CARTS ON CAMPUS SCHOOLS USING ELECTRIC VEHICLES January 2022 Issue 20
Cover Story just another
Double Cab
Truck Replica
GOLFCARTING.COM
Golf Cart
COVER STORY
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 1121 PARK WEST BLVD B214 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29466
WE CHAT WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST ONLINE GOLF CART PARTS AND ACCESSORY COMPANY
GOLF CART GARAGE
PAGE 14
CONTENTS ISSUE 20 JANUARY 2022
FEATURES
14 COVER STORY: VW DOUBLE CAB REPLICA 20 STAR EV ENJOYS A STELLAR REPUTATION IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE WORLD 32 COMPANY PROFILE: GOLF CART GARAGE 40 CARTS ON CAMPUS 46 DEALER PROFILE: 3 GUYS GOLF CARTS DEPARTMENTS
08 EDITOR'S NOTE 28 LET'S GET SOCIAL 36 GOLF CARTING NATION 48 ASK THE MECHANIC 50 READER'S RIDES 8 www.GolfCarting.com
Happy New Year from Golf Carting Magazine
I
t’s a new year and Golf Carting Magazine is excited to publish our 20th edition. The magazine is growing rapidly, and we are experiencing tremendous engagement in our retail stores and subscriptions. We want to thank of all our readers for supporting us, and of course our advertisers, who make this publication possible. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce two new staff writers to the magazine. Kelly Madden is a native Floridian who is an experienced writer and understands the golf carting culture intimately. Dr. Timothy Mounce in Chapel Hill, NC is a successful author of children’s books that feature Bigfoot. In his own words he explains, “So many of my golf shots ended up in the wilderness that I started writing bigfoot books.” Thankfully, he is also an avid golf cart enthusiast.
There are many reasons for optimism in the golf cart industry. Let’s face it, things are not back to normal, but they are improving. Many of our golf cart dealer friends have shared with us that 2021 sales were fantastic. And with the shortage of carts and parts due to the supply chain mess, this is really significant. We are excited that the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando this month is back after being canceled last year due to Covid. It is always a fun time for us to meet with our readers and advertisers face to face in Orlando. We look forward to a great year of golf carting and genuinely hope you continue to find our humble publication interesting and amusing.
Trevor Rose Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
the
big
10 www.GolfCarting.com
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
GOLF CARTING // Issue 20 // January 2022
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. ©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 just another
Double Cab
Truck Replica Golf Cart
14 www.GolfCarting.com
BY TROY MERRIFIELD
An extraordinary handmade replica!
W
hen you first see this cart, you may wonder what you’re looking at. I wasn't sure if the photo was altered -- or as they say, "Photoshopped" -- or if someone took a saw and cut apart a classic VW Type II. As each photo downloaded on my screen, the idea that the photos were manipulated was quickly dispelled. The photos were obviously taken at all different angles, so it could only be one thing – someone cut up an original VW. After reading
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 15
the description, I was utterly dumbfounded. Looking at the mastery of this build, I wasn’t sure how anyone could achieve such an authentic look by pure fabrication. I was amazed that someone actually sculpted this, but we'll get to that in a minute. First, take a minute to think about how one might create this. This chef-d'oeuvre is the handiwork of Tommy Davidson from Randleman, NC. As an aficionado of VWs for the last 38 years, his understanding of the classic German form is undisputedly at an expert level. While having owned and tinkered with numerous VWs over the years, this is his first attempt at building a cart. I would say that if this is his first, I sure hope it’s not his last. Tommy started with an aluminum Club Car frame for the base of his build. First, the front end and steering components were cut off and relocated to match the original bus-style front 16 www.GolfCarting.com
geometry. As most older carts like this, it began as a 36-volt system. He decided to upgrade the cart to a more modern 48volt system. Tommy had some custom wheel spacers made to order to get the correct wheel spacing. With the foundation of the cart complete, he began cutting up large chunks of Styrofoam and the basic shape started to take the form of a VW truck. After bonding the pieces together, he began fine tuning with a rasp and sanding the foam. It took hours and hours of sanding, but he basically took away all the foam that did not look like the VW. After forming the details that make up the VW and all the necessary body lines and recesses, it was time to make the form a little more durable. The Styrofoam was coated with a resin for stability. He decided to give the VW a more authentic color reminiscent of its era, so a white and aqua blue color were applied. All the final details such as the lights, mirrors,
side molding, windshields and graphics were then installed. The rear gates were made with aluminum, and he also fabricated aluminum supports for the bed. The bumpers were custom made completely out of Styrofoam. Windows are comprised of plexiglass, complete with Safari windows in the front and sliding side windows. The mirrors are original VW bus mirrors. Tommy added 5” headlights and used original bus taillights. To finish it off, he added an aftermarket VW Banjo steering wheel. Overall, the VW truck replica is a one-of-kind cart that truly is a head turner. I would be proud to cruise around the streets in something this unique, and I’m sure it will get a lot of attention at VW meets across the country. Now that his build is complete, Tommy plans to cruise around in his VW Golf Cart at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach and enjoy his creation. -GCM 18 www.GolfCarting.com
