9 TIPS TO PREVENT GOLF CART THEFT December 2021 Issue 19
A WIDE RIDE
GOLFCARTING.COM
COVER STORY
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 1121 PARK WEST BLVD B214 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29466
WE CHAT WITH THE GOLF CART MAFIA
PAGE 14
CONTENTS ISSUE 19 DECEMBER 2021
FEATURES
14 COVER STORY: E-Z-LOW A WIDE RIDE 20 CARTING IN RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES 32 COMPANY PROFILE: THE GOLF CART MAFIA 36 9 TIPS TO PREVENT GOLF CART THEFT 44 DEALER PROFILE: CAROLINA GOLF CARS DEPARTMENTS
08 EDITOR'S NOTE 28 LET'S GET SOCIAL 42 GOLF CARTING NATION 48 ASK THE MECHANIC 50 READER'S RIDES 8 www.GolfCarting.com
Merry Christmas from Golf Carting Magazine
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t’s the holiday season again this year and unlike December 2020, we may be breathing a sigh of relief. We are not as concerned about traveling to see loved ones. For many of us, this year we may get to hug mom and dad. Children may be able to open presents with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. For Christians around the world, like myself, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus – the true meaning of the holiday. For non-Christians, Christmas means something different. In the words of Bart Simpson, “Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know, the birth of Santa.” Regardless of your religious beliefs, I like what Bill Murray said about Christmas: “It's Christmas Eve. ... It's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer; we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be.” It’s been a tough couple of years and we are still embroiled in a lot of turmoil. Indeed, we in 2021 have faced hardship. But every generation has suffered troubling times. Yet there is something about this time of year – Christmas — where we can focus on the grace, salvation, redemption and hope that is found in the
holiday if we choose to accept it. Perhaps this Christmas, for a few hours, or a few days, or even for a few weeks we can be the people that we always hoped we would be. Merry Christmas from Golf Carting Magazine!
Trevor Rose Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
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GOLF CARTING // Issue 19 // December 2021
Publisher: Senior Editor: Creative Director: Production Director: Staff Writer: Staff Writer:
GC Media Group, LLC Trevor Rose - trevor@golfcarting.com Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com Kelly Madden Josh Delsota
Golf Carting® is published monthly by GC Media Group, LLC. Reprinting in whole or by any means- electronic, graphic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems is forbidden without written permission from the publisher.
Advertising opportunities and inquiries to: chris@golfcarting.com Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors contact us first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage, and we assume no responsibility for damage or loss of material. Manuscripts must be typewritten, and all photos have to have captions. Photo model releases of all people in photos must accompany manuscript. GOLF CARTING reserves the right to use material, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet publication requirements. E-mail contributions or inquiries to:
trevor@golfcarting.com WARNING: Certain action photographs depicted in this magazine are potentially dangerous. The drivers and vehicle occupants seen in our photos are experienced professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts. Wear a helmet and safety restraints while operating a Golf Cart, and never drive beyond your capabilities. Do not drink and drive while operating a Golf Cart. We also encourage you to “Tread Lightly” while respecting the outdoors and other outdoor enthusiasts. Use your head and enjoy the ride. ©2020 GC Media Group, LLC
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COVER STORY
14 www.GolfCarting.com
A WIDE RIDE BY TROY MERRIFIELD
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uch as anything we are into, when we see something that excites us, it is a great catharsis for many. When I first saw this cart on the Extreme Golf Carting Facebook group, I contacted the owner right away in hopes to feature the cart in the magazine. I love anything on wheels low, lifted or just plain unique. This cart pushed two of my vehicle “love” buttons. This unique masterpiece is the creation of Matt Townsend from Murrieta, CA. Matt cut his teeth in the ‘90s building mini trucks that were all the rage GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 15
