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what type of charger do you need for a golf cart

by Prof. Ivory McLaughlin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If you have a 36-volt golf cart, you need a 36-volt charger. If you have a 48-volt golf cart, you need a 48-volt charger. If you do not know the voltage of your golf cart, click here: How Many Volts Does My Golf Cart Have? You need to choose the golf cart charger with the plug that goes into your golf cart.

Full Answer

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

PROS:

  • This product is designed in a fully automatic manner so that it can easily charge a golf cart battery.
  • This is great for golf carts – and can be used for many other different batteries, which may be important to some consumers.
  • This charger was designed with reverse polarity protection.
  • There is a power on, power off, and fully charged indication.

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How do you use a golf cart Charger?

You may have to do a few modifications:

  • Replace the engine of your electric golf cart with a gas engine that has a generator fitted on it. ...
  • 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.
  • You can adjust the connections to override the OBC. ...

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How do you charge a golf cart?

  • Do not fully charge a lithium-based battery, unlike a lead-based one.
  • Charge the battery when the cart is turned off – this will ensure the cart reaches saturation point as expected
  • Do not charge the cart under extreme temperatures, either too cold or too hot.
  • Follow manufacturers’ instructions on charging the battery

How long should you charge golf carts?

The following steps can help you with your golf cart battery maintenance. Charge the batteries continuously for 8 to 10 hours, preferably overnight, using a compatible charger. This ensures that the batteries have at least a 20% charge when you charge the next.

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Do all golf carts use the same charger?

No. You must match volts to volts. A 36V cart requires a 36 volt golf cart charger. A 48V cart requires a 48 volt golf cart charger.

Do you need a special plug for a golf cart?

DOES A GOLF CART REQUIRE A SPECIAL OUTLET FOR CHARGING, AND CAN I LEAVE IT PLUGGED IN? Your Club Car will plug into a regular 3 Prong, 110 Volt outlet, and will cut off when it reaches full charge.

Can I charge my golf cart with a car charger?

These batteries are designed to be discharged almost completely and repeatedly with low loss in performance. Golf carts usually come with their own charger, however a car charger can also be used to charge a golf cart. The trick is matching the voltage of the charger to the voltage of the batteries.

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

#1. Lester Electric ChargersThis battery charger is also fully sealed and completely waterproof making it durable and weather resistant. ... The MODZ Max is one of the few battery chargers that works with an onboard computer and can charge systems with six, 8-volt or six, 12-volt batteries.More items...•

Can you charge a 48 volt golf cart with a 36 volt charger?

No, should not use a 48 volt charger on a 36 volt golf cart. A 36v cart uses 12 volts for each phase (or leg) of its power system, while the 48v cart uses 24 volts per leg. That means that if you try to charge your vehicle with too high voltage, it can fry the electronics on your golf cart.

How do I charge my 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.

Can I charge my golf cart in my garage?

0:432:32How much should I charge my cart? | ASK DAVE | Golf Cart GarageYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnline can help you know how capable it may be or how often you should use it deep cycle batteriesMoreOnline can help you know how capable it may be or how often you should use it deep cycle batteries that power golf carts are best maintained when they're kept fully charged during downtime.

Can you hook a car battery to a golf cart?

Can You Use Regular Car Batteries in a Golf Cart? The short answer is yes. Standard car batteries are 12-volts, and you could connect three or four of them in series to provide the required 36 or 48 volts to your golf cart motor.

How long does it take to charge a 48 volt golf cart?

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.

What amp charger do I need for a 48 volt golf cart?

48 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger 6 amp With 3 Pin Charge Plug For Club Car.

Are all club car chargers the same?

Club Car Golf Carts older than 2000 can be 36v or 48v systems and will have either a crowsfoot connector or a round three pin connector. All club cars newer than 2000 usually have the round one. Though two different types of chargers use the round three pin connector.

Can I charge my golf cart outside?

Other tips include disconnecting the charger as soon as the battery is charged, not charging batteries overnight and providing plenty of ventilation while charging the battery by opening the garage door or placing the golf cart outside.

Identify the Voltage

The first step in knowing what charger to buy is identifying the cart’s voltage. Now, this may sound crazy, but a little math is involved in the process. First, vehicle owners should lift up the front seat of their cart to check out the batteries. Next, look at how many holes are on the battery.

What Type Is Needed?

Fear not, everyone—that’s the only math needed to complete this task. The next tip on how to choose the right golf cart battery charger is to identify which type of batteries works with which charger models. As previously mentioned, there are various models of golf cart batteries on the market.

Where is the charging plug on a golf cart?

Connect charging plug to the cart’s charging outlet – the charging outlet can be located on the exterior of the cart or underneath the seat. Leave the charger connected until the battery is fully charged – not allowing your battery to fully charge might reduce its lifespan.

How long does it take to charge an electric golf cart?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 10 hours to fully charge your electric golf cart. This is assuming the battery is nearly discharged. The exact time it will take depends on the age of your batteries and the type of charger you use. Generally, you can expect older batteries to take longer to charge (5+ hours).