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 19
golfcartmanufacturer
STAR EV W
BY KELLY MADDEN
ENJOYS A STELLAR REPUTATION IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE WORLD
hat began as a small cart manufacturing business in Greenville, South Carolina, has emerged as a leader in the low-speed vehicle industry, and the growth of STAR EV Corporation is still on the rise. Founded in 2003 by entrepreneurs Jane Zhang and Jun Hu, STAR was formerly known as JH Global Services. They changed their corporate name to better reflect their emergence as a prominent manufacturer of premium electric vehicles designed and built for a wide variety of uses. Since the company’s start, they have undergone large expansion efforts and relocations and now occupy a 120,000 square foot manufacturing and headquarters facility in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and employ 100 people. The company is planning another expansion project for 2022 in response to the increasing demand for their premium lines
20 www.GolfCarting.com
of electric vehicles. STAR EV manufactures carts perfect for neighborhood and community travel, golf and outdoor sports, off-roading, multi-passenger carts and commercial and specialty EV’s for public service and industrial use. The company has received several accolades since its inception, including Inc. Magazine’s South Carolina Fastest Growing Companies and the Fastest Growing 100 Business Award from the U.S. Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce. STAR EV designs and builds carts in 7 different categories, with over 50 models to appeal to virtually any segment of the electronic vehicle market. Their flagship model is the Sirius line, a custom cart designed for use within residential neighborhoods and gated communities. These upscale vehicles feature a design and manufacturing process that
is like the automotive industry, with precision components and electronics, LED headlights and taillights with brake lights and turn signals, race-inspired chassis with double wishbone independent suspension and much more. Sirius cart models come in a variety of configurations ranging from a 2-seat golf cart to a 6-passenger cart called the 4+2, offered in both standard and lifted models. The Capella line of carts offers 6 different configurations, with features like 12” DOT radial tires, digital dash display, daytime running lights, high and low-beam headlamps and much more. To accommodate the industrial and commercial markets, STAR EV offers their AP and AK Series carts, which are able to be designed with a variety of configurations. The AP Series is available with full aluminum, weather sealed side doors and options including a street-legal package, heater and defroster and even a 2000-watt, high output air conditioning system.
continued...
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 21
golfcartmanufacturer
STAR EV is a leader in supplying carts for the airline industry, resorts and hotels, country clubs, sports venues and other areas where there is a need to provide clean transportation for a large volume of people. The company makes security vehicles, medical transport carts, a bus that can hold 23 people, ambulances and even carts offering wheelchair access. DRIVING IN STYLE The entire line of STAR EV’s are created with one goal in mind – to provide the most innovative technology and powerful drivetrain system in its class and a truly custom, ergonomic driving experience. Offering more amenities and features than other cart brands, STAR EVs are the epitome of quality, comfort and drivability. STAR vehicles are built with top-of-the-line technology and design, including 48 V or V Trojan batteries that can go up to 60 miles after charging, and heavy-duty AC and DC motors with 400A or 550A Curtis Controllers, providing optimum 22 www.GolfCarting.com
power and efficiency for transporting any load of people or equipment. Safety is another key benefit of the STAR EV line, with every vehicle featuring windshields, seat belts and DOTregulation tires. “Comfort and the way our vehicles drive are the cornerstones of why people like our carts,” said Nadine Jacobs, STAR EV’s marketing and international business manager. “Our entire process involves using only state-of-the-art components in vehicle designs that offer premium performance, safety and driver comfort.” The Sirius line of vehicles are designed with the driver in mind, with luxury comforts like a locking trunk and glovebox, interior dash lighting, LED turn signal indicators on both side mirrors and optional USB and 12V outlets. The ergonomically designed interior means the most pleasurable ride available. The company also markets a full line of EV accessories through their network of over 200 dealers worldwide. “Our dealers tell us that our primary customers are residents of a gated community or other neighborhood where
golfcartmanufacturer they need to get to the clubhouse, golf course, pool or other areas and don’t want to use their car,” says Jacobs. “People are discovering how efficient and eco-friendly our vehicles can be.” The increasing popularity of “Low Speed Vehicles”, (LSV), sometimes referred to as “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle,” (NEV), is happening around the world in private residential communities, small towns and cities and in rural residential and commercial settings. Current projections indicate the golf cart and NEV market is a $800 million dollar industry and will experience continued growth around the world. The federal government and most local governing municipalities have laws in effect that regulate the legalities of taking a LSV on a public roadway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that these types of vehicles are subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 49 CFR 571.500, which means their top speed cannot exceed 25-miles per hour and that they have a gross vehicle weight of less than 2,500 pounds. The statute states that LSV’s be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals, tail lights and brake lights, rear view mirrors, windshields, seat belts and must be registered just like
