Convert to car batteries

[holdem]

Hello,
My cart is in need of batteries. I only use it for short rides. I'm interested in converting it over so I can use car batteries instead of cart batteries. Just looking to save $. Not sure where to begin and also wonder if my charger will work. Thanks.

 

[illushinz]

I'm no guru on batteries, but my understanding is that a starting battery (typical automotive) and a deep-cycle battery (golf cart, fishing trolling motor, etc) are designed very differently and do not provide the same operating cycles.

A starting battery typically outputs a higher amperage than a deep cycle, but is designed to only do that for a very short amount of time. They are not designed for multiple and deep discharge/recharge cycles.

A deep-cycle battery has much thicker plates and is designed for a continuous draw to almost completely drained, and then recharged. While you may get use from a normal battery for a while, I don't think you'd be very happy in the long run. I also have no idea if the increase in available amperage would be cool (speed/torque) or if it would just damage your electrical components.

Check out this page from batterystuff.com. Great descriptions and definitions, especially with reference to the differences between CCA and AH ratings for starting batteries and deep cycle batteries.

Good luck!!!

 

[dougmcp]

You could use 3 deep cycle marine batteries with your cart and charger.
Be warned, your run time and battery life expectancy will suffer.

 

[shadowman]

your better off buying a cheap set of golfcart batts, just make sure you break them in right and stay on top of the maintence you might get 5 or 6 years ........................................

 

[dougmcp]

I agree but a cheap set of batteries is going to run $450, you can buy 3x12v deep cycle marines for $250. Will they run 1/2 the distance, yes. Will they only last a few years, who knows, depends on the maintenance and how far you run them down.

 

[holdem]

Thanks for the tips. Any try the marine batteries?

 

[shadowman]

all i can say is everyone i know who uses their cart regular were all very unhappy with deep cycle batts......they wish they would have not went that route................................