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do you put a golf cart in tow when charging the batteries

by Akeem Raynor Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Yes, you can charge your golf cart in tow mode. Though this mode does cause your cart to switch off its computer, that doesn’t mean that it affects the battery or other elements of your cart.

Batteries should be recharged after each day's use. Flip the RUN/TOW switch to "TOW" when charging to avoid damage to the controller. We recommend charging between any usage; if it is feasible to do so. When adding DISTILLED water, do not overfill; this can result in loss of electrolyte.

Full Answer

Can I run my golf cart down to charge the battery?

If you are running to get your mail for 5 minutes every day and throw the charger plug in, you will be doing more harm than running them down a bit more to get more battery discharge before they are recharged. In general, Club Car has manufactured golf carts with two different types of batteries over the last several years.

Will a golf cart charge in tow mode?

Depending upon the amount of time you are away, your golf cart’s battery could still be drained upon your return. If you are ever working with your battery cables, you should ensure tow mode is activated to cut voltage to sensitive electronics. Some will refer to tow mode as storage mode. Will a Golf Cart Charge in Tow Mode?

How do I care for the battery of my golf cart?

Charge the deep-cycle battery fully between two consecutive uses of the golf cart. The battery must complete at least one full cycle before use. Check the water level periodically. Old batteries consume more water just as batteries dry up faster in hot weather. Use only distilled water for replacement. Keep the battery clean and dry all the time.

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Do you charge a golf cart in run or tow?

Your golf cart needs to be charged in Run. Tow should only be used in long term storage or if you are going to remove the battery.

Do golf cart batteries charge in tow mode?

Yes, you can charge your golf cart in tow mode. Though this mode does cause your cart to switch off its computer, that doesn't mean that it affects the battery or other elements of your cart.

What does tow mode do on a golf cart?

Any time the cart is going to be stored for significant periods of time without being attended or charged, the vehicle should first be fully charged, and then the switch should be turned to “TOW”. This will ensure that your charge lasts as long as possible during your absence without the controller draining them.

How do you charge a golf cart?

0:001:04How to charge an electric golf cart! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCharging your electric golf cart. Locate both plugs at the back of the golf cart under the backseat.MoreCharging your electric golf cart. Locate both plugs at the back of the golf cart under the backseat. Plug your charging cable into the port on to the front or middle seat.

What is the best way to charge golf cart batteries?

6:057:14How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo charge each individual battery for a half-hour. And then plug. In your old charger your regularMoreSo charge each individual battery for a half-hour. And then plug. In your old charger your regular golf car charger. And if it clicks on and starts to register voltage.

How do you recharge golf cart batteries?

3:335:42How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on toMoreWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on to the next. One.

How long should it take to charge my golf cart batteries?

Charge your batteries for 8 to 10 hours with the proper style of golf cart battery charger. The best practice is to charge overnight after you are done using your cart for the day. Even if you only used the cart for 5 minutes, you'll want to give the golf cart batteries a good charge.

Can you drive a golf cart while charging?

No. You should turn your golf cart off when charging its batteries. Trying to charge a golf cart while it is running is a pointless exercise, as the battery will be draining while you're trying to charge it. A golf cart should only be turned on once its batteries are fully charged.

How do you put the tow mode on a EZ Go golf cart?

To tow an EZGO golf cart, use the Run-Tow switch to set your golf cart into Tow mode. This will allow you to tow your golf cart. Almost all golf carts have a Run-Tow switch that helps to switch the cart from Run mode to Tow mode and vice versa. The cart must be set to Tow mode when it cannot move with its power.

How do I know if my golf cart is charging?

2:014:02How Do I Read My Golf Cart Charger? | ASK DAVE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut under normal operation. Most will flash or blink during charging and present a solid green lightMoreBut under normal operation. Most will flash or blink during charging and present a solid green light when finished.

How do you charge a 48v golf cart?

0:203:54How To Charge Your Golf Cart Batteries Manually If ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo even if you have a lower amperage. Than this the 12 volt will work and we do have right in frontMoreSo even if you have a lower amperage. Than this the 12 volt will work and we do have right in front of us here a 48 volt golf cart that means that there are literally six batteries.

Should I charge my golf cart after every use?

Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use. Nobody likes to be stranded. It takes several hours to re-charge golf cart batteries that have gone completely dead. To lengthen the lifespan of batteries, make sure they are fully charged before each use.

How to choose a golf cart battery charger?

How to Choose the Best golf Cart Battery Charger. You must choose a battery charger according to the voltage of your cart to prevent the possibility of damage to your batteries. Check the charging receptacle of your golf cart and select your charger accordingly.

How to turn off golf cart battery?

Turn the ignition key of the golf cart to the OFF position. Although there is no battery draw when the key is left on, doing this is considered to be a safe practice.

How to charge a deep cycle golf cart battery?

The following tips give an insight into the effective charging of a deep-cycle battery. Charge the deep-cycle battery fully between two consecutive uses of the golf cart. The battery must complete at least one full cycle before use. Check the water level periodically.

How many volts does a golf cart charger have?

