Golf Carting Magazine Issue 32 January 2023

Happy New Year

t’s a new year and there is ample reason to be optimistic about the golf cart industry in 2023. Projections show industry sales of over $2.5 billion with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7% in 2023. Electric carts are becoming a normal mode of transportation and OEMs are rapidly pacing consumer demand and streamlining product lines to accommodate the shift from recreation to functional travel.

This month Golf Carting Magazine is proud to bring you our 32nd edition. Like the cart industry, our magazine has steadily grown, and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished. Our advertiser base has grown right along with us, and we are

Happy

deeply grateful for all our advertiser partners.

II’d like to briefly mention a few new advertisers that have joined the Golf Carting Magazine family. Many of our readers are likely familiar with the cart-part company-giant Nivel. We are proud to have Nivel as an advertiser and look forward to working with them for a long time to come.

Also new to the magazine is Bolt Energy. The Largo, FL based company is a leading golf cart battery manufacturer providing lithium batteries and accessories to golf cart consumers across North America.

We also want to welcome another golf cart battery company called ECO Battery headquartered in Hurricane, UT to our advertiser list.

We want to wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy new year and a safe and prosperous 2023. Enjoy our January 2023 edition of Golf Carting Magazine.

TWENTY THREE!

GOLF CARTING // Issue 32 // January 2023

Publisher: GC Media Group, LLC

Senior Editor: Trevor Rose - trevor@golfcarting.com

Creative Director: Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com

Graphic Designer: Tanner Merrifield

Production Director: Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com

Staff Writer: Kelly Madden

Staff Writer: Josh Delsota

Staff Writer / Social Media: Tony Benjamin

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!

©2022 GC Media Group, LLC

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BOHLINGER INC. INTRODUCES DC ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTS ONLINE

Bohlinger, Inc. has been doing business since 1973 in Conshohocken, PA., specializing in DC electric product distribution. Suppling parts for forklifts, golf carts, personnel carriers and Electric vehicles.

They developed Bohlinger Electric Drive in the 80’s to run the hydraulics for the aerial units on DC electric battery power to save fuel at the job site by eliminating idle time.

Bohlinger is a Curtis distributor and carry high end controllers for golf cart up grades as well as heavy duty Albright contactors and gauges. They build custom wire harnesses and supply everything needed to make a complete drive system.

Bohlinger just launched their new website www. DCelectricPower.com. Over 100 products in stock including Curtis Controllers and Albright Contactors. Simple online ordering accepting major credit cards including PayPal. Competitive pricing on all OEM products.

Bohlinger has one of the only Dealer Support programs in the industry with technical staff on-call to help with installing and trouble-shooting on all products.

General Manager, Steve Speak says, “Bohlinger will continue to innovate, customize and create new products for the DC electric products industry.”

RED HAWK BRINGS SMART TECHNOLOGY TO SELF-CANCELING TURN SIGNALS FOR GOLF CARS

Red Hawk, a leader in aftermarket replacement parts that provides golf car parts and accessories to retail dealers across the United States and globally, today unveiled a selfcanceling turn signal with turn sensor technology under its RHOX brand. With automotive-style design, it’s the golf car market’s only wholesale turn signal that cancels itself after turn completion or a prolonged period without a turn.

Engineered for universal fit, the new RHOX self-canceling turn signal offers plug-and-play convenience with RHOX light kits and works with most other turn signal light kits without modification. The RHOX self-canceling turn signal is available from retail golf car dealers and distributors that carry Red Hawk and RHOX parts and accessories.

Unlike automobiles, conventional golf car turn signals must be manually clicked off. If accidentally left on, a turn signal can easily drain a golf car’s battery. The RHOX device has a sensor that immediately cancels the signal after turn completion. In addition, it enables a safer driving

environment by canceling after an extended period on a straightaway, reducing pedestrians’ and other drivers’ confusion over a forgotten, flashing turn signal.