24 www.GolfCarting.com
a car, including a valid Vehicle Identification Number, (VIN), number. POISED FOR THE FUTURE STAR EV Corporation has come a long way from their humble beginnings because of not only manufacturing premium quality electric vehicles, but by also concentrating on future growth and market demand. Their entire management team knows that anticipating future trends and being proactive rather than reactive is the key to the company’s growth. The international market is being heavily researched by company management and is thought to be one of their primary focus segments going forward. STAR EV supports their extensive dealer networks with complete marketing and point-of-sale materials, advanced training in sales and service of their products and even attractive financing options for the buyer. For more information, complete specifications and dealer opportunities for STAR EV products, go to www.starev.com. -CMW
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
let'sgetsocial
TAG US IN YOUR PHOTOS WITH #GOLFCARTINGMAG
YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR POST IN THE NEXT ISSUE!
28 www.GolfCarting.com
companyprofile
GOLF CART GARAGE G olf Cart Garage is an online golf cart parts and accessory company and has served the golf car community impeccably since 2014 and completely revamped their business in 2021 to serve the industry in new and exciting ways. Let’s find out more about Golf Cart Garage… COMPANY PROFILE: Company Name: Golf Cart Garage Location: Houston, TX & Avon, OH (with warehouses nationwide) Phone Number: (800) 401-2934 Website: https://www.golfcartgarage.com Owner: Dan Nunney Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GolfCartGarage 32 www.GolfCarting.com
GCMAG: Thanks for spending some time with us. We’d love to hear more about Golf Cart Garage. GCG: Simply put we sell golf cart parts and accessories for Club Car, EZ-GO & Yamaha golf carts, including battery chargers, wheels/tires, lifts kits, lights, windshields, tops, rear seat kits, and much more. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of parts and accessories, we offer free shipping on all orders over $125, a price match guarantee, and hundreds of resource videos to help golf car dealers or owners navigate cart maintenance, upgrades, or ownership. GCMAG: That’s a lot of products. I wasn’t aware there were hundreds of thousands of golf cart parts & accessories. Who is the owner?
GCG: Dan Nunney GCMAG: Can you give us some background on Golf Cart Garage? When did you start? GCG: Dan, the owner of Golf Cart Garage, grew up with a golf cart in his parents garage, and always loved taking long rides around the neighborhood with his family, usually right around when the sun was setting. Occasionally, something would break on the cart or Dan would want to add an accessory and it was difficult for him to find the right part. Something as simple as a cracked windshield turned out to be a challenge to fix. Dan knew there had to be an easier way to get parts quickly and at a reasonable price. So in 2014 Golf Cart Garage was born with a mission to make golf cart ownership easy and fun for everyone. GCMAG: Dan saw a problem that needed to be fixed. Makes perfect sense. Where exactly are you guys located? GCG: We have multiple warehouses strategically located across
the country. Our main headquarters are located in Houston, Texas and Avon, Ohio. GCMAG: Can you tell us about your employees? GCG: Golf Cart Garage employs a total of 27 people. We have full-time and part-time employees in addition to independent contractors. GCMAG: That’s a substantial amount of employees. How do you promote or advertise your business? GCG: Since we are an online business we market primarily online and through local organizations and clubs. We are big in social media and have an active email list. GCMAG: What is the most important business lesson you've learned? GCG: I would have to say that is hiring amazing people, who have great attitudes, work hard and are willing to learn and grow. That's one of the most important business lessons that
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 33
companyprofile I've learned. Having a great team keeps the big wheel turning. GCMAG: That is so true. What are your future plans? GCG: We want to continue to expand our golf cart parts and accessories line and provide the very best experience for our customers. In addition, we will be building out additional verticals in the UTV/Side-By-Side space. GCMAG: That’s exciting. Is there anything you’d like to add? GCG: I think people would like to know who some of our clients are and who trusts us to be their parts provider. Here is a list: The U.S. National Parks Service, The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, NASA, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Bay Area Rapid Transit, New York State Police, Apple, BMW, Delta, FedEx, Walmart and SpaceX. The States of Maryland, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Oregon, Maine, Tennessee, and countless city and county entities. GCMAG: That is a very impressive list. We want to thank you for sharing information about your company and we wish you continued success.