in that era. He developed his knowledge of building air suspension for lowered trucks, fabbed custom chassis and would also dabble in custom lift kits. Even though the mini truck scene is heating up again as of recently, Matt decided that golf carts would be a cheaper alternative than the rare and expensive trucks of the past. Most vintage carts -- such as Matt’s 1978 E-Z-GO Marathon -- have bodies that are mainly built out of metal as well as the chassis. For older carts such as this, finding aftermarket bodies to upgrade the look is impossible. Spraying some color on the classic sheet metal freshens up the cart in a big way, but it has been done a cornucopia of different flavors. Aftermarket accessories are as rare as a wild Chupacabra, leaving any added style benefit mostly to wheels, tires and upholstery. For a creative soul such as Matt, these options where not on the agenda. Instead, he would venture on a 10-month journey sculpting his vision into a reality. Starting with a 2020 E-Z-GO body provided by Prestige Golf Cars in Murrieta, CA, he sectioned the body down the middle, adding 4” to the total width of the cart. Why, you ask? This would give Matt the ability to lower the cart without the need to narrow the rear-end or modify the front suspension. This modification is typical of carts that have a custom fabricated suspension with the use of air bags to raise and lower the cart. The idea is to provide the cart’s body enough room so that the wheels 16 www.GolfCarting.com
tuck in. A body that is 4” wider will provide the same outcome without extensive metal customization. But the benefits don’t stop there. With additional width, a console could be incorporated into the center of the cart
without encroaching on the driver or passenger’s limited side-to-side seat space. The console would flow from the seat and move upward to the custom dash housing cup holders, a Kicker head unit, 6-1/2” Kicker speakers and Kicker tweeters. A 1,200-watt amp would give his favorite playlist crisp sound and the Kicker Freeair Marine Subwoofer would bark out the base. The front seat bottom would be custom built to accommodate the extra width. A set of seatbacks were also custom built by Cezar Reza and everything was wrapped with a double stitch diamond pattern to finish off the upholstery. Moving to the rear of the cart, Matt was able to showcase some of his creativity and metal fabrication skills. He went with a cantilever-style suspension which offers a plusher ride and saves space, which is perfect for compact areas on golf carts. By introducing pivot points between the airbag, axle and chassis, you can gain suspension travel and mount the suspension components almost anywhere you like. For the E-Z-LOW, space is tight in front of the axle, so moving it behind the axle (reverse) gave him the available space he needed. This also was perfect to show off the suspension and upped
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the cool factor of the overall look of the cart. This is a one-off 3-link reverse cantilever air ride suspension that we have yet to see on a bagged cart. Matt cut out some stylized metal fins that would be the supports for the upper shocks and the top of the air bags. A 450 Viair compressor would provide more than ample pressure to a fill 3-gallon on-board tank for quick bag inflation. Routed through 8 Airslamit solenoids/valves breathed life to the chassis’ ground and sky movement with engineered prowess. Cleaning up the rear of the cart, a rolled sheet metal cover introduced some style and contrast to the color scheme. The front suspension was a lighter modification that reined in easier than the rear suspension. A few custom metal supports attached to the front side chassis hanging down, and a few on the top of the front axle, with the air bags sandwiched in between the front setup was near completion. Routing air lines and mounting the solenoids/valves would finish off the front air-ride suspension. For rolling mass, Matt went with 14” MODS Assault wheels on all 4 corners wrapped with 205/30-14 Arisun Cruze 4-ply tires. This tire and wheel combo is the perfect height and
width for this cart’s application, in my opinion. It allows the cart to be dropped low enough and keeps that tucked-in look that I personally love. The black wheels work perfectly for the current putty grey paint color trend. For lighting, a basic OEM light kit was chosen. It has just the essentials – LED head lights & taillights. After these photos were taken, Matt added some FAR Mudding halo lights (www.
farmudding.com). This should add some additional color interest, and some underbody lights would really finish this cart off nicely. Overall, the E-Z-LOW cart is a one-of-a-kind and is something that Matt enjoyed building. Taking modifications that he would normally do on a vehicle and adapting them to work on a golf cart makes it all worthwhile.
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 19
golfcartcommunity
CARTING IN
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES More Retirement Community Residents are Leaving Their Cars at Home
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ost people near retirement age, especially in Florida, have heard of The Villages, a town located in the central part of the state known for allowing golf carts to be used to get around the entire community. In a development of around 150,000 people, there are 50,000 or more golf carts used not only for playing 18 holes, but for a night out to dinner and a movie or a quick trip to the local Publix supermarket. The community features nearly 100-miles of trails and roads accessible only to golf carts. The Villages has been named the number one golf cart community in the country by many national publications and websites.