There are about 8 different types of charger plugs that you can find across various golf cart models. While some of plugs are exclusively for either 36 volts or 48 volts carts, others will work with both voltages.

What is the power of a golf cart generator?

The generator can charge the batteries that supply the power to an electric motor responsible for moving the cart. The 48 volts system in a golf cart usually features an onboard computer (OBC) that controls the battery pack charging process and restricts the charging when the cart is moving.

How to keep golf cart from accumulating?

Keep the golf cart where there is good ventilation to prevent gases from accumulating during the charging process.

Why does my golf cart go into tow mode?

Your golf cart usually runs in tow mode when it does not have enough power to get moving on its own. One reason may be that the batteries are old and do not have the same power as new ones. If this happens with new batteries, the most likely reason is that they don’t have enough charge.

How to stop golf cart from draining battery?

The only way to disable this continued drain on the battery is by flipping the tow run switch to tow.

What is tow mode on a golf cart?

In general, a golf cart’s tow mode is activated via a tow run switch, which occasionally is referred to as a tow/ maintenance switch . This switch is common among modern golf carts and is rarely present on older models. The reason for this variance is that tow run switches are only installed on golf carts with a separately excited motor. Normally, a golf cart with this type of motor also possesses the ability for regenerative braking and roll away protection.

What is tow mode?

Tow mode is a mode golf cart manufacturers allow users to enable in case they need to work on the electronics of their golf cart or tow their golf cart. Tow mode will deactivate the computer which cuts voltage to sensitive electronics and any roll away function that will enable the brakes for towing.

Why do you need to make sure your tow run switch is switched to tow?

If you are ever performing battery maintenance or working on your solenoid, you will want to make sure your tow run switch is switched to tow to protect the electronics in case of a short.

Where is the tow switch on a golf cart?

Most likely, the tow run switch for your golf cart is located in the battery compartment. As you are probably aware, this compartment is almost always under a golf cart’s seat. The tow run switch should be in plain sight. Normally the switch will include a diagram that displays which side of the toggle is designated for ‘run’ and which side is designated for ‘tow’. If you are having trouble locating the switch on your golf cart you can look for a ‘warning’ label which is occasionally printed around the tow switch by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Can you charge a golf cart while in tow mode?

The simple answer to this question is, yes, your golf cart will charge while tow mode is activated. Yes, activating tow mode will disable your cart’s computer, but it does not affect your battery or its charging capabilities. However, you can also charge your golf cart while it’s tow maintenance switch is toggled to ‘run’. The difference between charging a golf cart in ‘tow’ mode or ‘run’ mode is very minimal, but it is worth exploring.

Is it better to charge your golf cart in tow mode or run mode?

Therefore, your golf cart’s battery will charge faster and more efficiently. Now, this charging difference may be very minimal between ‘tow’ and ‘ run’ mode, but if you are becoming annoyed with your vehicle’s tendency to constantly need charging you may find charging in ‘tow’ mode to alleviate some frustration.

How to save a golf cart battery from overcharging?

To save your battery from overcharging, you can use an automatic golf cart charger that will shut off once the batteries are fully charged.

What affects battery life of golf cart?

One of the most important things that affect battery life is your purchasing power. Do not buy a charger simply based on lowest cost. Consider the quality of the golf cart charger before buying.

How to save batteries from damage?

Avoid direct heat exposures such as radiators to save your batteries from damage.

Why is water important for batteries?

Add water when the batteries are completely charged. It's important to add water at the right time and in the right amount for optimal performance.

Can changing batteries affect the battery?

However, improperly changing the batteries can surely affect the batteries. The wrong charger can break down the internal battery cells, so make sure to use the charger designed for your batteries.

Can you drive a golf cart on a steep hill?

Driving your golf cart forcefully on the steep hill could leave you stuck and damage your batteries.

Can you leave a golf cart inactive?

Leaving the golf cart inactive for an extended period reduces battery life. Using the batteries in a partial state of charge or storing the discharged batteries may damage them badly.

What voltage do golf carts use?

Outside of specialty carts, most carts operate on a 36V or 48V standard and need a series of cells to supply enough power.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.

How to tell if golf cart has 36V or 48V?

By multiplying these holes by two, you will determine the battery’s voltage. Multiply this number by the total number of batteries installed in your golf cart.

What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?

An underpowered charger will cause a buildup of sulfation on the negative plate, affecting its performance. An overpowered charger causes an accumulation of corrosion on the positive plate. Ideally, you do not want your batteries to die, as charging a dead lead-acid battery can cause strain.

How to keep batteries clean?

Looking to keep your batteries clean? Use a bristle brush and a mild solution to clean the top of each battery. You can also use anti-corrosive solutions and sprays to prevent corrosion, which can be a problem with lead-acid batteries. Alternatively, you can use battery covers.

What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?

Two main electrical quantities you will want to focus on when replacing batteries are voltage and current. Voltage is measured in volts, or “ V ,” and Current is measured in amps, or “ A .”

What is a Deka battery?

Deka Solar Batteries. These batteries are field-proven to be highly durable, with gel electrolytes or absorbed glass mats used to offer more power throughout the battery’s lifetime.