For more information on Golf Carts Garage visit their website at www.GolfCartsGarage.com or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GolfCartGarage. Their phone number is (800) 401-2934.
golfcartingnation
OWNER: Brad Crumb from Clewiston, Florida COMPANY: Big O Carts YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 2000 Club Car DS TELL US ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD It started out as a cheap barn find, so I fixed it all up and after a 36 www.GolfCarting.com
few trips I could smell the oil burning. So, I then decided to do a full overhaul on the motor. While the engine was apart, I was thinking to myself, I wonder what this thing would sound like spooling up! I looked up a small turbo and selected order and it was on from there! ANY CUSTOM FABRICATION OR CUSTOM-MADE PARTS?
All the intake and exhaust were fabricated by me out of stainless tubing & rig welded. • Fuel Injection system and program map • Custom oil cooler system for the turbo seal • Custom shrouds and heat deflectors • Custom sound bar mounted to dash WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS DID YOU USE? • Jakes 6” lift • 2” wheel spacers • Rear seat kit • Custom upholstered seats • Kicker amp and speakers • Ecotrin’s EFI kits SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BUILDING CARTS,
HOW DID YOU INTO THE BUSINESS? I was out riding this cart, and somebody stopped me and asked me if I wanted to sell it, and it all began there. So, over the past 2-1/2 years I’ve built a few carts since then! WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU OR YOUR COMPANY? Expand & always try to set the standard when building a cart! IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD? Keep producing great content for the Golf Cart community!
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 37
golfcartingnation
OWNER: Anthony Ramirez from Boynton Beach, Florida COMPANY: CartsGonWild YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 2019 Club Car Tempo 38 www.GolfCarting.com
This is a 2019 Club Car Tempo LSV conversion with 105ah lithium battery, a custom matte black paint job, 6” Rhox BMF lift kit, MadJax LUX street legal light kit, Genesis 250 rear seat, Lazy Life red diamond
stitch seats, MadJax brush guard, Bazooka 24” sound bar, Double Take 80” roof, 14” wheel with 23” tires and an underbody LED glow kit. SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BUILDING CARTS: I’ve been building carts for about a year. Started when COVID really started taking off with tons of restrictions. I’m a firefighter full time and started off buying a $400 E-Z-Go and transformed into buying 2 year off lease fleet of Club Cars for private consumer conversions. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU OR YOUR COMPANY? I work from home out of my garage. I plan on opening a store front and having a small dealership.