“This is just the latest in our commitment to provide innovative products and accessories to dealers and golf car owners,” said Duffey Pitzer, senior director, new product development, Red Hawk. “Previously, dealers might add a horn or beeper to remind the driver the turn signal was on. No one liked the noise, but it was better than a dead battery. With the RHOX self-canceling turn signal, that’s not an issue. And the boost to safety is clear, especially in golf, resort, seaside and active retirement communities with large numbers of golf cars.

“RHOX’s plug and play design gives dealers a quick upfit option to bring new functionality to customers’ existing vehicles and to their preowned inventory. It’s also an easy DIY install for consumers,” Pitzer said. “Simple and smart.”

If you have been following us on Facebook or on our website, you just might know that you can submit your cart to possibly be featured in the magazine. For those of you that have high quality photos and detailed information, you can go to https://golfcarting.com/ builds/ to submit your cart.

This issue’s "Custom Golf Cart" feature comes from Michael Ledet of Mandeville, Louisiana. We sat down with Michael to get the low down on his super clean 2007 E-Z-GO TXT PDS that reeks of coolness.

Hi Michael, can you tell us about this custom build? This build started out as a low-budget, Plain Jane, givemy-kids-something-to-ride-around-in kind of build. Once I decided to do the air ride, my mind started to

wander. I named this cart Scrap Pile because it literally was in the junk yard at my collision center. I traded some paint work for the cart, and off we went. I kept with the theme and tried to reuse, relocate, or repurpose whatever I could, even down to the metal work. Most of the custom fab work is from already existing pieces of the rear seat frame and roof brackets. Everything has been shortened or stretched or moved somewhere else to serve a purpose and get that overall tucked look I was going for. A really good friend of mine, Robert Landry in Marrero, LA, did the upholstery, but everything else was completed by me. No nut or bolt in this entire cart was left untouched. As for the drivetrain, it’s the stock motor and controller that was there already, just serviced, cleaned it up and put new leaf acid batteries, 36-volt system. I spent about a year on nights and weekends here and there getting it all together. I never thought I’d get the reaction I do from people seeing it finished, and I’m still mind blown by the compliments. I’m happy how it came out and looking forward to cruising

Is there any custom fabrication?

All the suspension is hand-built custom. Basically, I built a front crossmember and two link bars to connect the axle to the body. The rear links are using the original leaf spring pocket and one leaf spring reinforced with a “C” channel for strength. I relocated both the front and back upper and lower shock mounts to accommodate the Monroe air shocks. The seat bracket is a chopped-up version of its former shape. I tightened it up to bring the back rests closer together and a smidge lower. I also had to reconfigure those due to the mount location of the upper rear shock mount. The rear seat bracket and rear bumper and handrails are all custom as well. I took 6 inches out of the length of the handrails and 4 inches from the height. I then tied all that together with the rear bumper, smoothed it out and molded them in. I hand-built the side skirts from sheet metal and angle aluminum. Changing

the angle of the front power steering rack was necessary to accommodate for the travel. I relocated the front cover lower and built a bracket for it as well, so it moves with the body. A custom-made dash plate was fabricated as well.

Did you use any aftermarket parts, and if so, can you tell us about them?

I put 12-inch wheels by TREX on each corner. The air ride system, funny enough, is a train horn kit from Vixen that I tied in some Monroe air shocks to. For the audio I went with speaker pods by RHOX and a Boss audio Bluetooth radio and speakers. I completed the interior with some sea decking floor material and miscellaneous front lights and taillights from Amazon.

Can you give us a little background about you and how long you have been building carts?

I’m an auto refinish tech and have been for 20+ years. I started out doing both body and paint work with a lot of custom car builds early in my career, but now I work mostly in collision. This is my second cart build -- the first one was years ago when we had a camper. It was lifted, painted and off-road ready.