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But throughout the country, people living in much smaller gated or retirement communities are using their golf carts more often than they take their car out of the garage. And these are no ordinary golf carts. You’ll see many carts with a logo of the owner’s favorite football team, but some take their custom carts to a whole new level. EXPRESS YOURSELF Much like people who customize their cars, many choose to express their personality through their cart, creating a truly custom vehicle that they’re proud to drive, built-out with their
choice of custom colors and graphics, high-end accessories, equipment and other unique touches. Larry and Joann Moon retired from New Jersey to Del Tura Golf & Country Club, one of the larger golf course 55+ communities in North Fort Myers, Florida. An accomplished mechanic, Larry recently decided to add some modifications to his Club Car cart that he’s had for about 4 years. He did the work himself, as opposed to having a local custom cart modification shop do it or buying a brand-new custom cart. “I did it in a black-and-gold color scheme to match my Corvette,” says Larry. The couple installed a 6-inch lift kit with low-profile rims and tires, heavy duty rear springs, all new
seats, burled wood dashboard and upgraded programming of the computerized speed module. Larry notes, “We use it for golf, and also to head up to the clubhouse for a bite to eat or go to friends for happy hour. I don’t take it outside the gates of the development, I just don’t feel safe doing that.” The Moons are long-time friends with 2 other couples also from New Jersey who chose Del Tura as their home, and upgrading their golf carts seems to be a common thread of friendship among them. Bill and Donna Hyatt decided to go with a new custom Icon cart in early 2021, purchased from Hole In One Golf Carts.
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golfcartcommunity Icon carts feature things more common carts don’t have like a drive train, AC motor and a controller made by Toyota. The store has a Cape Coral and Naples location, selling new and used carts and accessories of all types, and offers service in their shops or at your home. The Hyatt’s picked a model with a 6” lift kit, 23” mud tires, seat belts and the perfect bright yellow paint scheme Donna was looking for. A 2-cart family, Bill also refurbished and updated their other cart with new seats, wheels and tires, turn signals, horn and more, which he did himself. “We use them all the time, it’s the easiest way to get around the community,” Bill said. He also points out that even though his cart’s tires may look like they would damage a golf course, he said that is not the case. “I’ve tested it extensively, and even when completely drenched, the tires have absolutely no adverse effect on the course turf.” Steve and Darlene Fincham also knew the Moons up north, bought in Del Tura and quickly caught the golf cart bug. Steve says, “I’m no mechanic, but I seem to have a high level of
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mechanical aptitude, so I decided to do some modifications to my 2010 Club Car President cart myself.” Steve found a great source of parts and accessories at Cart City, Inc., with shops located in Punta Gorda and Arcadia, Florida. They offer new and used carts and specialty vehicles for sale, full cart servicing and maintenance in their shop or at your location, plus a large array of hard-to-find parts for refurbishing your own cart. Steve was looking for a dark metallic blue paint scheme and was able to trade his cart’s old white body for the perfect blue color body there, plus buy a lot of other accessories for the project. He added a 3.5” lift kit, 20.5” tires and custom wheels, heavy duty rear leaf springs and used a kit to convert the batteries to AC power, allowing him to regulate the torque, acceleration and top speed of the cart. The power provided by the motor can be set with special buttons on the cart that regulate the performance, and also by using an app on his phone. “I don’t play golf, but my wife uses it for golf all the time,”
golfcartcommunity
Steve noted. “I use it to get around the neighborhood, and I can adjust the top speed and acceleration very easily.” GOLF CARTS AND THE LAW: JUST WHAT ARE THE RULES OF THE ROAD? While many choose to limit their cart use to inside their development, some do take them out on the open road. In Pinellas County near Tampa Bay, Florida, the towns of Ozona and Crystal Beach allow golf carts to be used on the public roads, but there are certain restrictions. Carts used on the streets require headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brakes, a rearview mirror, a windshield and a standard hip restraint. Operators must have a valid drivers license, and the carts are not allowed to be capable of going more than 20-miles per hour. Other cities and municipalities around the country have different requirements for operating a cart on public roadways. Insurance and liability concerns are other factors that determine where a cart owner may take their cart. Florida designates a golf cart as a “motorized vehicle”, so most of the laws governing the use of a car on the road apply to golf carts as well. Even the Homeowners Association of each retirement community needs to make sure their liability coverage and specified rules for golf cart operation within their development is structured to reduce any possible risk of exposure in the event of an accident involving a golf cart. 24 www.GolfCarting.com
