CLUB CAR A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP IN THE GOLF CART INDUSTRY August 2022 Issue 27
GOLFCARTING.COM
COVER STORY
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 1121 PARK WEST BLVD B214 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29466
EVOLUTION EV ELECTRIC VEHICLES DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE
PAGE 16
CONTENTS ISSUE 27 AUGUST 2022
FEATURES
16 COVER STORY: HELLCART 22 BATTERY BUZZ: SELECTING A GOLF CART BATTERY 24 HAWAII'S CUSTOM CART SCENE 30 THE EVOLUTION SOLUTION 42 DEALER PROFILE: GOLFIN' GARAGE 44 CLUB CAR: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP IN THE GOLF CART INDUSTRY DEPARTMENTS
10 EDITORS NOTE 36 GOLF CARTING NATION 38 LET'S GET SOCIAL 48 ASK THE MECHANIC 50 READER'S RIDES 8 www.GolfCarting.com
Race of the Pines 2022 – Pinehurst, NC
O
n May 14th of this year, a Saturday, I found myself traveling down some of the South’s most beautiful rural roads in both North and South Carolina en route to Pinehurst, NC from Charleston, SC to attend the 2nd Annual Race of the Pines.
This event was created by a Joshua Peyton, a very impressive man, if not a little intimidating. Joshua Peyton is President & CEO of the Veteran Golfers Association and a retired Captain in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division and Army Ranger. Yeah, impressive. The Race of the Pines is an annual fundraising event with an emphasis on veterans, supporting charities such as Veteran continued...
US Army 82nd Airborne Division and Army Ranger, Joshua Peyton is President & CEO of the Veteran Golfers Association.
10 www.GolfCarting.com
Golfers Association, Petty Family Foundation, Vietnam Veterans of American and more. This event was an eclectic mix of golf cart racing, a golf cart pageant, a BBQ Competition, beer festival, big-stage live music, food trucks and more. Though not specifically a golf cart event, golf carting was certainly a major theme. Many friends of this magazine who are in the golf cart industry were in attendance and most accompanied by their custom creations both for the pageant and the racing. The event was held in Pinehurst, NC at the Pinehurst Harness Track and just a stone’s throw from the legendary 12 www.GolfCarting.com
Pinehurst Resort, some of golf’s most hallowed ground. All in all, it was worth the 3.5-hour drive to meet with some friends face-to-face and to see money being raised for honorable causes. If you are interested in learning more about future Race of the Pines events, you can visit their website at raceofthepines.com.
Trevor Rose Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
GOLF CARTING // Issue 27 // August 2022 Publisher: Senior Editor: Creative Director: Graphic Designer: Production Director: Staff Writer: Staff Writer: Staff Writer / Social Media:
GC Media Group, LLC Trevor Rose - trevor@golfcarting.com Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com Tanner Merrifield Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com Kelly Madden Josh Delsota 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
Stay connected with Golf Carting Magazine
https://www.facebook.com/golfcarting https://www.instagram.com/golfcartingmag/ www.golfcarting.com
COVER STORY
360 GOLF CARTS IN NORTH CAROLINA CREATES A CUSTOM SHOWSTOPPER
W
hat began as a hobby about six years ago has now turned into a growing golf cart business for Brian Harris of Greenville, North Carolina. Harris was a Transportation Officer with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Department for about ten years, traveling to transport offenders from one place to another. He was designing and fabricating custom golf carts during his off hours, and in 2020 opted for early retirement to begin his golf cart business,
16 www.GolfCarting.com
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 17
360 Golf Carts, full time. He started operating out of a small space but in 2022 relocated to a much larger shop with a showroom, larger service area and more room for his cart inventory. The company sells used carts from all the major manufacturers, provides service work and sells parts for all brands, plus restoring carts and doing innovative custom projects. Hellcart is the end result of a vision Harris had for a unique custom cart after putting in countless hours of design and planning. He used a 2002 E-Z-GO® TXT Custom as the basis for the build, but there is very little remaining of the original cart. “We completely stripped the cart down to the ground, and every single bolt and wire is new,” said Harris. He and a friend in Greenville who does metal fabrication and welding work completed all of the cart’s modifications themselves. “I’ve always wanted to build a cart to my own exact specifications, with this particular MadJax Storm body, and I thought if it sells that would be great, but if not, I’d be thrilled to take Hellcart home to enjoy as my own,” he states. A friend came by during the build and commented on how fast the cart looked just sitting still, and said it resembled a Dodge Challenger Hellcat. He suggested the name Hellcart, and everyone agreed
18 www.GolfCarting.com
it was the right choice. Harris spared no expense in outfitting Hellcart with top-ofthe-line modification upgrades and accessories, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Navitas 48v AC Conversion (5kw, 600A) Patriot Power Source Lithium Conversion GolfCartKing 400a Solenoid SGC Rebel Wheels and Tires SGC Rocker Panels SGC Coil-Over Shocks Front & Rear MadJax Storm Body Kit Boss 10.1" Touchscreen w/ Backup Camera Boss LED Marine Speakers VIP Greywood Dash Hexagon Floor Mat Lectric Sport Mirrors SGC Wheel Spacers AllSports Half Windshield
Harris also custom fabricated all of Hellcart’s parts, including the steering extension, seats and seat roll bar, steering wheel, and all of the cart’s cables.
