why do club car golf carts require conversion hubs when installing bigger tires

by Edmund Marks Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Because the tires weigh more and have a bigger circumference, more power is required fr om the engine to drive them. With a large tire size, it can feel like you’re riding in a higher gear at all times. To compensate for this torque loss, you can install a clutch kit and/or gear reduction kit.

Full Answer

What is the Max tire size on a club car golf cart?

What is the Max Tire Size on Non-Lifted Club Cars? Stock Club Car golf carts without a lift can fit 18.5” tires. Here’s a link to our Club Car Tires for reference. What is the max tire size on a lifted Club Car? 3" Lift - Up to 20" Tire. 4" Lift - Up to 22" Tire. 5" Lift - Up to 23" Tire. 6" Lift - Up to 23" Tire

How do tire sizes affect the performance of a golf cart?

Keep in mind that bigger tires and added weight adversely affect the golf carts performance. A change in tire size equals a change in final gear ratio. Gear ratio changes directly influence the amount of load put on the motor and drive system.

Can I use my golf cart on the golf course?

If you have meaty tires on your cart, chances are the golf course won’t approve. These tires tend to leave massive ruts, and can tear up a course quickly if it’s wet. If you plan to use your golf cart on a golf course, then you’ll need “turf approved” tires.

Which golf carts will accept low profile tires without a lift?

All Club Car, EZ-GO and Yamaha golf carts will accept 8, 10, 12, and 14 inch low-profile tires without a lift kit. Check out some options on Low Profile Tires.

Can you put larger tires on a golf cart?

Lifted golf carts can fit ANY 8” tire, low profile OR high profile. In addition, lifted golf carts can fit any high profile tire measuring at 10”, 12” or 14”. Lifted carts will be able to take 20", 22", 23" and in some cases 24" all terrain tires.

How much faster will a golf cart go with larger tires?

Larger tires, for example, tires over 20”, with give you a very noticeable increase in speed. Most drivers report they get an extra 4mph with larger golf cart tires installed.

How big of tires can you put on a stock golf cart?

Non-lifted (stock) Club Car golf carts can fit any 18" tall all terrain tires (18x8-8" or 18x8-10") max without a lift kit. Any taller tires (20x10-10, 20x10-12, 23x10. 5-12, etc.) will require a lift kit.

What do wheel spacers do on a golf cart?

Golf Cart Wheel Spacers Wheel spacers help with: Eliminating tire rubbing on your inner wheel wells, after installing wider golf cart tires (mainly all terrain tires) Giving your cart more stability / a wider stance after adding a lift kit to your golf cart. Pushing center-offset wheels out away from your cart.

Does a lifted golf cart go faster?

Additional Options for More Speed Some golf cart owners with a true need for speed will opt to use a lift kit or block lift so that they may install even larger tires. This may add a bit of expense, but a lot of extra speed.

How do you make a golf cart go faster?

6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart FasterAdd More Torque to Your Golf Cart.Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.Add Better Golf Cart Tires.Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.

What size wheels are on a Club Car golf cart?

Golf cart wheels come in 4 standard diameters: 8”, 10”, 12”, and 14”.

How can I make my Gas Club Car golf cart go faster?

How to Make Your Gas-Powdered Golf Cart Faster [Updated, 2022]1 Use A Better Golf Cart Battery.2 Increase Torque.3 Upgrade the Golf Cart Motor.4 Install a Torque Converter.5 Install a Higher-Performance Clutch.6 Tweak The Governor.7 Install A Cold Air Intake.8 Get Bigger Golf Cart Tires.More items...•

How do I make my golf cart ride smoother?

How to Make a Golf Cart Ride SmootherCorrect Tire Pressure. ... Replace Worn Out Shocks and Struts. ... Check the Fluid and Filter. ... Replace the Clutch. ... Flat Spot in Tire. ... Tire Damaged or Out of Line. ... Worn Out Suspension Bushings. ... Check Your Lift/Tire Combo.More items...

How can I make my golf cart more stable?

Drop Spindle kits are used to replace and increase the golf cart spindle size and length. This can give your golf cart a wider stance, and increase the stability. The wider stance is perfect for those looking to fit those big off-set wheels on your cart, which in turn, can allow you to add wider and taller tires.

How do I widen my golf cart?