Seat belts are another hot topic among the carting community. A man who moved into The Villages noticed many of his neighbor’s carts were not equipped with seat belts and decided to do something about it. He started a business adding seat belts to carts and has been busy ever since. The process takes about 20 minutes and costs less than $200.00. Statistics show that the number of those opting for golf cart seat belts is increasing dramatically. While there are those who fear that more golf carts, even if only operating within a gated community, will result in a higher accident rate, many note that the numbers are much lower that those for bicyclist and pedestrian crashes. Some transportation officials point out that the use of golf carts as opposed to cars, providing smart road planning and other infrastructure is in place, could result in less carbon emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Butch Webb is the Head Golf Professional at Del Tura, and is seeing a lot of members upgrading their current carts or pulling up to the pro shop in a brand new, custom cart. “We’re a very golf-cart friendly community, and I’m noticing quite a few more customized and personalized carts here. People use them to get around the entire development, not just for playing golf.” The overall popularity of getting around in a golf cart that reflects your personality, lifestyle and fits your community is on the rise, and the future looks bright for those into community carting. -GCM
SAVE $500 ON ANY CLUB CAR ONWARD FREE DELIVERY Call us for more information Financing Available • Free Estimates • Pick up/Delivery • Full Service Shop • Scheduled Maintenance • Trades Welcome • New & Used Parts, Carts and Accessories
1720 W Elliot Road • Gilbert AZ, 85233 • 480-272-8418
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companyspotlight
a fi a M t r a C f l o G The T
his issue’s Company Profile features The Golf Cart Mafia located in Willow Spring, NC. The Golf Cart Mafia specializes in custom decals and graphics for golf carts and are literally leaving their mark in the industry. Let’s find out more.
Company Name: The Golf Cart Mafia Website: www.thegolfcartmafia.com Location: Willow Spring, NC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thegolfcartmafia 32 www.GolfCarting.com
GCMAG: Tell us what Golf Cart Mafia is all about?
TGCM: We are the first to the golf cart market, with replacement laser cut front, lift plates and side cowl emblems. We laser cut with a high intensity laser onto a dual color compound to offer a perfection by laser emblem! Currently we support hundreds of dealers worldwide. Helping their builds leave with their brand and logo! Providing custom work for dealers and consumers. Along with laser emblems and decals, we also design high quality, impactful golf cart mats -unlike anything on the market today!
We formed the company on innovation to change the market and allow the enthusiast to really stand out in a crowd! We are enthusiasts for enthusiasts. GCMAG: Who is the owner of The Golf Cart Mafia? TGCM: David Ragan President & Founder GCMAG: Can you give us a little background? How and when
did your company start? TGCM: We started in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, trademarked our name and perfected the process in August 2020. We have been long time golf cart enthusiasts and we wanted to really make disturbances in the boring golf cart aftermarket emblem market. We did just that! we researched and tested for months until we perfected the laser, the compound and the customer reach. We have not looked back since. Challenging the marketplace in every turn we go. Often imitated but NEVER duplicated in quality and market acceptance! GCMAG: That’s impressive. How many employees do you have? TGCM: Right now, it is just my wife and I but we plan on growing fast. We are both designers and we operate the business together.
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 33
companyspotlight GCMAG: How do you promote your business?
GCMAG: What is the future for The Golf Cart Mafia?
TGCM: We promote our business through social media and word of mouth.
TGCM: We just want to continue growth and continue the innovation process, create more products and build a community.
GCMAG: What is the most important business lesson you learned? TGCM: Always be customer-centric and look through the lens of the customer, in everything you do. We are passionate about customer service.
