Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)?

addicted2powerwheels · 07-24-2022, 04:42 PM

Hi, I have a 76 marathon 36v with 20in tires. I use it for going around the RV park which has one long hill that is a little steeper in places. On the step parts, It will slow down to a crawl, but i do make it up. I'm just wondering if running 38v would give me that little extra kick to make it the hill. Since the charger runs closer to 40v, it would still work, right? Thanks.
BTW, I did try to search for this, but could not find anything on it :)

Capt. Lenny · 07-24-2022, 05:54 PM

Simple question. How would you charge it?

Capt. Lenny · 07-24-2022, 05:56 PM

Simple question. How would you charge it? You could add another 6 volt battery making it 42 volts which you can get a charger for. More speed and more range. There’s enough room on the drivers side to add 1 more.

meimk · 07-24-2022, 06:10 PM

You would still be undercharging the batteries. Yes your charger runs above 40 volts, but then the batteries settle to (ideally) around 38.2. Probably be about the same ultimate voltage with the one additional cell - leaving all the cells in your pack slightly undercharged. The more common work around is to add one more 6 volt battery, usually in the bag well. There are available 42 volt chargers that would then tend to that combination appropriately. The downside is the expense of another battery & a different charger.

Volt_Ampere · 07-24-2022, 06:17 PM

Bad idea. No standard chargers exist for that voltage.

Capt. Lenny · 07-24-2022, 06:27 PM

42 volt chargers are available but not very popular and can be pricy. If you can find someone selling a 48 volt DPI at a very reasonable price (because they upgraded to lithium) you can buy a new circuit board for 42 volts and it will work perfect. You may also have to change your controller and possible solenoid.

addicted2powerwheels · 07-24-2022, 06:36 PM

Thx to all that replied thus far. My thought was the original charger would be good enough but sounds like that is NOT the case. My other option is high torque motor. I'm not looking for speed as we have a limit of 6mph here.

cartdoc1969 · 07-24-2022, 07:34 PM

A couple thoughts...

How old are the batteries ? Do you really like the cart ? If they are near replacement it might be better to upgrade to 48V. Scotty B has some upgrade options on his site. He's a sponsor and you can find his site under that tab.

Volt_Ampere · 07-24-2022, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Lenny

42 volt chargers are available but not very popular and can be pricy. If you can find someone selling a 48 volt DPI at a very reasonable price (because they upgraded to lithium) you can buy a new circuit board for 42 volts and it will work perfect. You may also have to change your controller and possible solenoid.

He's talking 38V (Nominal) which is not a supported voltage that I have ever seen.

Capt. Lenny · 07-25-2022, 05:43 AM

Here's another option to investigate. Give Plum Quick a call and see if they can do a "Bandit" upgrade on your existing motor. For $325 plus shipping, it's good bang for your buck. They claim a 25% increase in torque plus more speed and from my experience (seat of the pants) it was a great improvement.
https://plumquick.com/bandit-electric-motor-golf-cart/

07-24-2022, 04:42 PM	#1
addicted2powerwheels Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Washington...The State Posts: 12	Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? Hi, I have a 76 marathon 36v with 20in tires. I use it for going around the RV park which has one long hill that is a little steeper in places. On the step parts, It will slow down to a crawl, but i do make it up. I'm just wondering if running 38v would give me that little extra kick to make it the hill. Since the charger runs closer to 40v, it would still work, right? Thanks. BTW, I did try to search for this, but could not find anything on it :)

07-24-2022, 05:54 PM	#2
Capt. Lenny Born to be Wild Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Palm Harbor Florida Posts: 3,490	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? Simple question. How would you charge it?

07-24-2022, 05:56 PM	#3
Capt. Lenny Born to be Wild Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Palm Harbor Florida Posts: 3,490	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? Simple question. How would you charge it? You could add another 6 volt battery making it 42 volts which you can get a charger for. More speed and more range. There’s enough room on the drivers side to add 1 more.

07-24-2022, 06:10 PM	#4
meimk Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 2,887	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? You would still be undercharging the batteries. Yes your charger runs above 40 volts, but then the batteries settle to (ideally) around 38.2. Probably be about the same ultimate voltage with the one additional cell - leaving all the cells in your pack slightly undercharged. The more common work around is to add one more 6 volt battery, usually in the bag well. There are available 42 volt chargers that would then tend to that combination appropriately. The downside is the expense of another battery & a different charger.

07-24-2022, 06:17 PM	#5
Volt_Ampere Gone Wild Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rio Verde, Az Posts: 7,707	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? Bad idea. No standard chargers exist for that voltage.

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ 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

07-24-2022, 06:27 PM	#6
Capt. Lenny Born to be Wild Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Palm Harbor Florida Posts: 3,490	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? 42 volt chargers are available but not very popular and can be pricy. If you can find someone selling a 48 volt DPI at a very reasonable price (because they upgraded to lithium) you can buy a new circuit board for 42 volts and it will work perfect. You may also have to change your controller and possible solenoid. Last edited by Capt. Lenny; 07-24-2022 at 06:31 PM.. Reason: Forgot something

07-24-2022, 06:36 PM	#7
addicted2powerwheels Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Washington...The State Posts: 12	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? Thx to all that replied thus far. My thought was the original charger would be good enough but sounds like that is NOT the case. My other option is high torque motor. I'm not looking for speed as we have a limit of 6mph here.

07-24-2022, 07:34 PM	#8
cartdoc1969 Gone Wild Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Pa Posts: 280	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? A couple thoughts... How old are the batteries ? Do you really like the cart ? If they are near replacement it might be better to upgrade to 48V. Scotty B has some upgrade options on his site. He's a sponsor and you can find his site under that tab.

07-25-2022, 05:43 AM	#10
Capt. Lenny Born to be Wild Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Palm Harbor Florida Posts: 3,490	Re: Pros\Cons to adding 1 8v battery to 36v cart (38v)? Here's another option to investigate. Give Plum Quick a call and see if they can do a "Bandit" upgrade on your existing motor. For $325 plus shipping, it's good bang for your buck. They claim a 25% increase in torque plus more speed and from my experience (seat of the pants) it was a great improvement. https://plumquick.com/bandit-electric-motor-golf-cart/

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
1st cart, looking @ 2021 L6 Elite, Pros & Cons?	Electric EZGO
Golf cart extension to 6 seater - Pros and Cons	Electric EZGO
voltage reducer vs. extra 12v battery.. pros/cons	Electric EZGO
Pros and cons of lifting a Cart	Electric Club Car