Thanks, Michael. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

This is a working man’s build. I’m a father of four with a stay-at-home wife, so, the budget wasn’t there to do an over-the-top kind of build. I used what I had and could afford to make the best of it. I put my mind and talent to work to bring this Scrap Pile all together.

Although it is not allowed to walk the golf course at all clubs, those that do permit it enjoy a large and increasing number of rounds by players who much prefer to walk than to ride.

And if you’ve been golfing for a while, you likely remember the awkward, 2-wheeled “pull carts” so prevalent in the 60’s and 70’s. An aluminum stick on an angle with 2 wobbly wheels and a rubber handle grip, these early caddies were far from ideal. But the iconic golf accessory for walking golfers is the source of one of the game’s most enduring controversaries –do you pull it, or push it?

Walking golfers today have a host of highly-advanced robotic bag caddies powered by the latest in GPS technology and designed to resemble something right out of The Jetsons.

Once you program it and learn its capabilities, a robotic personal club caddy can make your round more enjoyable, efficient, and rewarding.

There are dozens of manufacturers in the market, and pricing, features, capabilities, and technology can vary depending on the model you choose.

Here are some of the top players in the game and a brief overview their top-selling models.

Club Car Tempo Walk

As a major manufacturer in the golf cart industry, it makes sense that Club Car would be involved in the leading technology and design of robotic personal golf caddies.

The Tempo Walk model is operated by state-of-the art wireless remote control transmitter, carried by the golfer and easily clipped to a belt, and protected by enhanced waterproofing. The Walk has a large touchscreen monitor for straightforward operation and exact GPS details on shot yardage. It even offers collision sensors and stops when any obstruction or impedance gets in its way and diagnostic messaging alerting you of any necessary maintenance.

When the golfer stops walking, they switch the remote to standby mode, and the Walk stops. It weighs 96 pounds, so that needs to be considered unless you keep your cart at your club. On a full charge, the Club Car Tempo Walk can easily serve as your personal caddie for 36 holes. It also can be programmed with all of the local courses you play or your next golf travel destination, so you have all the course’s stats on your GPS.

The Club Car Tempo Walk retails for around $5,000.00.

CartTek 1500 GLi V2 Golf Caddy

Launched in 2015, this updated version of the popular personal golf caddy now features slope control and active steer assist among its long list of features.

Made from an aviation grade aluminum, this caddy is lightweight and powered by a 10Ah lithium ion battery along with 2 independent, 24V high-torque motors in each wheel hub. There are 4 different factory speed settings, or you can set your own based on your walking pace. The CartTrek 1500 GLi V2 also features an adjustable turning force, waterproof housing for the electronics and battery and comes in 4

powder-coated colors.

The CartTek 1500 can cover 36 holes on a full charge and weighs just under 30 pounds with the battery. Average retail cost for this model is around $1,700.00.

Motocaddy M7 Remote DHC Golf Caddy

This high-tech masterpiece weighs just 37 pounds with the battery and comes with a rechargeable remote handset that can easily be attached to the unit or carried by the golfer.

The M7 Remote features advanced, downhill speed control which avoids problems heading down an incline, and a remote control range of 150 feet, allowing easy operation without needing to be right next to the caddy. There are 9 available speed settings, and the anti-tip wheel can be removed for flatter, less rigorous courses.

The Motocaddy M7 Remote is powered by a high-powered, 28.8v system and features onboard charging ports for adding convenience. This lightweight, foldable personal caddy retails for around $1,000.00.

Callaway Traverse Electric Remote Control Cart

A leader in the golf industry, Callaway’s Traverse remote control comes packed with performance and technological features of the future.

The 25.2v, 10Ah lithium ion battery and high torque dual motor design provides enough power for 27 holes when fully charged, and the motor housing and gearbox are sealed for quiet operation. There are 3 speed controls on the Traverse, with downhill braking assist and remote functions of forward, reverse, left, right and stop, along with the ability to set your own travel distances.

