14' RXV extra 12v battery vs 12v reducer

[wingnut2000]

would extra 12v battery be a better option over 12v reducer?

[Scoots]

What all are you running that’s 12v

[Buggieman18]

Reducer, unless you need lots of amperage to run a motor/winch, etc.

[nickdalzell1]

We sell cars we put lights and other accessories in with reducers as we started getting issues with unbalanced battery pack voltage (one was lower than the rest causing runtime issues and other problems) by running any accessory (especially halogen light kits and/or radios) off one battery.

[Mooncarter]

Like Scoots said, all depends on what you are powering and how you intend to use it.

[nickdalzell1]

RXVs are far more sensitive to unbalanced voltages and anything not perfectly in sync so we always put a reducer on even for LED light kits. We don't take chances.

[wingnut2000]

I am only running led lights currently. I was just thinking a 12v battery by itself with only lights hooked to it and just doing away with reducer. I have a cheap reducer and wondering if I would see better results spending more money on a reducer or a separate battery.

[bronsonj]

The reducer is nice in that it is light weight and pulls from the whole pack so you don't have to worry about alternate charging methods for the other battery.

The 12V battery is nice if you have one already and have the space available and it can handle higher amperages.

12V battery issues:
* You'll have to monitor the battery to determine when it needs charging or add another voltage monitor.
* You'll have to lift the seat and charge manually unless you add another port on the body of the cart with a socket and plug.
* You'll have more weight and it will fail in time like other batteries fail. Just depends how well it's taken care of as to how long it'll last.
* Weight and space to fit.

Reducer issues:
* If you wire your reducer on your key switch then when you turn off your key your radio will forget the presets.
* If you wire your reducer directly it will constantly be pulling from your pack.
* If you want to run a winch, air compressor for horns, decent size amp or lots of accessories then finding a capable reducer will be impossible or impossibly expensive.
* When you use your accessories you'll be pulling energy from your traction pack, if you like to drive up to your packs limit then this could be a problem.

12v benefits:
* It's segregated from your traction pack, so you don't have to worry about running the stereo for a block party all day as it won't affect your ability to drive home.
* Your stereo won't forget the presets
* simple and prevents pack imbalance

Reducer benefits:
* takes less space
* weighs less
* prevents pack imbalance

For me, I went with a Lithium 12v accessory battery. Has all the benefits of the 12v listed above, but weighs much less. Costs more, but I had the cells available after my lithium conversion so it made sense for me.

[Swan]

I run a extra 12 volt RV/Marine battery on my DS . I charge with a small battery charger and plug it in when I charge the cart .

Pics : http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/album.php?albumid=2817

[Mooncarter]

If you are only running lights a reducer is fine. Just hook it up so it comes on with a trigger wire or have a switch so you can turn it off.

If, on the other hand as bronsonj has stated you run a lot of accessories and use them a lot, the battery is the way to go.