[Steadfast]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

I certainly believe there could be a warranty issue as EZGO can define that, but I would really push back with the dealer on the idea that having 6-8 v batteries would reduce performance.

Thanks for the validation... I can't say for sure that the cart having six 8 volt batteries actually performed better as I am simply basing this comment on the perceptions formed by the test drives. It certainly was not less impressive than the four 12s.

Hearing that people have not had any problems is very encouraging... Thanks.

Interestingly, when I asked the various sales associates what they owned upon a return trip today the answer was gas!!!

Along that line, it seems that the Club Car gas generates the least noise base on our unscientific observations today. Decisions... decisions!!!

[l2ridehd]

In just my observations, the EZ GO gas 2008 and older is the most quiet gas cart. I believe it is because it is a two cylinder engine where all others are single cylinder. In 09 they changed to a single cylinder model. I would guess a cost savings move.

[FMF Doc]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

Interesting, I did not know the RXV has gone to 6-8 v batteries. This is a big step in the right direction IMO. I do not own one, but it would be on my short list if looking at new carts.

FMF Doc - How batteries are broken in greatly affects the life of the batteries. Check out this link:

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Batter...n_Methods.html

The suggestion I keep repeating is if you are going to own electric and want to get the most of your batteries, you should understand SOC and when your pack gets to 48.4 volts (50% SOC). That is the max distance you should drive, not what a salesman tells you. For battery break in you should NOT discharge the pack to less than 49.6+ volts (75% SOC) for the first 15-20 trips. Check out the table at the bottom of this link for various voltages and SOC:
http://www.trojanbattery.com/Battery...e/Testing.aspx

A great test for a 24 hours demo, fully charge cart, take voltage of pack, drive the cart until the pack is at 48.4 volts. Ask the salesman why you only went 31 miles before the pack was at 50% SOC

PS. I made 31 miles up, the new RXV may go 40 for all I know....

AJ, thanks for the info. I have read this before in prior postings you have made. Our previous excursions have been no more than 20-25 miles. I will look for the post where you and someone else were discussing a nice looking voltmeter he had installed and get one to mount for my own use.

FWIW - I was told my cart is under warrantly from E-Z-Go and the batteries from the dealer and Trojan. Both for 4 years.

George

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by FMF Doc

AJ, thanks for the info. I have read this before in prior postings you have made. Our previous excursions have been no more than 20-25 miles. I will look for the post where you and someone else were discussing a nice looking voltmeter he had installed and get one to mount for my own use.

FWIW - I was told my cart is under warrantly from E-Z-Go and the batteries from the dealer and Trojan. Both for 4 years.

George

I think this is the one:

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Digita...ry_Meters.html

This one monitors each battery, a bit pricey so it is on my Christmas list

http://www.paktrakr.com/index.html


My cheap analog meter in the post below works fine also; the key is knowing where 49 volts on the meter is:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...43&postcount=9

[Steadfast]

I am getting the impression that the electric carts (even the EZ GO RXV) require a lot more attention on a regular basis as follows:

1. Making sure the batteries are recharged every day and on a given "battery break in schedule" as well as having concerns about them if you go on vacation.

2. Making sure that they "rest" if you want to get maximum distance when out for a long period of time.

3. Making sure the water level is high and even.

4. Monitoring the battery warning lights (and/or various additional battery monitoring systems) if you drive any distance.

5. Having to replace the batteries after a few years.

6. Dealing with the fact that your range will start out at a given level... then increase... then decrease as the batteries age, creating what I have heard referred to as "range anxiety".

Call me crazy or ignorant, but with all of that said, I am still attracted by the quiet ride!

On the other hand, the smell of the gas cart does not bother me... it's mostly the noise and vibration that is an issue as far as I am concerned.

So the question is (for those of you who have had both) is all that extra effort that must go into an electric cart worth it for the smooth quiet ride?

Thanks again for your input!

[FMF Doc]

Originally Posted by Steadfast

I am getting the impression that the electric carts (even the EZ GO RXV) require a lot more attention on a regular basis as follows:

1. Making sure the batteries are recharged every day and on a given "battery break in schedule" as well as having concerns about them if you go on vacation.

2. Making sure that they "rest" if you want to get maximum distance when out for a long period of time.

3. Making sure the water level is high and even.

4. Monitoring the battery warning lights (and/or various additional battery monitoring systems) if you drive any distance.

5. Having to replace the batteries after a few years.

6. Dealing with the fact that your range will start out at a given level... then increase... then decrease as the batteries age, creating what I have heard referred to as "range anxiety".

Call me crazy or ignorant, but with all of that said, I am still attracted by the quiet ride!

On the other hand, the smell of the gas cart does not bother me... it's mostly the noise and vibration that is an issue as far as I am concerned.

So the question is (for those of you who have had both) is all that extra effort that must go into an electric cart worth it for the smooth quiet ride?

Thanks again for your input!

For me the answer is yes. For others the answer is no. You don't have to fill or check water levels every day. Buy the system that fills all the bateries at once and they also have little floats that you can visually see for your water level. Watching the battery guage is just glacing every once in awhile just like a gas guage. You will get to know how far you can go.

That is what works for me. You may want to consider renting an electric and then a gas cart for a week or month and then deciding. ADV lets you take a demo home for a day too if you want to try that route.

George

[ajbrown]

Steadfast,

I guess it is not a hijack if answering the OP's new question

When I post about electric carts, I often mistakenly give the impression that owning one is a major chore. This can be attributed to my weaker writing skills and the enjoyment I get chatting about batteries in detail more than the reality of owning an electric cart. I LOVE driving electric carts. I own two, I have NEVER run out of battery power and I go everywhere I need to. I do not think about my batteries daily. I drive it and I plug it in when I get home.....

Yes, I had to educate myself about batteries for an hour or four before owning.
Yes, I need to keep the water topped off, I do this every couple of weeks and it gets me into the man cave for 15 minutes.
Yes, I pay attention to how far I can go on a charge so as not to discharge the batteries too far. This takes NO time, it is just something I learn using a voltmeter after owning the cart for one day. After that I may check in on that number once a year.
Yes, I have to replace the batteries after 3-4 years, this is the cost of my fuel, do the math, IMO it is a wash with other fuels for the distances I drive.

All of this is a price I am more than willing to pay to own my electric carts, but that is just me. I LOVE driving my electric carts.

If you are worried about the range of an electric cart, buy one with more amp hours, if you do not wish to deal with batteries at all, buy a gas cart. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself. Riding around in a golf cart on a lovely evening with your favorite girl is priceless.

[golfnut]

Well said AJ, I too have electric, gas is too noisy and stinky, and that's the bottom line.......gn