The Callaway Traverse weighs around 45 pounds with the battery and folds up to about 36 inches by 26 inches for easy storage and travel.

The caddy is an aluminum frame with aluminum hub wheels, ABS spokes and rubber tread on the wheels for optimum traction on any course terrain. The Traverse is fully adjustable, allowing easy access for golfers of any size. The wireless remote control operates up to around a 75-foot distance for easy maneuvering around greens and tee boxes.

Walkers United

When the game of golf was born, there were no other

options for getting in a round except for trudging ahead on foot, no matter the elements or course terrain. By the early 1950s, the development of motorized carts created a benefit for golfers who chose to ride, clearly a revolutionary invention for the game.

But, for some diehard walkers, nothing compares to being allowed to walk the course to fully appreciate their natural golf experience and get the most benefit from being out in nature for 4 hours.

Many courses, especially private facilities, allow walkers but may have some caveats, like only after 2:00 p.m. when there are fewer players on the course. Walkers realize added physical benefits than those who ride in carts, getting a very good workout. Many feel walking 9 or 18 holes is far better than just strolling around their neighborhood.

Climate is another consideration, of course, with extreme heat or cold putting a damper on walking the course. There are many online sources of information on courses around the country and their specific policies on walking aimed at those purists who feel walking is the only way to play.

The COVID 19 pandemic was actually a boon for the courses that not only allowed but encouraged walking, with cart sharing prohibited because of people being too close to each other. Many players, especially a younger demographic who were interested in the added health benefits of burning calories, improving leg strength and overall stamina, and a great cardio workout, decided to start walking and courses are noticing. Some courses around the country have gone to a walkers-only policy, and their business has shown a marked increase.

The advances made in electric, robotic personal caddies is re-opening the landscape for golfers who prefer to walk, and the future promises even more progress for those who choose to ditch the cart.

E-Z-GO’S LIBERTY MODELS CREATING NEW CART MARKET

The E-Z-GO golf cart company knows plenty about staying ahead of the curve when it comes to giving their clients what they want, and their new Liberty models are a prime example. The innovations and owner-centric approach to designing and building a cart that is attracting an entirely new type of cart buyer is what has kept E-Z-GO at the pinnacle of the cart and EV industries.

Launched in 2021, the Liberty was purposefully and expertly designed to compete with other 4-passenger carts, and with key differences. Typically, 4-passenger carts are on a long wheelbase, which can be challenging for some drivers on a golf course or in a neighborhood community when it comes to steering radius and general maneuverability. Most also have rear seats that face the back of the vehicle, which depending on the intended use of the cart, may not be the

configuration buyers are looking for.

The E-Z-GO Liberty is built on a shorter wheelbase for increased stability and ride comfort, and the rear passenger seats face forward, creating a more car-like experience. And don’t let the shorter wheelbase fool you – the rear passengers have plenty of access and seating room.

The slightly shorter wheelbase and sleeker body style mean easier maneuverability with a smooth, comfortable ride. Driver and passengers are treated to a car-like experience with a top speed of around 24 miles per hour.

INDUSTRY-LEADING LITHIUM POWER

The Liberty models are powered exclusively by the E-ZGO ELITE© Lithium Powertrain, with its zero maintenance, Samsung SDI lithium battery system powered by a 56.7v DC source putting out 11.7 hp (8.7kW). These vehicles require only about 6 hours to fully charge, and they continually charge while the vehicle is in use. The premium lithium batteries charge on average twice as fast as does a standard, lead acid battery, with no terminal cleaning or other service issues. They also provide an impressive number of hours in service before needing to be recharged.

The Liberty line offers 3 different charging system options. The Light World Charger, which comes standard, the more powerful World Charger or the Rapid On-Board Charger. The ELITE energy system on the Liberty models is 59% more efficient in terms of battery power, and the leader in the industry. E-Z-GO is proud of their tradition as an innovator in the eco-friendly, carbon-free electric vehicle industry. The company is so confident in the performance of their batteries they come with a remarkable, 8-year warranty.