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 39
golfcartguide
CARTS ON CAMPUS
SCHOOLS USING ELECTRIC VEHICLES
F
rom grade schools to large universities, educational institutions around the world are utilizing golf carts and other electric vehicles on their campuses for a large variety of uses and reasons. School administrators are realizing efficiency advances and cost savings by using carts for things like student and faculty transportation, landscaping and maintenance work, safety and campus security, food and beverage transportation and more. Today’s advanced cart technology and the ability to customize carts for specific campus needs represent the future
40 www.GolfCarting.com
BY KELLY MADDEN
for forward-thinking school administrators. Some schools allow golf cart use on campus by students, providing safety and operation requirements to ensure that carts are properly equipped and used in a safe manner. The University of South Florida in Tampa has over 700 golf carts and other utility vehicles on their campus and has an extensive Cart Safety Training Program in place, along with a written Vehicle Operation Policy, to help run the school’s facilities in the safest and most efficient way. Carts on campuses interact closely with pedestrians, bicyclists,
skateboarders, scooters, and passenger vehicles, so practicing the highest safety standards is key to reducing the risk of an accident. Just like in most passenger vehicle collisions, the leading causes of accidents involving golf carts on school campuses are driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving and aggressive or careless operation. Florida Gulf Coast University, more commonly referred to as FGCU, is a large college located in Estero, Florida, midway
between Naples and Fort Myers on the gulf coast. The school utilizes hundreds of golf carts and low-speed vehicles, (LSVs), for dozens of uses on its sprawling, 807-acre campus. The school’s former President, Michael V. Martin, was well-known for crisscrossing the campus in his golf cart, offering rides to students, and visiting various buildings and facilities. The school has requirements for every cart and utility vehicle they purchase, including being equipped with turn signals, tail and brake lights, head lights, horn, side mirrors and
GOLF CART BY GOLF CART PARTS COMPANY
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 41
golfcartguide
a 5-panel rear view mirror. Carts equipped with rear-facing passenger seats must have grab bars and when the law or University so dictates, carts must also be equipped with a fire extinguisher and seat belts. The school’s policy also states that whenever practical, carts currently in use on campus grounds will be upgraded and refurbished with the above items. David Vazquez is FGCU’s President of Administrative Services and Finance, and says that their university owns and operates 132 golf carts for various uses on campus, with electric carts outnumbering gas models. “They are used by our staff for delivering mail and general maintenance issues, plus conducting tours and providing other transportation on campus,” Mr. Vazquez says. Students are not permitted to operate carts on campus there unless conducting university business. Employees and select vendors are allowed to use them on designated roads and pathways. While there currently is no official policy on purchasing new electric vehicles for use at FGCU, Mr. Vazquez points out that “the university has always demonstrated a forwardthinking position when it comes to things that can make our operations more environmentally sustainable.” SPECIALIZED CARTS FOR EVERY TASK Schools today have many options and resources available for procuring exactly the right style and configuration of vehicles designed for specific uses on their campuses. Cart manufacturers like Club Car, for example, make specialty carts for things like landscaping and campus maintenance services. 42 www.GolfCarting.com
Their Carryall 500 vehicles are made for things like transporting equipment and materials, personnel and supplies around a school’s campus, and their newest models feature eco-friendly, quiet electric motors that save money and improve efficiency, and are as powerful as the gas models of years past. People-movers are another big segment of the market for carts on school campuses. University campuses can often be more than 1,000 acres and are often spread out in many off site locations from the main facility. Sports arenas and ballfields, auditoriums and performance halls and other facilities require a safe and cost-efficient way to get groups of people around the grounds, and Club Car’s Transporter and Villager lines are designed to accommodate groups of people who may need a tour of the school or easy access to one of the outlying buildings far from the parking area. Keeping a school’s population and faculty safe is more important now than ever before, and golf carts provide the ideal way for campus police and security patrols to move about the facility effectively and with reduced costs when compared to using a passenger vehicle. Club Car, among other brands, even make specialized medical transport vehicles in the event of an on-campus emergency. MotoEV is based in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and manufactures and markets many specialized electric vehicles for use on school campuses. Current environmental concerns shared by the nation’s college students, combined with the worldwide emergence of EV and autonomous vehicle use, have created a critical
golfcartguide
market for this manufacturer in servicing the vehicular needs of colleges, universities and secondary schools. MotoEV makes electric school buses, campus security and emergency responder vehicles that are enclosed to prevent extreme weather issues like rain or cold, and some are equipped with rooftop solar panels for added efficiency and cost savings. The company’s campus security vehicles can be created in a school’s color scheme and include their logo, and warning lights and sirens can be included. They also market a line of EMS vehicles equipped with ADA-approved access, wheelchair ramps, full-body stretchers and fold-down seating that conform to nearly any possible configuration. LEARNING CURVE – MANAGING THE FUTURE OF CARTS ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES With hundreds of carts and electric vehicles under their
44 www.GolfCarting.com
ownership and operation, a fleet’s management and maintenance are big jobs for department heads and school administrators. Developing a stringent service and maintenance schedule is key to keeping the fleet running efficiently and safely, and schools need concise driver training and operational guidelines to ensure that school employees are using the carts as they were intended and to reduce any potential liability in the event of an accident involving one of their carts. Smart universities and other large educational campuses around the country are realizing the extensive advantages to operating cleaner, more eco-friendly vehicles for their many needs. Today’s modern EV’s mean more cost and environmental efficiencies, plus an increased adaptability to the needs of their students, faculty and staff. - CGM
dealerprofile
3 GUYS GOLF CARTS
3 GUYS GOLF CARTS located in one of the country’s most golfcart-eccentric cities -Peachtree City, GA, is an authorized STAR EV, Garia and Evolution dealer. Learn more about 3 Guys Golf Carts… DEALER PROFILE: DEALER NAME: 3 Guys Golf Carts DEALER LOCATION: 273 Hwy 74 N, Peachtree City GA, 47390 PHONE NUMBER: (678) 992-4000 EMAIL: mpope@3guysgolfcarts.com WEBSITE: www.3guysgolfcarts.com FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/3guysgolfcarts 46 www.GolfCarting.com
3 Guys Golf Carts claims they have loaded golf carts for less and are an authorized STAR EV, GARIA and Evolution dealer. They are a full-service golf dealership and offer sales, service, rentals, parts & accessories for all makes and models. 3 Guys Golf Carts specialize in golf cart sales and service and offer guaranteed customer satisfaction. They are a leading golf cart parts and accessories supplier of all major golf cart brands including Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, STAR EV and Garia.
