Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Chargers
What To Look For When Purchasing Golf Cart Chargers?
Consumers have many questions when it comes to purchasing golf cart chargers. There are so many to choose from that it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some common questions that will help you determine the best golf cart charger to invest in.
How long does it take for a golf cart to charge?
It will depend on a number of factors that include the quality of your battery, the battery\’s depth of discharge, and the quality of your charger. For older batteries you may find that it takes longer for them to charge. Newer batteries that have only a 20 to 30 percent depth of discharge (dod) will probably take 1 to 3 hours to fully charge using a heavy duty charger.
Does my golf cart need to be charged after each use?
In most cases, it is a healthy practice to bring your golf cart’s battery bank up to a full charge after each use. This is especially true when the cart will sit in storage for a while. When you are using an automatic golf cart charger, they will shut off once the batteries are at full capacity. This will decrease the worry of overcharging your battery.
Should I charge the golf cart in “Run” or “Tow” mode? 
Your golf cart needs to be charged in Run. Tow should only be used in long term storage or if you are going to remove the battery.
What is storage mode?
This mode will take place when the charger is hooked to the battery and wall for long periods of time. Storage mode will occur if the battery voltage drops below a rate that you predetermine, or if 10 to 15 days has gone by. It basically keeps your batteries at full capacity in a safe way while in storage. Trickle chargers will provide a non-stop charge. A charger that has safe mode will only kick in when the battery needs charging.
Does my charger have a storage mode?
Not all chargers provide this feature. If you want it, make sure that you consult a battery charger expert so they can help you choose the right charger.
Can I use a 36 volt charger on a 48 volt golf cart battery?
In no case can a 36 volt charger be used on a 48 volt battery. Voltage matters when it comes to matching up the correct charger and battery. Always ensure that your chargers volts and your battery volts match.
Can you repair a battery charger?
Your battery charger can only receive service from a golf cart battery professional. Ensure that the professional you select has experience in repairing golf cart chargers, as you do not want to jeopardize the functionality of your golf cart battery. They will be able to evaluate the charger and diagnose any issues. In some cases, you may be better off replacing the charger with a new one, as there are many affordable golf cart chargers on the market.
7 thoughts on “Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Chargers”
Why can,t I install 3 , 12 volt batteries in a 36 volt cart instead of the 6 , 6 volt batteries ?
Terry – Thanks for your inquiry. Really you could do this because the operating voltage would be the same but you would sacrifice your range and performance of the golf cart because the AH rating or (capacity) of three 12v batteries would be approx half that of the 6 battery system. 6x 6 volt batteries would be roughly 220 amp hours where 3x 12 volt batteries would only be roughly 100 amp hours.
Hopefully this helps.
Power On…
Pete’s Team
I’ve heard two different opinions on leaving a cart in the Tow position when storing for a protracted period of time, one says that the cart should be switched to tow, another says leave in the run position as putting it in the tow position will drain the batteries.
Which is correct?
This is a great question and is related to the idea some folks have about disconnecting the batteries for long term storage.
The Run/Tow switch is designed for maintenance purposes if you might need to push the vehicle around. All carts equipped with the Run/Town switch indicate it is a regen system, meaning the motor will help slow the golf cart down when your foot is lifted off the pedal. This is why you need to switch to tow position prior to pushing the golf cart around to avoid damaging the motor.
The run/tow feature will also kill power to the ignition switch. This is why the myth arose that says it will prevent your batteries from dying or discharging over a prolonged period of time. This is only apparent if you have additional accessories wired to the ignition switch power, like a stereo or voltage reducer. If so, there is a possibility they may be a drain on the batteries. Otherwise setting to tow mode will not help.
The idea that you can disconnect the batteries themselves to preserve charge is subject to the same conditions. If there are accessories or bad wiring, then this can be a defense against excessive drain.
Regardless of switches flipped or batteries disconnected, lead acid batteries will lose 10% of their state of charge monthly – no matter what you do. It is just the nature of the chemistry. Disconnecting wires or flipping switches will slow down the discharge rate if there is any other accessories or bad wiring that may cause a parasitic draw on the battery bank in question. But none of this changes the basic fact that they will lose the 10% each month.
Bob – Great question. Quite frankly neither matter much in the long term storage scenarios as a lead acid battery will discharge approx 10% monthly just sitting in a static state. The only scenario where the run/tow switch being placed into the tow position will slow the rate of discharge is if something (Accessories) are wired up directly to the ignition switch or that circuit and when in the run position create a parasitic load on the battery bank – hence speeding up the discharge rate. Once the switch is flipped to tow position it kills the power to the dash console “Ignition switch circuit”.
Power On…
Pete’ Team
Golf cart Battery charger has a flooded batteries mode and a Gel/AGM mode. Which one do I use? 36volt golf cart
Jose – Thank you for your inquiry. This setting is based on the batteries in your application. Most likely you have just plain old lead acid batteries-flooded batteries. AGM or GEL are specific forms of lead acid battery chemistry and require different charge characteristics for optimal service life. Check the battery information label on the top or front of your batteries. If they are AGM or GEL they will say so on that label/sticker.
Pete’s Team
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