0:029:09Golf Cart Stretch Kit | TruckU Tech Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's no welding involved all you have to do is make the cuts. And drill the holes in the rightMoreThere's no welding involved all you have to do is make the cuts. And drill the holes in the right places. And everything will go from there so first. One you need to make is at five and a half inches.

What are wheel spacers?

Wheel spacers are aftermarket parts used to change the bolt pattern of a wheel and widen the wheel offset. Wheel spacers adapters are used when the wheel offset is not ideal for the final handling you want.

How can I make my EZ Go gas golf cart faster?

One way to increase the speed of EZ Go golf carts is to incorporate an octane booster when you fill the tank. The cart will have more pick-up, and it could gain as much as 5 mph. A different approach is to take out the throttle linkage governor on the carburetor.

How do you make a gas golf cart go faster?

Why rotate golf cart tires?

Rotate Tires Regularly - Uneven weight differences between the front and rear of the golf cart can cause wear and tear. Keeping your tires rotated periodically keeps them as even as can be, thus cutting down on the wear and tear. This is best for golf cart tires.

What size tires can a golf cart fit?

What is a dot tire?

A DOT golf cart tire is a tire that is approved by the Department of Transportation for legal use on highways. DOT approved golf cart tires have street tread patterns. These golf cart tires come in several different sizes to fit 8”, 10”, 12”, and 14” golf cart wheels.

What is an all terrain golf cart tire?

An all terrain golf cart tire is just another term for a high profile tire or off road tire. See above for more on high profile tires and click here for some big All Terrain Tires.

How to remove lug nuts from golf cart?

The first thing you’ll want to do is slide a small floor jack under the chassis of the golf cart to raise it up slightly. Next, remove the lug nuts using the proper socket size and pull the wheel off of the lug studs. From there, you’ll need to use a valve stem tool to remove the valve from the tire stem.

What is a high profile tire?

High profile tires, also known as all terrain tires, are generally thicker and made to fit any golf cart that IS lifted (aga in, no lift kit installed). A high profile tire can be bought in several different sizes as well (8”, 10”, 12” & 14”). All Club Car EZGO and Yamaha golf carts will accept an 8” high-profile golf cart tire without a lift kit.

How long do golf cart tires last?

Generally, golf cart tires last 2-3 years. Here are a few things that will help to prolong the life of your golf cart tires: 1 Proper Ply/Tread - Make sure that you’re selecting the proper ply/tread for the terrain where you’ll be driving. For example, you won’t want to buy 2 ply tires if you’re going offroading. 2 Rotate Tires Regularly - Uneven weight differences between the front and rear of the golf cart can cause wear and tear. Keeping your tires rotated periodically keeps them as even as can be, thus cutting down on the wear and tear. This is best for golf cart tires.

Allows for Larger Tires

One of the most common reasons cart owners decide to get a golf cart is that they need the extra space to accommodate large tires. Basic cart models will typically come with 10-inch inch tires. They won’t have room to install something much bigger.

Improves Suspension

The basic suspension in a standard cart can handle travel on paved paths and manicured golf courses. So, if you plan on taking your cart off-road on dirt paths, you’ll want to improve the suspension. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a very bumpy ride. A block lift kit won’t be too much help.

Increases Clearance Beneath Cart

If you’re taking your cart off-roading, you’ll also need a lift kit to help you get clearance over any debris that could be on the paths. Sticks, rocks, and other obstacles could severely damage the bottom of the cart’s chassis. You can simply drive over this debris without worrying about damaging your vehicle with a lift kit.

What is a golf cart tire?

A golf cart part that would be essential to installing bigger, meatier golf cart tires. A golf cart accessory that would make it a breeze to bump on over rougher more rugged terrain without fear of “bottoming out” while carrying back seat passengers (which, of course makes the golf cart heavier than if you had a few golf bags or a cooler in ...

Why do golf carts need lift kits?

Many golf cart owners and golf cart enthusiasts are turning to lift kits, not just because they are necessary if you plan on adding larger tires or carrying an extra amount of weight , but also because they make the golf cart look totally rugged and awesome. Some folks do it for actual workability on rugged terrain and some folks just do it for show.

What parts do you need for a golf cart lift kit?

There are several parts that we recommend replacing and/or adding while you are down there adding your golf cart lift kit and one that we ALWAYS recommend is: Heavy Duty Leaf Springs: This may be a no-brainer, but Heavy Duty Golf Cart Leaf Springs are essential. If you are planning on adding bigger tires and a lift kit, ...

