about getting a 2006 "Non-PDS", so your comments about upgrading the F/R switch do apply.

@ Jake: Since the 2006 your are looking at has a series drive system, already has tall tires and needs batteries, consider going to a 48V battery pack.

[JakeJohnson]

I would really like to do that but I can't afford the charger for that right now! lol... I was looking for the most affordable/stuff still works well option so that's why I was figuring the 2006 would save a little money since I don't have to buy the other "cosmetic" upgrades. Only the important stuff lol