As to the future plans for Hellcart, Harris says he plans on using it in this year’s Winterville Watermelon Festival, a local event in August in which he has entered other custom carts in the event’s cart parade. “It’s a fun event in the community with a pretty big cart parade, and I’d like to use Hellcart there before I decide if I want to sell it or not.” Harris is glad he chose early retirement from the Sheriff’s Office to pursue his passion full time and is hoping for a bright
20 www.GolfCarting.com
future as he grows his business. “I’m getting a very good response to my business and right now 360 Golf Carts is the only cart dealer in all of Pitt County, North Carolina,” Harris said. “Our new location allows us to do more service on carts, carry more inventory of carts and parts and I’m looking forward to adding more employees and ramping up to provide what my customers want.” - GCMAG
batterybuzz
BY TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY
SELECTING A GOLF CAR BATTERY: TIPS TO KEEP YOU ROLLING I If you need a battery for your golf car or personal transportation vehicle (PTV), it’s important to do your due diligence. All manufacturers position their batteries as long-lasting and high-performing, but there can be big differences in these products. New players have entered the battery market, many based abroad. They don’t always manufacture quality products or back them with the service and support you deserve. That can leave you stuck in your garage when you should be driving to the pool, stranded in 100o heat, or scrambling to activate your warranty. The entry price for these batteries may be good, but the total cost of ownership is not.
AVOID BUYERS’ REMORSE The best way to find a durable and dependable battery is to partner with a manufacturer who understands the golf and PTV market and has a proven track record in it. These companies generally have refined their batteries over the years, solving users' problems along the way. Further, they have the infrastructure to back their products with the service and support you deserve. 22 www.GolfCarting.com
LOOK FOR A PARTNER THAT: • Brings decades of collective experience to every battery they manufacture. • Supplies batteries to major golf car manufacturers. • Offers a Customer Support Line staffed by real people who can answer your questions and help you troubleshoot issues. • Has an international network of master distributors. • Guarantees their batteries with long dependable warranties and staffs a U.S.-based warranty team. • Offers a full portfolio of batteries: flooded lead acid, AGM, Gel, and lithium-ion. • Manufactures drop-in, scalable batteries so you can switch from one type of battery to another and add batteries to increase your range without retrofitting. • Invests in research and development to advance battery technology. • Provides informational videos, manuals, sales sheets, guides, whitepapers, and other resources on their website. And if you’re in the market for a lithium-ion battery, make sure the manufacturer has a network of authorized golf car dealers who are trained to sell and service their batteries.
golfcartcommunity
SAY ALOHA TO HAWAII’S RA I
t may not be a part of the contiguous United States, but Hawaii is the United States through and through and has not only embraced today’s custom golf cart trends but taken them to whole new level. The island lifestyle lends itself to using carts and low speed vehicles as a convenient mode of transportation. Small islands with narrow, sometimes treacherous road conditions and crowded streets can be an ideal place to use a golf cart to get around as opposed to a standard passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or scooter. The custom golf cart industry in Hawaii is booming with both on and off-road vehicles surging in popularity. Some are transforming their older carts to use on trails and undeveloped land, while others are opting for a custom vehicle they can
24 www.GolfCarting.com
legally use on the islands’ roads. CAN I USE MY GOLF CART ON THE ROAD IN HAWAII? Even though Hawaii is unaffected by most Federal laws, there are still state and local ordinances that regulate the use of certain golf carts on Hawaiian roadways. Generally, a typical golf cart cannot be operated legally on the roads of the Hawaiian Islands, but LSV’s, (low speed vehicles), can, provided they meet certain technical requirements. An LSV must have 4 wheels to be used on the street. It must also be capable of speeds of a minimum of 20 mph and a maximum of 25 mph. The LSV cannot weigh more than 3,000 pounds, and needs to have a 17-digit VIN, just like a car.