Where is the habitat of golf carts?

For decades upon decades, the elusive habitat for a golf cart was really any climate from the Arctic Circle to the equator, just as long as the ground was, for the most part grassy, sprawling/rolling hills with a few low-impact paths that connected on relatively flat surface to another, in couplings of eighteen or nine.

Do you need leaf springs for a cart?

If you are planning on adding bigger tires and a lift kit, to prepare for driving on more rough and rugged terrain, all while carrying more weight, then you will definitely want to get a set of heavy duty leaf springs to throw on your cart. They are super easy for regular folks to install and can be replaced within a short amount of time.

Do you need to overhaul your golf cart?

This means that you must overhaul the underbelly of your golf cart to give way for extra width and height of your new tires. As you can imagine, this can become a pretty involved task/project and generally requires the assistance of a golf cart tech or service depot, especially if you do not have the tools necessary or the knowledge to get ...

Do golf carts have predators?

Yes, you guessed right! These things were called “Greens” and they were a part of a system of tee boxes, ponds, sand traps and fairways. Essentially, your basic, run of the mill golf course. However, golf carts, much like most other species that are invasive, had no predator to be concerned about and there, was born an expansion into back-country ...

How does a golf cart's gear ratio affect the performance?

How many wires are in a golf cart?

These carts have a run / tow switch which cuts power to the controller. There are 10-26 small wires connected to the speed controller. Keep in mind that bigger tires and added weight adversely affect the golf carts performance.

What is a series drive golf cart?

All golf carts made prior to 1995 are series drive. The series drive carts are known as the workhorses of the golf cart world. Series carts produce more torque and less speed than their Sepex drive cousins. They are the first choice for off-road use and towing.

How many cables are in a series drive?

There are 13 or 14 high amperage cables in a series drive. The high amperage passing from the battery pack to the motor goes through all 13 or 14 of these cables when you ask the cart to go. All of these cables and every component they are connected to need to be upgraded when putting in a larger speed control.

What is a golf cart lift kit?

Golf Cart Lift Kits come in several types and lift sizes depending on your make of cart. The most common lifts are spindle and drop axle. Recently long travel adjustable lifts have taken golf cart lifts to a whole new level! These truly amazing lifts allow you to be in control of your carts height and easily change it to suit your needs.

Why do tires roll faster on flat ground?

When you increase the overall height of your tires you may gain a little top-end speed when on flat ground, due to larger tires rolling further with each revolution. More strain is put on your motor or engine to move the larger tires the same amount of rotations it was moving the smaller tires.

What is an adjustable tire kit?

An adjustable kit will give you the freedom to drop your cart down and swap your tires when you want to play a round. All terrain tires are designed to be used both on and off road, however you will wear them down faster on pavement and the ride is not all the time pleasant.

Why are larger tires better for climbing?

More work combined with the strain to rotate the larger tires will greatly reduce your climbing speed and load carrying torque.

Do lifts come with bigger tires?

Along with most lifts come bigger tires. Since all carts were designed with a specified tire size to work efficiently with the gear ratio in the differential, increasing tire size will affect your carts performance in several ways:

Does a lift raise your cart?

A lift will not only raise your cart it will raise your center of gravity as well. Your driving habits will need to be adjusted in response, the chances of rolling or flipping a cart increase with any lift or whenever the center of gravity is raised.

Can you lift a golf cart?

If your cart is primarily used on a course or the street, you should either not lift it or go with an adjustable long travel kit. Golf courses do not allow aggressive tread or all terrain tires due to the damage they cause to turf.

Why do golf carts have wider stances?

This can give your golf cart a wider stance, and increase the stability. The wider stance is perfect for those looking to fit those big off-set wheels on your cart, which in turn, can allow you to add wider and taller tires.

What is double take golf cart?

Double Take is another well known company in the golf cart industry, leading the way for aftermarket parts for your custom cart. They offer lift kits, body kits, wheels, and tires. They also have a color matching system so you can design your custom cart to stand out from the rest.

What golf carts have 20" tires?

Yamaha is another golf cart brand that has very little space for upgraded tires on stock models. The only exception would be their G29 (DRIVE), which can handle 20″ tires without installing a lift kit.

What is the best lift for a golf cart?

4″ Lifts. If you are looking for 4 inches specifically, then a block lift is going to be your best option. These are the easiest to install, tend to be affordable, and still allow you to add taller, beefier tires to your custom golf cart.