34 www.GolfCarting.com
GCMAG: Thanks again for taking the time to share with us and our readers. For more information on The Golf Cart Mafia?, visit their website at www.thegolfcartmafia.com
golfcartguide
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9 TIPS TO PREVENT GOLF CART THEFT
here are few things worse than waking up one morning to find your golf cart missing from your driveway. Or walking out of a restaurant after dinner to discover your cart is no longer parked where you left it. Being the victim of golf cart theft is an experience that no one should have to go through. In this article we give you some practical tips that can help you protect your golf cart or LSV from being stolen. 36 www.GolfCarting.com
1. INSTALL A GPS One way to make sure you can keep tabs on your custom cart is to install a GPS unit. GPS units are the best and most costeffective way to track your cart. These units can be easily hidden on a golf cart making it impossible for a thief to know about them. On top of that, most GPS units have apps that can connect to your phone, so if the cart isn’t where you left it, you can find it with ease.
for a quick getaway, and these units are relatively inexpensive. Not only can it deter thieves, but it can be a great way to keep the kids safe if you’re worried about one of them taking the cart without your permission. 3. STEERING WHEEL LOCKS The steering wheel lock is another deterrent much like the pedal locks. This would work the same as a steering wheel lock for your car. This lock is engaged with a key that should be carried on your person at all times.
GPS locators are perhaps the best way to prevent golf cart theft. 2. PEDAL LOCKS Next up on the list is the Pedal Lock. Pedal Locks are great for keeping your golf cart safe. The pedal lock attaches to the gas pedal of the golf cart and is usually engaged and disengaged with a key. This of course is not going to stop someone from picking your cart up and towing it away, but it will make things difficult
The only issue with steering wheel locks, is that most people don’t take the time to actually put them on when they should. If you’re going to buy a wheel lock, you should use it, even if you installed a GPS. You should also note, the steering wheel lock will need to be carried in the cart at all times, which can be a burden if you don’t have much storage space. This method of protecting your golf cart is inexpensive and very effective when used correctly and consistently. 4. USE A UNIQUE KEY Believe it or not, the most common way golf carts are stolen is with a key that matches your cart. Most golf cart keys are universal with other golf carts, meaning if you have a Club Car then anyone with a master Club Car key can take your cart.
Sure, you could look at that as a good thing if you happen to lose your golf cart keys but knowing that anyone with the same key can drive off on your cart is not ideal. Don’t worry. This is an easy fix. Any local golf cart shop near you has the ability to change your key to something more GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 37
golfcartguide unique. This allows you to have peace of mind when it comes to protecting your golf cart. Keep this special key on you at all times, and you should have nothing to worry about! Even if someone tows your golf cart away, they’ll have a tough time starting it without the unique key. 5. PARK INDOORS I know this may seem pretty obvious, but you would be surprised at how many carts are stolen because they are left unattended outside. Not everyone has garage space for their cart but if you do, store it in the garage.
matter of seconds, so the cart cover can be somewhat of a deterrent. 7. INSTALL CAMERAS Let’s be honest, security cameras are one of the best methods to protect property and valuables. If you have the ability to install a security camera on your golf cart, then we would highly recommend it.
Not only does this keep your golf cart safe from thieves, but it will actually prolong the life of the golf cart. Keeping your cart locked in your garage is definitely one of the best ways to keep it safe from theft. 6. GOLF CART COVERS If you don’t have a lockable garage or storage shed, the next best thing would be a cart cover. The first thing you should do when using a golf cart cover is to pull the golf cart away from the road, and out of view. The best way to keep a golf cart safe is to make sure people driving by don’t know you have one to steal. After the cart is out of view, a golf cart cover can be placed over it. The cart cover definitely won’t prevent someone from stealing the golf cart, but it is one more thing a thief has to deal with in order to take the cart. Most carts are stolen in a 38 www.GolfCarting.com
Cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property, even when you aren’t around. If the camera is in plain view this acts as an immediate deterrent. You could even install very visible signs that state your property -and golf cart – are under video surveillance. And even if a thief is bound and determined to steal your cart, then at least with a camera installed you can use your video evidence to show the authorities and hopefully capture the thief. 8. SPOTLIGHTS Much like security cameras, motion sensor lights can be a great way to keep thieves away from your valuables. If your golf cart
golfcartguide
is parked in the back of your house, and someone approaches it, a blast of light illuminates the area and hopefully discourages the thief. Spotlights are among the cheapest way to keep unwanted visitors off your property, and the best way to keep a bright eye on your custom golf cart. 9. KILL SWITCH Last, but certainly not least, is the Kill Switch. This is possibly the coolest, and most effective way from having your golf cart stolen. The kill switch makes sure that the cart has no way of starting, even if someone hot wires it. Each time you are done riding, engage the kill switch and the cart won’t start until you disengage the switch. We should mention that most kill switches are hidden on the golf cart, so only you will know where it is. These can be installed on golf carts in a number of ways, so if you aren’t confident in installing this yourself, we suggest you talk to your local golf cart service professional.