SLEEK AND STYLISH FOR ANY PURPOSE

The most challenging part of ordering your new Liberty cart will likely be choosing the configuration and options offered by E-Z-GO, with dozens of possibilities allowing you to custom build the cart of your dreams. In fact, the E-Z-GO website offers a cool interactive tool that will show you your vehicle in your own driveway or at your weekend hunting cabin in a 360-degree visual.

The Liberty comes available in 2 trim options, the Explorer Package and Commuter Package. The Liberty Commuter comes with Kenetica DOT-approved radial tires on 14-inch SPDR aluminum wheels, perfect for cruising the neighborhood or golf community in style and comfort. The Explorer Package, equipped with more aggressive Paramount M/T all terrain tires, is meant for more adventurous use like exploring the trails at your lake cabin or taking the family camping, hunting, or fishing. Based on how you want to use your new Liberty, you can choose from hundreds of design and accessory

options plus interior and exterior customization like brush guards, side mirrors, hitch-mounted storage or golf bag holder, turn signals and many more. The Liberty starts at a base MSRP of $15,999 with some editions in the line starting at around $17,000.

Other basic specifications include a wheelbase of 76 inches, 7-inch drive train ground clearance, overall length of 106.5 inches and a height of 78 inches with a roof. There are six exterior color options from which to choose. Liberty carts feature self-compensating rack and pinion steering, leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers on all 4 corners, a helical gear differential with an axle ratio of 16.99:1 in forward gear.

The interior of the Liberty makes you feel like you’re in a car, with its sleek dashboard, gauges, and controls – even including a lockable glove compartment and illuminated cup holders that add a hi-tech, futuristic glow in the evening.

LIBERTY MODEL PROPELS E-Z-GO INTO THE FUTURE

The legacy behind the E-Z-GO golf cart company is a long and storied one, begun in 1956 by 2 brothers in a tiny machine shop in Augusta, Georgia, who envisioned a better vehicle for golfers. In 1960, the company was acquired by Textron Inc., a Fortune 500 giant and world leader in personal transportation vehicles, snowmobiles, aircraft, commercial turf care and others. E-Z-GO carts are now manufactured under the Textron Specialized Vehicle umbrella, which includes global brands like Jacobsen, Arctic Cat and Cushman, among many more.

E-Z-GO has an expansive network of authorized dealers able to help clients begin their experience in creating their new Liberty cart. Some offer the Dealer to Driveway program that allows you to build your own custom Liberty and have it delivered right to your door.

E-Z-GO has a well-respected tradition of manufacturing products that are environmentally friendly, and that vision is a key to the company’s future. Leading-edge innovation in the battery industry, setting the standard in zero emission vehicles and a company culture focused on the future of our planet have positioned E-Z-GO as an icon in the electric vehicle marketplace.

YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 1999 Humdinger (Club Car DS chassis)

JON, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS BUILD?

This cart was built in California in 1999 and marketed as a "Community Vehicle" and sold for nearly $19,000 brand new. Last winter I stripped it down to the frame and completely rebuilt/refreshed it.

• All new custom wiring

• New paint

• 3-inch additional lift (7-inches total)

• New motor & controller

• New dash

• New LED lighting Current top speed is 54 mph

ANY CUSTOM FABRICATION?

• Cut and reshaped the frame to accommodate a large 72V lithium battery

• Faux supercharger

• Custom graphics

WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS DID YOU USE?

• Navitas AC 5kw motor and 600A controller

• Extreme Team 72V lithium battery

• All-Sports 3" lift

• Dakota Lithium batteries

GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BUILDING CARTS: I bought and restored a 1974 Harley-Davidson golf cart just for fun - my first cart. I then bought and modified a 2014 CC Precedent and then this Humdinger cart.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU?