PHOTOS COMPLIMENTS FROM @NOTORIOUS_KART_KLUB, @808 CARTELZ, @MANIACKARTCLUB, @JDMSIR
ADICAL CUSTOM CART SCENE Also, just like the driver of a car, LSV drivers must have a valid drivers license and carry adequate insurance on the vehicle. LSVs are regulated by the same laws and restrictions of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and if used on public roads the vehicle needs to have a complete listing of all pertinent operational regulations and ordinances posted somewhere on the vehicle in plain sight. One important law regarding using LSVs on Hawaiian roads is they cannot be operated on any road which has a speed limit of more than 35 mph, although a driver can cross such a road, provided it is at a recognized traffic crossing. To operate an LSV legally on roads in Hawaii,
they need to be equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, functioning turn signals, windshields, rear-view mirrors, seat belts, parking brake and reflectors. it may not be a part of the contiguous United States, but Hawaii is the United States through and through and has not only embraced today’s custom golf cart trends but taken them to whole new level. The island lifestyle lends GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 25
golfcartcompany
itself to using carts and low speed vehicles as a convenient mode of transportation. Small islands with narrow, sometimes treacherous road conditions and crowded streets can be an ideal place to use a golf cart to get around as opposed to a standard passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or scooter. HAWAIIANS AS CART-CRAZY AS PEOPLE IN THE MAINLAND Known as the most isolated population center on the planet, Hawaii is just under 2,400 miles from the California coast, and there are 8 main islands in the chain. Hawaiians are an independent people who march to the beat of their own drummer, in their own unique time zone and with a deep respect for their home’s history and traditions. And just like throughout the rest of the U.S., people in Hawaii are as passionate about customizing their golf carts and other LSVs. From “neighborhood transportation vehicles” to
26 www.GolfCarting.com
carts used on the huge coffee and pineapple plantations, carts here are used or a variety of reasons, and cart upgrades and customization is a booming business on the islands. Golf Cart Hawaii is located on the island of Kahului and was founded in 2012. The company specializes in the sales and service of their own line of LSVs called E-Land. They also sell the popular Evolution line of LSVs. Recognized as the state’s first street legal LSV manufacturer, the company’s E-Land line comes in the Forrester, Turfman and Classic model lines, custom-built for the buyer’s specific needs and use. All their vehicles come standard with every street-legal accessory needed for use on the road, and the Turfman model is meant for serious commercial use and all-terrain needs where high ground clearance, powerful electric motors and heavy-duty hydraulic dump beds are required to get the job done. Golf Carts Hawaii uses state-of-the-art lithium battery
golfcartcompany
technology to supply optimum power and overall reliability for the vehicles. They also market a complete line of aftermarket cart parts and accessories, plus used carts from E-Z-GO, Yamaha and Club Car. Their service department can handle any maintenance and customization conversion, and prides themselves on the highest quality work and customer service. Nohokai, which means “dweller by the sea,” is another golf and utility cart firm in Hawaii, located about 15 miles north of Honolulu in Waipahu. They offer a wide-ranging array of fleet carts, custom LSVs and heavy-duty utility vehicles for commercial and agricultural use. The company has a large service business, golf cart and LSV rental programs and can even provide loaner vehicles to make servicing your cart more convenient. They offer routine and preventive maintenance, tires and wheels, lift kits, chargers, charger repairs and more. LIFTING CARTS TO NEW HEIGHTS Many custom golf carts and LSVs have lift kits installed, usually raising the cart by about 3 inches. In Hawaii, custom cart enthusiasts have gone to new heights in getting their carts off the ground, with A-arm lift kits, shock absorbers and coil springs as large as 8 to 14 inches. The result is a cart
28 www.GolfCarting.com
with an incredible ground clearance, aggressive stance, and completely custom look. Together with super fat after-market tires, this style of customization is very popular in Hawaii. In fact, the radical height on these types of carts and other utility vehicles like Razor’s has been dubbed the “Hawaii Style Tree Climber,” and allows maneuvers not unlike those of raised Jeeps. Several groups of custom cart enthusiasts in Hawaii have formed to share the love of their hobby and lifestyle, including the Maniac Kart Club and Golf Carts Modified. They hold special events, community cart shows and parades for charity, and promote the hashtag #hawaiianstyle to support their design and build efforts and share their work with every cart customizing fanatic. In 2020, Maniac Kart Club organized their first annual Toy Drive & Cart Cruise, travelling from Ewa to Pu'uloa Beach Park in Ewa Beach in the county of Honolulu. The event included about 50 custom carts that ranged from moderate customs to completely unique works of art and engineering marvels. Long known as a tropical vacation destination and honeymoon haven, Hawaii is quickly becoming a hot spot in the world of outrageous custom golf carts. - CGMAG
