Loss of Power and Batteries Loss Charge Faster

[Drock1]

I have a 95 TXT it has a lift with 23 inch tires. I rebuilt this cart two years ago from the ground up. I just put the lift on before the holidays took it out and drove it around the neighborhood. The cart really struggles getting back up my drive way it is a little steep. I am also losing my charge a lot quicker than before. I have tested all my batteries all of them are reading 6.2 and the pack all together is reading 37. The batteries are 2years old. Is this just normal with installing a lift?

[Knothead]

Batteries aren't fully charged, or are getting weak, or both. Individual voltage should be 6.37 & pack voltage should be 38.2. Also in colder weather, your batteries won't hold the amp/hours that they will in warmer weather. Sounds like you have a combination of weak (or undercharged) batteries & cold temps.......

Also, you lost a good deal of torque when you added the 23" tires. If you're running a Sepex motor & a stock controller, your controller isn't going to live long (been there, done, that....).

[Drock1]

Knothead about how long did your controller last? It has been really cold this year maybe when it warms up it will get a little more charge. If not I will start replacing batteries.

[Volt_Ampere]

Larger tires will greatly reduce your torque and hill climbing will suffer. Solution is more amps. (upgrade time! )

[kellybell]

Or, you could move to Atlanta! Winters are about 2 1/2 months long!

[Volt_Ampere]

Or Scottsdale. We don't have winter. (But the summers are a bitch)

[Knothead]

Originally Posted by Drock1

Knothead about how long did your controller last? It has been really cold this year maybe when it warms up it will get a little more charge. If not I will start replacing batteries.

My controller didn't live very long after I put the bigger tires on, but I honestly feel like the previous owner had already hurt it. His kids rode the cart a lot, & I'm pretty sure it was probably ridden at too low of a charge many times. The stock DCS controller doesn't have a low voltage safety feature.

The low temps won't actually cause your batteries to not take a full charge, but will make them run down quicker, & won't have as much "oomph". If yours are only showing 6.2 each after a full charge, either they are weak, or your charger isn't putting enough in them.

I can highly recommend the controller/solenoid package from ScottyB! And if you're going to buy new batteries, I also recommend going to 48 volts. My combination of 500 Amp DCX controller (which I'm sure is slightly "de-tuned" by Scotty to protect my stock motor) & 48 volts nets me 24 mph on level ground & enough torque to snap your head back & climb anything I've tackled. Next on my upgrade list is a D&D motor for even more power!

[kellybell]

Moving to Atlanta would be better!

[Drock1]

I want to do a 48 conversion but I have a 12 volt battery running my amp and led lights. Also my sub is mounted in the bag well. If I could find another spot for the battery I would. I took around the block and I can smell my controller. I guess scootb will be getting a call shortly.

[Sir Nuke]

Drock1......you can easily do the 48v conversion and not use any more room.....just use 6 - 8v batteries like some people do. they will fit in the stock battery tray.