What to do with golf cart batteries in 2021?

June 1, 2021. by Nick Lomas. In terms of maintenance, the most important thing you can do for your golf cart battery is to ensure that its water levels are good. Without enough water, your batteries will eventually dry out and suffer irreversible damage. Fortunately, adding water to your batteries is pretty easy and won’t take too much of your time.

What happens when you recharge a battery?

This water evaporation is a normal part of deep-cycle battery functionality, and when you recharge the battery, the water quantity is usually restored to its optimal amount. However, after a number of charge cycles, or if the cart has not been used for a while, you might notice that the water levels are low even when the battery is not discharged.

What happens when a deep cycle battery is discharged?

When the batteries are discharged, they will consume the electrolytes, causing the water levels to drop. This water evaporation is a normal part of deep-cycle battery functionality, and when you recharge the battery, the water quantity is usually restored to its optimal amount.

Why do you need to refill a battery with water?

You are only required to refill your battery with water in order to maintain the chemical makeup of the battery. However, accidents can happen, and a battery may be tipped or dropped, causing the acid to spill out. If this happens, you will need to replace the sulfuric acid that has been lost.

Why do batteries dry out?

The heat causes the water to evaporate, diminishing your batteries’ access to the crucial electrolytes. When the water levels are low, the battery plates will be exposed to the air for longer than they should be, which will cause them to dry out and flake off. This results in a condition called sulfation.

Why do you need distilled water for batteries?

Instead, you must use distilled water. This is because distilled water is essentially pure water, free of any contaminants that will harm your battery. Now for the process.

Can you overfill a battery?

Take care not to overfill it. An overfilled battery will leak acid, which can be harmful to both you and your battery.

What happens if golf cart batteries are not charged?

If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate and provide less capacity. When there are experienced and inexperienced owners asking the same question, you have to wonder if this question is being addressed by golf cart manufacturers and where the confusion surrounding the questions is sprouting from. ...

How cold should a golf cart battery be?

As we know, it is a pain to uninstall and reinstall golf cart batteries, my recommendation would be to make sure your golf cart is stored above 32 degrees F and keep them charged and maintained throughout winter. This will prolong their life and keep older batteries running for a long time.

Why do golf cart batteries deteriorate?

The main reason would be a concern for the golf cart battery. Manufacturers recommend leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time, but only if using an automatic battery charger. This will keep the batteries topped off and ready to go. If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate ...

What type of batteries does a club car use?

They have produced carts with 48V lead-acid configurations and lithium ion batteries. However, the 48V lead acid carts are the most common. The Club Car guidelines for charging such a cart are as follows:

Can you leave a golf cart plugged in?

In conclusion, the answer to the question at hand is most likely: No, you shouldn’t always leave your cart plugged in when you are not using it. However, depending upon which type of golf cart you have, the proper guidelines from your manufacturer will differ. According to Club Car, you should leave your cart plugged in during storage and let the computer detect when the batteries need a charge. According to E-Z-GO, you can leave your cart charging during storage, but you should consistently check on your power source. And, according to Yamaha, you should remove your batteries from the cart completely.

Can you leave RXV on charger?

We throw our RXV on this charger and are able to leave it plugged in and it will automatically top off the batteries if need be.

Can you leave a battery charger plugged in?

The battery chargers can be left plugged in during prolonged storage, if the charger is plugged into an active electrical source. If the electrical source is not consistent, you should not leave the battery chargers plugged in , for the battery charger will automatically continue to address the battery pack.

How to charge a golf cart battery?

Fill all of the battery cells to the proper levels. Remove the battery tops and use distilled water to raise the water levels in the battery cells to cover the plates. Electrolyte levels in your golf cart batteries are critical, especially when cold weather hits and you need to maintain a full charge to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. ...

What is a tow/run switch on a golf cart?

The Tow/Run switch is only installed on a golf car with a separately excited motor that produces regenerative braking. This uses a small amount of power even when the key is off and can take a full charge If your cart has this switch, Set it to “Tow” and set the parking brake.

What is the difference between a fully charged and uncharged battery?

An uncharged battery has a much higher freeze point than a charged battery. A fully charged battery has a freezing point around -80 °F while a discharged battery has a freezing point around 20 °F. Electrolyte expansion during cold weather can crack the battery case, causing complete battery failure.

How to revive a frozen battery?

First, bring the battery inside and thaw it out, then hook it to an automotive charger that is equipped with clamps to put on the terminals. Set the charger on the lowest charge rate setting and charge the battery for around an hour.

How do batteries self discharge?

Batteries need to be dry and cleaned of any corrosion and dirt. Batteries can self-discharge by a small trickle of current slowly discharging your batteries through conductive debris.

What is a golf cart?

Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf...

Can you leave a golf cart plugged in?

You can leave your golf cart plugged in all the time as long as the charger is an automatic unit that comes on when the charge level drops. Batteries naturally self-discharge, and if you cannot bring your golf cart inside, then you are left with two options: Monitor the state of charge on the batteries during colder temperatures, or disconnect them and bring them into the garage.

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