golfcartcompany
THE EVOLUTION SOLUTION
WWW.EVOLUTIONELECTRICVEHICLE.COM
ELECTRIC VEHICLES DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE 30 www.GolfCarting.com
O
nce you take a thorough look at Evolution Electric Vehicles, (EEV), and the products they manufacture, it’s easy to see how the company came up with their name. Evolution’s wide-ranging line of products – from golf carts to multi-passenger transporters to commercial outdoor utility vehicles – is setting the standard and breaking barriers within the golf cart industry. The company’s rise to success began with a 10-year history in the Asian Pacific markets under the name HDK Electric Vehicles. In 2016, the company rebranded itself as Evolution Electric Vehicles, setting up their headquarters and main manufacturing facilities in California. The company also operates a large warehouse and shipping facility in Ocala, Florida. When the Evolution team made the commitment to compete on the same playing field as manufacturers like Yamaha, E-Z-GO, Club Car, and others, they knew it would take a complete evaluation of today’s current golf cart design and building processes. The company threw away the preconceived ideas that are far too often “the way it’s always been done,” and the results are getting rave reviews from owners and positive acceptance by the marketplace.
Evolution offers several different lines and models of vehicles. For golf, the Classic 2 Pro is equipped with an onboard waterproof battery charging system, high-efficiency LED headlamps and a powder-coated steel chassis that includes a lifetime warranty. The Classic also comes in a 4-seat model called the Classic 4. You can also get additional features and accessories if you step up to the Classic 2 and Classic 4 Plus models, which come with a 9-inch computer touchscreen on board, USB port, upgraded luxury steering wheel and seats, and more. The company’s Carrier line is designed to transport people in comfort and style. These electric vehicles are the epitome of luxury and performance, available with 6 or 8 seats plus a large area for luggage or other items. These are the ultimate vehicles for college campuses, large sports venues, real estate community sales centers and any place where people need to cover large areas in the most efficient way. The Turfman series are available in 3 different models made to handle any type of outdoor terrain. With an increased lift, larger wheels and all-terrain tires, rugged steel construction and advanced components and premium technology, these vehicles are perfect for jobsite tasks, camping, hunting or just
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 31
golfcartcompany exploring the backwoods with the family. The Forester line is also built for heavy-duty, outdoor use, and offers either a 4 or 6-passenger configuration. POWER AND PERFORMANCE REIMAGINED Evolution Electric Vehicles understands that to be a market leader, their carts need to rise above the others in a side-byside comparison. Only the most premium components and parts are used in creating every Evolution vehicle, including speed controllers from Curtis Instruments, onboard charging systems from Lester Electrical, and top-of-the-line paint finishes from PPG. Many models come standard with premium upgrades included, like a digital dashboard speedometer, headlamps and taillamps, turn signals, D.O.T.-approved front windshield, and other luxury appointments. Some of the company’s LSV models can even be ordered with items like windshield wipers and hydraulic disc brakes, lighted license plate holder and a VIN number so they can be legally used in the street. EEV offers a complete line of accessories to equip your vehicle to your exact specifications with all the custom upgrades you can think of. Durable vehicle covers, vinyl enclosures for harsh weather, pull-down shades, bumpers,
32 www.GolfCarting.com
and brush guards are all designed to enhance and improve the performance of all EEV models. The company also offers dozens of wheel and tire options, allowing buyers to set their cart up to best match it’s intended use from the golf course to the trails. When it comes to performance, EEV owners are impressed by the power of the electric motor and its top speed of 25mph, and how quickly that power is transferred to the ground. Impressive torque and continual power are the hallmarks of EEV vehicles, whether you’re playing a quick 18 or taking the family for a sunset ride along the beach. EEV models are equipped with premium, 48V lithium batteries that come with 4 different configurations and an impressive, 5-year warranty, ensuring you’ll always have enough power for any need. EEV offers 60AH, 110AH, and 180AH battery options, enclosed in lightweight aluminum containers. These battery configurations offer the ultimate in overall lifespan, zero maintenance, eco-friendly power and lifetime cost efficiency. Safer than standard lead acid batteries, lithium batteries are the future of electric vehicle power, and EEV is in the forefront of equipping their carts with the most advanced battery technology available.
