Convert 48 to 36 Volt - or not

[Broncot]

I am thinking about converting my Ezgo cart from 48 to 36 volt and was wondering if my current components will work with 36 volt. I am running the following equipment.

- Alltrax ACE 4865 IT'S,
- GE 8HP 1600rpm 36volt 226 amp motor,
- eight 8 volt batteries.
- 24 - 48 to 12 volt voltage reducer
- eight 8 volt batteries one year old

Any advise would be appreciated.

[lithoman]

From all the reading i have been doing on this forum i believe that the solenoid is the only thing voltage specific.
You would also need a 36 volt charger.

If I am wrong someone will jump in.

[89GatorClub]

Crazy question but why would you want to lower your voltage?

[JohnnieB]

I don't know how to break this to you gently, but if those eight 8V batteries are connected in series, you've got 64V, not 48V.

[scottyb]

What is the reasoning behind this question? What year cart? What drive system is it?

[Broncot]

I lied I have six eight volt batteries for 48 volt. The reason for the change is my battery maintainer / charger and the Arizona heat boiled the water out of my one year old $800 Trojan batteries. I took them to a industrial battery supplier for replacement and he said he could save them. They hold a charge of 8.3 volts, but the cart runs half speed. Voltage reads 21vdc at max throttle. Individual readings are 2,2,4,4,2,2 at full throttle. Obviously the batteries have nothing left in them.

With the cost of eight volt vs six volt I can convert to a more common battery system (I don't need speed, just reliabity) and all my neighbors have 36 volt carts that we can exchange (steal) parts from lol. Top it off with my Lestronic II charger sings like a baby when charging.

I just want affordable and reliable. I bought the cart in 2007 with the Tim Allan thought... More power.

[scottyb]

Whatever battery you get will need routine maintenance, water,etc. I think 6/6v & converting to 36v will cost as much as new 8v batteries if not more and you may have performance issues depending on which motor you use.
... my 2 cents.

[89GatorClub]

Hate to be the bearer of bad new but that same heat will do the same thing to 6v batteries, and they cost as much or a little less depending on where you live. So, I wouldnt blame the heat for the lack of Maintenace on the batteries.

I am asuming since those batteries are only 1 year old you cant warrenty them?

[1fastbuggy]

I think this is the first time i have ever read someone wanting to go from 48-36 volts. you will be very disappointed in the performance if you are used to 48. You would be better getting one of those hoover round wheel chairs.

[Broncot]

Originally Posted by 1fastbuggy

I think this is the first time i have ever read someone wanting to go from 48-36 volts. you will be very disappointed in the performance if you are used to 48. You would be better getting one of those hoover round wheel chairs.

There is a first time for everyone... I guess. My battery buddy at Brodings San Diego feels that the 8 volt battery is a gimmick to sell more expensive batteries, accessories, etc... Add to this eight volt batteries are difficult to charge when the combined voltage drops below 32 volts because of the charger limitations. How do you charge each battery individually with a 6/12 volt car charger. Eight volt batteries are running $140 each and six volt are $95 each.

I always maintain the water in my batteries... I own 27 wet cell batteries, and have replaced 16 of them this year alone, and all of them lasted five or more years. The original eight volt batteries lasted four years in the desert heat, and the first time I spent two winter months away the new ones cooked. (this was the first time I ever used a save-a-battery maintainer).

I may pop for six new eight volts, but I thought that I would run it by all of you experienced cart folk first. Ponder, ponder, ponder...