I build carts for my family and for my dog as a fun hobby. I'll just keep modifying and enhancing my carts

WET SOUNDS

TURNS UP THE VOLUME ON GOLF CART AUDIO

Whether you own a tricked-out custom golf cart, recreational utility vehicle, side-by-side or other low-speed vehicle, the addition of a premium quality audio system is one of the most worthwhile and cost efficient modifications you can make.

And while their name may imply that the Wet Sounds

product line is meant strictly for marine application, you’d be amazed at how they can be integrated into a golf cart, and also by the fidelity of the sound they produce.

Founded in Texas in 2005 by a highly qualified team of experts in the audio business, Wet Sounds now produces a complete line of speakers, sound bars, amplifiers, receivers,

and other audio components for use on golf carts, boats and jet ski’s, outdoor residential speakers, and a host of other powersports vehicles.

From getting in 18-holes with your friends on the weekend to taking your family camping or cruising the beach or your residential community, Wet Sounds’ complete line of audio components will add a high-quality soundtrack to any adventure.

GOLF CARTS – AS CUSTOM AS YOU WANT

When it comes to adding Wet Sounds audio to your golf cart, whether you own a simple, standard model or have created a custom cart with a lot of mods, you can create your own perfect sound environment based on your needs and how you use your cart. From a 2-speaker system for a 2-seat cart to a more elaborate, 4-speaker system and wire harness for a 4-seater, you can select and install the perfect system to enjoy your favorite tunes in crisp, unmatched audio quality.

Wet Sounds makes a complete line of speakers and sound bars for use in applications up to a 10-speaker system, perfect for multi-passenger transportation carts used on school campuses, sports venues, and other applications. These units include a sound bar and remote control with Bluetooth connectivity, providing a truly impressive audio quality.

There are a few different ways you can add Wet Sounds audio components to your golf cart, all terrain or other utility vehicle, depending on your budget and the mechanical specs of your cart.

Wet Sounds mountable speakers can be mounted to the frame of your cart, allowing you to configure them on any frame surface and aim in the proper direction to meet your needs. These speakers are typically 1 to 2-inches in width so they don’t interfere with getting in and out of your cart. Some come with swivel mounts so you can really define where your tunes are going. Other options include speakers that can be mounted into your cart’s dash or another cockpit surface area.

These come in 5” to 6”-round diameter sizes and mount flush with the surface. Speakers mounted inside your cart create a clear, rich base sound as the music resonates through the vehicle, creating the optimum audio experience on the course, trail or beach.

The company also offers roof mounted speakers, designed to fit your specific cart brand and model. This type of application involves 2 speakers, usually 4” to 6”, and sometimes a sound bar, all the mounting equipment you’ll need plus Bluetooth connectivity via a special remote control. You can also choose to mount Wet Sounds speakers at each corner of your cart, providing surround sound quality audio.

A COMPONENT FOR ANY APPLICATION

Each individual speaker and other audio components are specifically designed to exacting engineering and mechanical standards, designed to provide a lifetime of use, and backed by a 2-year warranty on repair or replacement.

Wet Sounds offers their REVO line of tower speakers, designed in a bullet-shaped, waterproof enclosure and available in 6”, 8” and 10” sizes. These come with the complete swivel mounting kit and are available in a beautiful white or black finish. Their RECON line are coaxial speakers available in 5.25”, 6.5”, 8” and 10” sizes. These premium speakers were designed specifically for low-power use, and the RECON line includes an 8” mid-driver, full rubber suspension mounting kit, 1” high output dome tweeter and an injection-molded enclosure. These speakers also come with optional RGB backlighting via their RGB controller, adding the maximum eye appeal to your cart or UTV. There are 3 different front grill and color options to customize your audio system to your personal choice.