golfcartcompany
The lithium batteries on EEV’s can attain a full charge in around 5 hours. Other power features on Evolution vehicles include a 48V 6.3KW AC Motor and 400 Amp Evolution AC controller. DEALERS AND BUYERS IMPRESSED WITH EVOLUTION BRAND Through their fast-growing network of authorized dealers, EEV is achieving increased awareness, and buyers and dealers report very positive response to the carts in all their models. A salesman for a large Evolution dealer in Central Florida says his dealership sold about 400 Evolution vehicles last year, and they usually only stock the 4 and 6-passenger models, based on buyer demand. The visual appeal of the carts, more useful and well-designed accessories, and larger lithium batteries than in comparable carts are just a few of the reasons they are so popular among cart shoppers. The salesman estimated Evolution models account for approximately 50% of their overall unit sales, and also pointed out that the company can produce and deliver what they promise when it comes to getting new carts to their dealer network. At the 2022 PGA Tradeshow in Orlando, Evolution vehicles were drawing a lot of attention. The media – MSNBC did a video on the D3 at the show - dealers and consumers were buzzing about what will be the newest addition to the EEV line, called the D3, a bit of a hybrid between an electric car and a golf cart. This sleek, high-tech vehicle features automatic power steering, adjustable seating, a large front storage trunk and even a refrigerator on board. The D3 is destined to make its mark on the electric vehicle market in a big way, backed by the track record of Evolution 34 www.GolfCarting.com
and their forward-thinking design and manufacturing processes. Evolution’s slogan is “the quickest and most capable golf carts in electric vehicle history.” If the company’s past performance is any indicator, it appears they are the fast track to continued growth.
golfcartingnation
OWNER: Patrick Morgan from Granite Falls YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 1979 Taylor Dunn Tee-Bird PATRICK, COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD? So, this is an already rare Taylor Dunn Tee Bird, I hardly see any around and this is the first modified one I've ever seen. Besides the lift and cosmetics, it’s all stock drivetrain. Stock GM 36v electric motor tied to a shortened Ford 9 inch and still even uses the original resistor type throttle. I enter it in car shows and parades, but it’s never actually won anything, but I let kids sit on it, take pictures, etc. and everyone just loves it. Its slower than molasses, and God forbid you come up to a hill. It’s about an 8" lift on bear-claw 26" tires and 12" rims. It sits higher than a stock Jeep Wrangler. IS THERE ANY CUSTOM FABRICATION, OR CUSTOM-MADE PARTS? You’re going to love this. This cart was built in the 80's (probably one of the first lifted carts in its day) and was built using scrap stuff from around my uncle’s transmission shop. The lift is just square tubing welded on the factory spring 36 www.GolfCarting.com
perches (factory it is a leaf spring design). Steering arm was just extended and has terrible slop and is quite dangerous, but thankfully top speed is like 5mph downhill with a gust of wind. The Blower on the hood was built using scrap tin metal and a coffee can. This is pure 80's vibe build. Seats are cheap plastic racing/offroad buckets bolted to the wood battery cover. Diamond plate dash with a stereo and two 6x9's. Even has the footprint gas pedal. WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS DID YOU USE? No name brand parts were used, this was built using nothing but scrap metal and lots of beer. CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOUR COMPANY AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BUILDING CARTS? I am not the builder of this cart; however, it was passed down to me by my uncle when he passed away. I build classic muscle cars. He owned a transmission shop and I kind of followed in his footsteps and started working on classic cars.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD? This golf cart was built by my Uncle Terry and was handed down to me when he passed, its beyond priceless to me as I remember riding this as a kid. I know you are getting lots of cool carts, I don't really expect this to win, but it’s the story behind this cart that some may think is cool. It’s not a high dollar build, or super-fast, but its most definitely one of a kind! GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 37
let'sgetsocial
TAG US IN YOUR PHOTOS WITH #GOLFCARTINGMAG
YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR POST IN THE NEXT ISSUE!