Whether you're looking for a golf cart to keep at the club or for transportation around the beautiful city of Peachtree City, 3 Guys Golf Carts is there to help. They take great pride in the quality of their parts, accessories and carts. They are also a professional golf cart service shop. Whatever your cart needs are, 3 Guys Golf Carts are waiting to hear from you. You can visit their beautiful showroom, give them a call or reach out to them through their Facebook page.
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 47
askthemechanic
ASK THE MECHANIC Q: My cart isn’t stopping too good. How do I fix this? A: There are a few things you can check. Located underneath your cart (E-Z-GO), or inside the pedal box under the floor mat (Club Car/Yamaha), is a threaded rod that your brake pedal is attached to. Tightening the nuts on this rod will tighten your cables a bit more when you have some slack in your pedal. NOTE: Don't over tighten this as your parking brake will become unable to engage. While depressing the brake pedal up and down, check that your cables are working properly and not sticking. If everything looks good, your brake shoes may be excessively worn down. Block the front wheels, jack up your cart and remove the brake drums. Check for uneven wear and check all linkages on the backside of the drum as you may have a sticking lever to push your brake shoes outward. Lube all pivot points with lithium grease. Clean the star adjuster inside the drum from all the brake dust with brake cleaner. Unless your shoes are at the end of their service life, these steps should help your pedal feel. Q: My headlights, turn signal and horn aren't working. What should I look for? A: Most carts have a voltage reducer that allows the full pack voltage of an electric cart to be regulated down to a 12-volt source for your accessories to run on. Sometimes that will be your culprit. Check the main fuse panel as your voltage reducer may be tapped into that. If you do not have a fuse panel, check the fuse holder coming from the positive wires attached to the light kit. If everything looks good, check for corrosion and tightness of all connections. 48 www.GolfCarting.com
Q: I'm getting ready to store my cart for the winter. What should I do to winterize it? A: On an electric cart, charge your batteries all the way until the charger stops. Check your water levels and adjust after charging making sure the water is just above the plates inside the batteries. Even if you have a watering system in place be sure to still take off the caps to check for proper water levels. Adjust water accordingly with distilled water only. Check and clean any battery corrosion on the terminals. Afterwards, place your cart in tow/maintenance mode. Disconnecting the main positive and main negative terminals from the pack is good for long storage. It is recommended to buy a storage cover to keep the battery compartment a bit warmer during colder months and to keep your cart clean for when you're ready to use it again. Check and inflate your tires to about 20 psi. For gas carts, change your engine oil before storage. Also try to use as much gas as possible before placing it in storage, while also checking your fuel hoses for any cracking. You can purchase a product called Stabil to add to your excess fuel fresh. If equipped, turn off your fuel valve from your gas tank and disconnect the batteries positive and negative posts. Tune up the engine with a fresh plug, fuel filters and air filter. Check and inflate your tires to about 20 psi. Note on both kind of carts, it is recommended NOT to have your parking brake engaged for long periods of tire. This can lead to brake cable stretching. Instead, block the wheels and double check to make sure it's secure.
Visit www.golfcarting.com and go to Reader's Rides to submit. Be sure to use the hashtag #golfcarting
braggingrights
50 www.GolfCarting.com
READER'S RIDES
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 51
PRST MKTG US POSTAGE PAID ISLE OF PALMS, SC PERMIT NO. 04