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The kill switch makes it very hard for a thief to steal a golf cart. Even if they decide to tow it away, without knowing where or how the kill switch works, they’ll never get it to start. Add a GPS system to your custom cart, and you could have your cart back in no time. FINAL THOUGHTS As you can see, there are multiple ways to keep your golf cart safe from theft without spending a pile of money. In this article we shared 9 tips to keep your golf cart safe, so you can spend less time worrying about your golf cart getting stolen. Waking up to a missing golf cart is a terrible feeling. Now you know how to protect your cart from theft. For the ultimate protection consider doing more than one option we listed. A golf cart with a GPS, steering wheel lock, pedal lock, with a kill switch and a unique key while covered outside under a spotlight with a camera pointed at it should do the trick. If they still get it with no trace of your golf cart, then they worked for it. What can you say but “job well done”.
golfcartingnation
The BatCart
OWNER: Henry Lam from Garland, Texas COMPANY: Precision Golf Carts YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 2008 YAMAHA G29
aluminum wing spoiler. Custom attached side skirts with fins and mid rear fins were added and a rear bumper delete with a gold painted lower frame would finish off the rear of the cart. For aftermarket parts, I added a full 4-piece universal This is a convertible golf cart that was formerly a dinky little security aerodynamic body kit. For lighting, I installed a GTW LED basic cart used by a local business. It was equipped with a flashing/rotating lighting kit with fabricated Jeep-style black housing LED headlights amber beacon on top and a full weather enclosure. I decided to strip integrated into bezel. 2.5” wheel spacers were added on all four it down and build what I call, "The Batcart," inspired by Batman’s corners, 2" fender flares and MadJax front steel brush guard. At the Batmobile – primarily, the Tumbler from the Dark Knight Trilogy. It has tail end of the cart, I added an all-aluminum Mophorn GT Wing rear lots of splitters, fins and spoilers and is coated in a matte black finish. 43.3" spoiler. BLS-48N battery maintainer and desulfator. It looks like it's been through some crime-fighting! It has a wide wheel stance with staggered tire setup and a full aerodynamics kit attached. SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE It's 22 MPH top speed with a front diffuser and rear spoiler. BUILDING CARTS: I have been working on, buying and selling cars I custom fabbed, cut and capped rooftop posts, a custom for over 25 yrs. I've always been an automotive enthusiast and really fabricated Jeep-style 3-squared LED headlights with black housing into performance and aesthetics. I got into golf carts when a close attached to aftermarket lighting kit to add a custom look. I custom friend of mine noticed my automotive passion and suggested I try my installed the front lip diffuser spoiler with four 2-point splitter rods creativity and abilities on a golf cart! That was back in February 2017, to generate the needed downforce, along with the rear GT style now about 4+ years later, I've been building and selling golf carts out 42 www.GolfCarting.com
of my home garage, a total of over 60+ carts so far and many happy owners! I bring "street performance taste" to my builds. This has been a very enjoyable journey for me, and I've met numerous friendly and outgoing people because of this adventure! WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU OR YOUR COMPANY? I plan to officially open a shop & showroom within the next few months as I have clearly outgrown my home garage and can't even park my actual cars in our garage anymore! I will start the new location on an "Appointment Only" basis then migrate to a full-blown business if things go well. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD? I'm just an average guy with some creativity and the willingness to make things work. What I do is possible for anyone else to do with the right talent, taste and will! I'd suggest that it's all about keeping focus and keep moving towards your goals that you set for yourself! GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 43
dealerprofile
CAROLINA GOLF CARS
C
arolina Golf Cars is the Charlotte area’s golf car headquarters for sales, service, parts, accessories and rentals. It is the area's only factory authorized Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha dealer.
PHONE NUMBER: (704) 631-9333 EMAIL: info@carolinagolfcars.com WEBSITE: https://CarolinaGolfCars.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/carolinagolfcars/
Learn more about Carolina Golf Cars…
Carolina Golf Cars has been serving the Carolinas since 1983. They offer a complete selection of vehicles from the industry's leading brands and pride themselves on delivering only the highest quality products to their customers.