What does a red light on a battery charger mean?

Others have indicator lights to let you know. For example, a red light might mean that the battery still needs to be charged while a green light usually indicates it is fully charged.

Can you charge a golf cart with a generator?

Most people choose to use a simple wall outlet from their home. If your golf cart is usually stored somewhere where this is not an option, you can also use a generator. ***Make sure you charge your cart in a well-ventilated area.

Can you overcharge a golf cart battery?

If you frequently run your cart until the battery is nearly dead, it will damage the battery and can significantly shorten its lifespan. On the other hand, it’s important not to overcharge your electric golf cart battery as repetitive over-charging can also lead to battery damage.

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 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.

How many volts should a wet cell battery be charged to?

A typical wet-cell lead-acid battery should be charged to about 14+ volts. Some manufacturers allow their batteries to support a maximum charging voltage of 14.3 volts. A sealed battery like a gel battery must generally not be charged beyond 14.1 volts. You may want to check whether the manufacturer offers a variation.

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.

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.

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 long does it take for a 5 year old battery to charge?

On the other hand, a 5 year old battery may take up to 10 hours to fully charge. With a good charger, you should be able to get your cart on the move with a few hours of charging. The charging time depends on various factors and following the right steps can help you get the best out of your battery.

How many batteries are in an electric cart?

Your electric cart will accommodate either 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. If you are not able to determine if it’s a 36V or a 48V electrical drive system, lift the cart seat so you can bring the battery compartment into view. You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

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

What is amps in a car?

Amperage is akin to a gas tank in a car. Amps will determine how far the cart travels, and for how long, on a single charge. The more amps a battery generates, the further you’ll be able to drive. If you take your cart out for extended periods, this may be problematic.

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.

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 are AMG batteries?

Also called absorbent glass mat batteries, these are different from their lead-acid counterparts – the electrolyte is held in the glass mats as opposed to it free floating. These tend to hold their charges better than lead-acid batteries. Deka Solar Batteries.

Can a golf cart battery fit into a car?

Did you know, while golf cart batteries work similarly to a car’s battery, their maintenance, requirements, and standards are different. Research indicates it is not a wise choice to manipulate car batteries to fit into a golf cart.

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 long do golf cart batteries last?

Golf cart batteries generally last for 4 to 5 years. After 4 to 5 years, if you find your batteries not working correctly, it may be time to replace them with new batteries. For a new set of batteries, browse through our wide selection here: https://www.golfcartgarage.com/golf-cart-batteries/. #Batteries. #Troubleshooting.

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.

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 the radio on in a golf cart?

Leaving the accessories 'ON' for a long time can affect the battery life (i.e. , leaving the radio or lights on in an idle golf cart). Always remember to shut off all the accessories before leaving the golf cart.

Should golf cart batteries be charged when running low?

Driving Until it Dies. Do not believe that golf cart batteries should be charged only when running low. If you drive your golf cart today, charge the batteries. Leaving golf cart batteries until they get too low will damage them, just like overcharging.

How to charge a golf cart?

Step 1. Buy an electric golf cart battery charger from your cart manufacturer or a local retailer if your golf cart purchase did not come with one. Step 2. Plug the battery charger plug into a wall socket or other equivalent power source. Then, insert the charger plug into the golf cart's charging receptacle. Step 3.

How many amps should a golf cart battery charger read?

Verify the amperage readout on your battery charger. This should read in the vicinity of 21 amps. If your charger has visible lights, they will flash red if the golf cart batteries require charging and green if their discharge level is not significant.

How to eliminate sulfation in golf cart batteries?

Eliminate sulfation and stratification in your golf cart's batteries by conducting an equalization charge once a month. To do this, you select the equalization mode on your battery charger before connecting to your golf cart.

What happens if you don't charge your cart batteries?

If you do not allow the charger to fully charge your cart's batteries it can result in unbalanced batteries that will have to be replaced sooner than normal. Step 5.

Is electric golf carts good for the environment?

The use of electric golf carts has expanded beyond the golf course to include home and commercial use. The reduced daily operating cost and benefit to the environment have only served to make electric carts more popular.

How many volts does a golf cart have?

There is a major difference between 36 volt up to 48 volt systems, impacting both performance and potential upkeep and maintenance costs. Hint: some batteries are much more expensive ...

What is the amperage of a golf cart?

Golf Cart Battery Amps. Amperage can be considered akin to the fuel in a gas-powered engine. Similar to a tank of gas, the amount of amperage will dictate how far you can drive your cart on a single electric charge.

What does voltage mean in a battery pack?

Voltage represents how much power your system will be delivered, resulting in increased ability to tow, carry more weight, and accelerate faster.

Does a golf cart battery need to be recharged?

In this regard, a higher voltage (although more powerful) often comes at a cost. That cost is that it can burn through more amps faster, draining the golf cart battery quicker, and requiring you to recharge more frequently.

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