When it comes to premium sound bars, Wet Sounds offers a wide variety of options, both amplified and non-amplified. Their Stealth line includes both 6 and 10-speaker models, and their patented design encompasses a fully extruded aluminum

enclosure, high-performance speakers, and titanium dome tweeters to provide the ultimate dynamic of low, mid-range and high-frequency sound. These plug-and-play units come with a complete wiring harness and universal mounting kits for end cap or sliding roof mount on the top of your cart, side-byside or other UTV.

The amplifiers made by Wet Sounds are available in Monoblock, 2, 4 or 6-channel models. The Class D power supply provides maximum power output in an extremely small casement, thermal overload protection, flexible crossovers and extended inputs for easy installation. When it comes to head units and displays, the company has created the WS-MC-20, a marvel of audio engineering. This unit features an AM/FM/ Weather Band tuner with RBDS Bluetooth® streaming, auxiliary and USB inputs, SiriusXM-Ready™, (SiriusXM Connect Tuner and subscription sold separately), 3” ultra-bright, full color TFT display, internal power amplifier, (4x50W @ 2 Ohm max output), and much more.

THE SOUND OF SUCCESS

Since Wet Sounds was founded 17 years ago by a group of true audiophiles who envisioned creating the ultimate line of premium grade outdoor audio components and systems, they have led the way in industry innovation and manufacturing to keep in tune with the needs of their customers.

The company also has a nationwide network of authorized dealers and cart customization shops. If you haven’t already purchased a cart equipped with Wet Sounds audio components and don’t feel you can handle installing them yourself, there are hundreds of shops around the country that can properly install a Wet Sounds audio system in your existing cart to add a resonating upgrade and give you years of enjoyment.

To learn more and see the full line of Wet Sounds products, visit https://wetsounds.com/

ASK THE MECHANIC

Q: Will replacing the shocks in my cart improve the ride quality?

A: Where shocks are important to other types of vehicles like your car, shocks really don’t do much to improve ride quality on golf carts. Factory shocks are there to absorb the leaf spring travel but the real difference comes from what air pressure your tires are running and the tread pattern as well. Going with a smaller wheel like an 8" or 10" and a larger tire allows for more air pressure variation and allows more cushion between the suspension components. Worn out, flat-looking leaf springs will cause bounce in the ride quality whereas heavy duty springs will stiffen the ride. There are suspension kits on the market that allow you to change out the front leaf springs for an independent style a-arm design which will also help the ride quality as well. Check out Jake's and RHOX lift kits for that option.

Q: I have a burnt battery terminal, but the connection seems tight. Is the battery bad?

A: If you are certain the terminal nut is tight and not crossthreaded or excessive corrosion on the post, check the actual wire leading up to that burnt terminal. Battery terminals that may have been twisted too tight compromise the integrity of the stud itself and can cause excessive resistance in the connection causing heat. There could also be high resistance build up within the wire itself without anything being

noticeable from the outside. The wire could have been kinked or bent at one point or poorly crimped to the terminal during manufacturing. Change to a different cable and use a small amount of terminal grease like petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion and optimize the connection. Remember it's best to replace all your wires every few years for good maintenance.

Q: I just bought brand new lead acid batteries. Is there a proper way to break them in?

A: Properly "seasoning" new batteries most certainly lengthens the lifespan and allows the batteries to create a higher reserve for longer run times. New batteries are initially at about 75% of their full strength. The first 10 to 20 complete charge/discharge cycles are critical to ensure they reach 100%. New batteries should be charged before use and thereafter as follows: Plug the charger in and leave it alone until the charger shuts off by itself. Then drive to discharge the batteries to 75% of battery pack capacity (roughly 3-5 miles). Plug the cart back in and repeat the charge cycle. It is very important you let it charge until it is completely done. Repeat this for the first 10-20 cycles. By the 12th cycle or so, you will notice a difference in power, speed, and run-time. Most importantly, NEVER run the battery pack down below 50% of capacity throughout their entire life. Never leave the batteries in a state of discharge for extended periods of time. Recharge the pack every 2 weeks if the cart is sitting idle or in storage. And when in doubt, recharge it.