DEALER NAME: Carolina Golf Cars DEALER LOCATION: 8740 Wilkinson Blvd Charlotte, NC 28214 44 www.GolfCarting.com
They offer sales, service, parts, accessories and golf cart rentals. “To design, build, and deliver cars that meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations.” That’s the philosophy at Carolina Golf Cars. The dealership was chartered in 1982 for the express purpose of buying, selling, and remanufacturing all types of golf cars, utility vehicles, and personnel carriers. Since that time they have grown to provide parts, service, rentals and fleet transportation. They specialize in building and delivering
the cars that meet the individual needs of each customer. The golf cart of your dreams could become a reality with the help of the specialists at Carolina Golf Cars. Their team of designers can put together the golf cart you have always wanted. They can take care of that process from beginning to end, giving you exactly what you want. They will even deliver your finished cart directly to you. There are also plenty of new and used golf carts for sale for customers not looking for any kind of customization. Carolina Golf Cars is more than just a
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 45
dealerprofile
golf cart store as they also repair golf carts at affordable prices. Customers can browse their showroom in person or online. They also have a team of sales associates ready to speak with you about your individual golf cart needs. At Carolina Golf Cars, they’ve made it their business to take a one-on-one approach with every customer. That means you not only get a quality product, but a quality team working for you. Carolina Golf Cars are also very active in the community and sponsor numerous charities and believe it is important to give back and help those who are less fortunate. Their goal as a company is to provide a quality product that earns and maintains customer loyalty. They strive to support the environment, community and their customers and employees while creating a formidable reputation.
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askthemechanic
ASK THE MECHANIC Q: My electric cart is running slow. What's the issue? A: Let's start by naming some useful tools to have when owning a battery-powered cart. A multimeter, hydrometer and a battery discharge tester are the top three. A multimeter can measure voltage, resistance, and current. A hydrometer tests the chemistry of the battery. A discharger load tests a battery. Check the voltage of each battery by placing the red lead to the positive post and the black lead to the negative post at the same time. If you get a reading with less than the rated voltage of the battery, you may have a shorted cell. You can also check each battery cell's electrolyte with a hydrometer. First make sure that the electrolyte is at the correct level which is about 1/4" above the plates. By sucking the liquid into the hydrometer , a needle on it will show an individual cells specific gravity, which can indicate a strong or weak battery. Lastly, a battery discharge meter will load test the battery. When applying a load to the battery and the meter shows "weak" you can instantly see which battery is your culprit. One bad battery can shut your cart down. The rule of thumb is that a battery pack is only as good as your worst battery. Be sure to check all your wire connections for looseness or corrosion too. Q: The voltage looks correct, and batteries test good. What else can I try? A: Another component to your electric cart is a speed sensor which is located at the end of the motor. A faulty speed sensor 48 www.GolfCarting.com
can cause the cart to run very slow. A quick test to use to see if your speed sensor is working is to place the cart in forward mode and push it backwards. If you hear a beep or resistance when pushing the cart, then the speed sensor is working. If you do need to replace this part, the sensor unclips from the back of the motor with a small retaining ring. Be advised there is a magnet inside where the speed sensor is installed and also may be cracked which can cause a speed issue. Be sure to check that as well. Removing the rear wheel can make this replacement a lot easier. Q: The sensor seems to be functioning properly, what else can I try? A: Another component to check is a sensor in your pedal box which you would have to remove your mat in order to access it. On E-Z-GO the sensor is called an ITS (Inductive Throttle Sensor). On Club Cars it’s called an MCOR (Motor Controller Output Regulator). Both sensors regulate your pedal position to the speed input to the controller. On E-Z-GO check the microswitch that activates this circuit to be contacting properly while you're in there. Check for pedal binding on Club Cars. Finally, if these areas are checked and still no results, you could have a faulty controller. It's best to have a dealer use a handheld scanner to see trouble codes within the controller pinpointing to where the problem may lie.
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READER'S RIDES
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 51
PRST MKTG US POSTAGE PAID ISLE OF PALMS, SC PERMIT NO. 04