How does a drop axle lift work?

The way a drop axle lift works, is they add a longer stock radius, which then tapers down to the spindles already attached to the golf cart. This can increase the axle height, and allows you to replace the whole front axel without having to mess with your spindles.

Who makes lift kits for golf carts?

All Sports is another reputable company for golf cart aftermarket parts. They offer lift kits for all of the main golf cart manufacturers, including MOKE America. They have a great selection of lift types and sizes, making sure that you get exactly what you want for your custom golf cart.

Do club cars have lift kits?

If you’re in the market for something meatier, then you’ll definitely need a lift kit.

Golf Cart Wheels

Like all types of vehicles, golf carts need wheels. Finding the right wheel size is just as important as finding the right tire type, or else your chosen tires will not fit properly. You can also get wheel caps that protect your rims from wear and tear and things like mud. Properly sized wheels can also improve the lifespan of your tires.

Golf Cart Tires

Choosing an appropirate tire for your golf cart is just as important as chosing a wheel that you like.

What can extend the wheelbase of a golf cart?

If you want to extend the wheelbase of your golf cart, what can give your golf cart the stance you prefer is none other than the wheel spacers. Majority of the wheel spacers that are available in the market are cast from solid aluminum, made especially to add durability and for added strength.

What are the lug nuts on golf tires?

Lug Nuts and Center Caps. Most of the golf tire car manufacturers have lug nuts and center caps which comes in a variety of colors and size s. Reputable and reliable golf car tire stores often stock the most trustworthy and the best manufacturer of these tire and rims combo.

How big of tires do you need for a plain jain golf cart?

You can dress-up your plain-Jain golf cart by using 14-inch, 12-inch, 10-inch, or 8-inch tires and wheels. Bigger tires are available for golf carts which were lifted by lift kits.

What is the tread pattern on a golf cart?

One of the most common golf cart tire tread is directional. You have to be extra careful in mounting these kinds of tires and in placing them on the appropriate sides so that you’ll allow the treads to rotate in a forward manner. Another common tread pattern is called sand tires.

Why are sand paddles on a tire?

Sand responds differently from challenging terrains. The paddles on the tire are specifically designed to afford maximum traction since sand has a good chance of moving and sliding. Knobby tires are manufactured in hundreds of dissimilar tread designs and patterns.

Why is tire pressure important?

According to Fuel Economy, Tire pressure is very crucial to preserve the longevity of the tire’s life. The appropriate tire pressure is usually provided and visible on the tire’s sidewall and will change on the models and brands of golf cart tires.

How much air pressure should I use for a golf cart?

As little air pressure as 12 to 15 PSI is used for added traction. Always remember that the greater the tire pressure, the higher the risk of the golf cart to roll. Additionally, the greater the tire pressure, the stiffer the riding convenience and the faster premature tire wear.

How fast can a golf cart go?

Most golf carts are designed to go about 15 miles per hour. It doesn’t take a lot to stop a relatively light vehicle at that speed. It also depends on. A few easy upgrades can have you exceeding 25 miles per hour, though.

Why do you need disc brakes?

Other reasons to consider disc brakes are for trail riding. For the most part, as long as you don’t get into any wicked descents or types of terrains that don’t allow your rear wheels good contact, you should be fine on drums.

Do golf carts have disc brakes?

It’s possible that if you bought a golf cart specifically designed for trail usage or racing, you might have disc brakes, but most likely, you’re gonna need to install them yourself if you want them.

Do you need disc brakes on a golf cart?

Disc brakes really only become necessary if you plan to use your golf cart on a more technical trail where your brakes are needed for harsh descents, or if you modify your golf cart to be faster or more powerful than your stock drums can handle. It’s possible that if you bought a golf cart specifically designed for trail usage or racing, ...

Can you sell a conversion kit off another vehicle?

Pulling a conversion kit off another vehicle is always fun, as you can always just put your old brakes on that one and try to sell it to make your money back, or have a parts golf cart in case anything on your primary golf cart messes up.

Do Yamaha golf carts have brakes?

Your Yamaha, E-Z-GO, or Club Car golf cart was designed with drum brakes, because they can handle any application of your stock golf cart. However, rear only drum brakes don’t provide the most stopping power or responsive speed control. They’ll stop your golf cart within a reasonably safe distance and help you slow down for turns when you need to, ...