38 www.GolfCarting.com
dealerprofile
Garage Golfin' T
his month’s dealer profile is Golfin’ Garage located in Jasper, GA and are a newer dealership having opened their doors in October of 2020. Golfin’ Garage offers their clients a wide range of services from customizing a personal golf cart, to small engine repair services, as well as upgrades and modifications to existing carts. Golfin' Garage was started by Finley McRae because he wanted to bring superior quality of work and great customer service to the golf cart business in his hometown of Jasper. His knowledge of customizing golf carts and small engine repair is the product of 8 years of technical knowledge, fabrication work, skill, and artistry. 42 www.GolfCarting.com
DEALER PROFILE:
DEALER NAME: Golfin’ Garage DEALER LOCATION: Jasper, GA PHONE NUMBER: (706) 502-6050 EMAIL: finleysservices@gmail.com WEBSITE: http://www.golfingarage.com FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/golfingarage
When asked to talk about his dealership, Finley explained, “We exclusively build custom golf carts and we build one-of-a-kind golf cart fiberglass body kits. We sell all makes and models but
specialize in older style carts. We offer our customers premium seat upholstery, custom paint, any and all attachments, and can build any cart a customer wants, period.” Golfin’ Garage was started by Finley McRae who is an eight-year Automotive Technician, three-year Small Engine Master Technician (Kawasaki, Kholer, and Briggs and Stratton Motors). Finley had the courage to start his company during the height of Covid-19 in October of 2020. They currently have just the one location in Jasper, GA and the dealership is run and operated by Finley himself who handles all the cart builds and repairs. Golfin’ Garage markets almost exclusively through Facebook and Social Media and relies on word-of-mouth
referrals. Finley has created some very beautiful and unique custom carts as evidenced by “The Highlander” and “The Bronco” custom builds. You can see more photos of these carts and more by visiting the Golfin’ Garage website. When asked about his future plans for his business, Finley said, “The current workload is extreme. I’d really like to add some employees to help ease the burden of my rapidly growing busines.” Thank you, Finley, for submitting your dealership and we wish you all the best as you grow your business. For more information on Golfin’ Garage in Jasper, GA visit their website at www.golfingarage.com or call (706) 502-6050.
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 43
askthemechanic
ASK THE MECHANIC Q: What can I do to extend the life of my batteries? A: Make sure the water level is above the internal plates at all times. Each month top them off with distilled water. Also, let your batteries sit in a discharged state and make it a habit to plug in the charger after you're done using your cart. Monitor your batteries for excessive boiling as you may need to change your charger algorithm for the correct charging profile to your battery brand/model. Lastly, clean your terminals once a month and make sure all connections are tight. Q: What is the least expensive way to get more speed from my golf cart? A: For newer style electric versions dealers can unlock Freedom mode for EZGO, enable Speed Code 4 for Club Car, and enable PTV mode for Yamaha. This involves either a passkey or a code obtained from the manufacturer while using a handheld scan tool. This service should cost a few hundred dollars on the high side and get you about 5 mph extra. If you have an older style "PDS" EZGO model, you can buy an inexpensive speed chip for the controller and/or a speed magnet that goes on the end of 46 www.GolfCarting.com
the motor in front of the speed sensor. A drawback to these mods will lower or even disable your regenerative braking. An even cheaper way to get more speed is to air up your tires to at least 20 psi for an extra 1-2 mph. Bigger than stock tires will also trick your speed sensor because of less rotations of the tire that your speed sensor is sending to the controller. If you have a gas version, the easiest (and cost effective) way is to adjust the governor on the carburetor by tightening the governor spring. When doing this you must watch that the RPMs on the motor are not too high. Be aware that this may void your warranty if applicable. Q: Can I run three 12-volt batteries in my 36-volt cart instead of six 6-volt ones? A: Technically you can have three batteries versus the six and the cart will run, however, you will get much less run time. This is because you're drawing the same amount of amperage from three less sources. If you were to choose different batteries that have a much higher amp/hour rating you could essentially run it this way, however, it is not recommended.
Visit www.golfcarting.com and go to Reader's Rides to submit. Be sure to use the hashtag #golfcarting
braggingrights
48 www.GolfCarting.com
READER'S RIDES
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 49
PRST MKTG US POSTAGE PAID ISLE OF PALMS, SC PERMIT NO. 04
