Power Converter Or Aux Battery - What Is Your Preference

[Rickochet]

I recently installed a lithium battery pack in my '07 PDS. I have lots of room for other goodies with the small lith pack. The only 12v accessories I have are head and tail lights with I never use but would be nice to have if needed. It is also required at the marina I park my cart. So, what are the advantages of eigther a 12v voltage reducer or a 12v auxilliary battery? I have the lights on unique key switch so my lights won't get left on. One reason I wanted lithium is the reduced self discharge when the cart sits for weeks or months so I want to minimize any power drain on the main pack while sitting. I see power reducers with key on power and no key on power so any comments on those as well would be appreciated. One thought is a small SLA battery and a solar charger.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Rick

[marianol]

I really like the Aux battery...

Pros:
- it does not mess up with your power pack i.e. will not end up pushing the cart because (ahem!! wife and daughter) someone is blasting the stereo.
- much cleaner install, all 12v have their own fuses and stuff (subjective)
- no trickle discharge of the main pack because offending stuff in the 12v side. I'm talking to you stupid USB charger!!!

Cons:
- You have to charge it separately and remember to!!

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by marianol

I really like the Aux battery...
Cons:
- You have to charge it separately and remember to!!

I forgot about maybe using one of these. I am not looking for something to recharge a depleted battery, but something to maintain a charged battery. I could put this on the back of my "wink" mirror which faces south during storage. https://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-5001...BA20Y84D4N42CW

[Swan]

those little solar panels work like crap . I wouldnt count on it to keep the battery up to full charge. I have one still , i used it for my Lance truck camper when i had it in storage . now its behind the seat in my truck , saw it the other day most likely never get used again .

I am a fan of 12 vots acc batteries but in your case with minimum use I would go with reducer.

[marianol]

Yes, indeed. The solar charger will keep the battery trickle charging while you are gone. <<<--- Scratch this based on Swan comments, I have not used them.

I cannot use one of those since mine sits in the garage :)

By the way I'm thinking of bolting one of these to my cart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HOD2W38 inside the cart so I can just hook it up to the wall and not be lugging the 12v charger around.

[Swan]

I use one of these for my 12 volt Acc Battery . sits on top of my GC charger handle .I tie wrapped the wire to my GC charger DC cord and added a plug on the golf cart , so i plug them in at the same time .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Tend...MAAOSwrklVOABU

[thehill]

I used a $40 battery from Amazon and it's been working amazing. Powers my speakers and LED underbody lights for hours:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...97a1809b03e59a

[agpfl]

I also have a unique key switch and went with a cheap reducer wired to the key switch light position. Reducer will only be on when key switch is in the light position. No parasitic drain, and not messing around with charging a 12v battery. If I had more than lights I would put in the 12v battery.

[DaveTM]

I have 2 winches (Not wenches....oh to be so lucky!!) and lights. I run 'em on a separate 12-V battery. Not difficult to charge as I just toss the charger on when I plug in the cart every time I use it. BTW, I winch my cart on my truck when I go to places where I need the cart. FWIW

[gwh1bass]

I use an electric 12 volt wheelchair battery to power headlights, taillights, mp3 amp and a cigarette lighter receptacle for charging phones etc.

Has worked fine for me.