BATTERY BUZZ: BECOME A CERTIFIED TROJAN LITHIUM-ION DEALER

LOOKING FOR SOLID REVENUE GROWTH?

Sales for lithium-ion golf car batteries are growing around the globe, and Trojan Battery Company has launched a program that helps you leverage that growth.

Known as the Authorized Trojan Lithium-Ion Dealer Program, it enables you to partner with the worldwide leader in deep-cycle battery technology and possibly enjoy solid revenue growth.

Renowned for our maroon-colored batteries, Trojan brings almost 100 years of experience to every battery we manufacture. And our deep infrastructure simplifies every step of the dealer and customer experience.

Trojan started this program when we launched our GC2 48-V Lithium-Ion Battery (https://www.trojanbattery.com/) because lithium-ion technology is relatively new to golf and personal transportation vehicles. The program is designed to educate dealers on our products, prepare them to answer customers’ questions, and limit phone tag and miscommunications.

To join the program, visit the Trojan Authorized Dealer Landing Page and click “apply today.”

After being approved as an Authorized Dealer, you can complete an online training program and earn the title “Authorized Trojan Lithium-Ion Dealer.” You’ll gain full access to the Authorized Trojan Dealer Portal.

The portal offers a library with information on all Trojan batteries, not just our GC2 48V Lithium-Ion Battery. It provides: • Professional, downloadable ads, and other sales materials • Operating, maintenance, and installation guides • Specification and data sheets • Sales and training videos • Warranties • White papers • Much more

You’ll be able to download digital banners for your website, access informative maintenance and installation materials, learn the fine points of selling Trojan products, and more. And you’ll have access to live technical support through our U.S.-based Customer

SService line. It’s staffed with battery experts including representatives dedicated to lithium-ion technology. BECOME A CERTIFIED TROJAN LITHIUM-ION DEALER. As an Authorized Trojan Lithium-Ion Dealer, you’ll be positioned to attract our large and growing base of dedicated customers across all battery categories. And our knowledgeable regional sales managers will help you grow your business. Apply today! https://www.trojanbattery.com/authorized/

Partner with Trojan, a Complete Battery Solutions Provider

At Trojan, we offer the full range of energy-storage solutions -- flooded lead-acid, lithium-ion, AGM, and gel batteries – so you can help your customers meet their individual needs with quality products and services.

GOLF CART TIRES : PICKING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR NEEDS

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

Buying a new set of tires for your golf cart or utility vehicle involves the same process as buying tires for your car. There are just as many, if not more, tire manufacturers for golf carts as there are for automobiles, so you should do your homework to find the best tire option meant for the way you use your cart. It’s possible to go to the extreme when you don’t really require a premium tire, and also to underestimate the use your cart tires get and ending up with an inferior tire to meet your needs.

Whether you have a cart that you use to get around your subdivision and get to the club to play a round of golf, a streetlegal cart that you use to get to the grocery store or go out for a bite to eat, like in places like The Villages in central Florida, or a weekend warrior meant for use on tough terrain, the specific

tire you select can make a big difference in how your cart rides and performs.

We’re going to look at golf tires only for now, not including the wheels. Wheels today come in a huge variety of sizes and styles, from basic golf cart rims to premium, custom wheels that make your cart a visual masterpiece. The size of your wheels is the first consideration, of course, but even with that in mind, there are a lot of options out there from which to choose. There are tires for carts of a standard height and tires for lifted carts.

If you play golf on a home course that has drastic elevation differences or play when the grass is a little wet in the early mornings, you may be happier with a tire with a bit more bite than an entry-level cart tire. If you have a neighborhood cruiser, sometimes called a Personal Transportation Vehicle or PTV, you may select a lower-profile style of tire. Taking the family to the beach or weekend hunting cabin requires a more robust, all terrain tread design to get through sand, gravel, or dirt trails.

SIZES, STYLES AND SPECIFICATIONS

In selecting tires for a standard golf cart – no matter what model or brand – you’ll find most carts come with 8”, 10” or 12” diameter wheels, with a few 14” on the market.

To understand what the numbers mean when selecting golf cart tires, you need to know that the first number represents the width of the tire, in millimeters, measured from side-toside. The second number is the aspect ratio, or the sidewall height of the tire from the wheel to the top of the tire. The larger the aspect ratio number, the wider the tire’s sidewall “profile” will be. This number is actually a percentage of the tire’s width. So if a tire has an aspect ratio of 50, the side profile height will be half of the tire’s width, which is most commonly 215 or 205 on golf carts. This comes into play when you are shopping for a low-profile tire for your street cart. The last number is the diameter of the wheel the tire is to be mounted on, like 8”, 10”, 12”, etc.

There are often letters before the diameter number and this indicates the type of tire construction. R means it is a radial tire, and yes, they do manufacture those for golf carts. If the tires you’re looking at don’t have a letter in front of the diameter number, they are likely standard, 4-ply construction. There are also Department of Transportation, (DOT), -approved tires which are legal to use on the street.

Here is a look at some of the most popular cart tires in different categories.

NON-LIFTED CARTS FOR GOLF & COMMUNITY USE

DELI 215/50-12 COMFORTRIDE DOT APPROVED TIRES

This is a good example of a standard golf cart tire. The tread design is fairly typical, set in a slightly diagonal pattern. It is a “non-directional” tire, meaning it can be mounted on either side of the cart, and it’s made of a 4-ply construction process. Meant for typical cart use like playing 18 holes or driving around your gated community, the sidewall width is a little more than 4”. The tire height from the top of the tire to the ground is 20.5”. This tire is DOT-approved, meant for any 12” wheel, and they cost around $85.00-$100.00 each, depending on the supplier.

ARISUN 215/35-12 DOT TIRES - LOW PROFILE

If you’re looking for a tire with less of a side aspect ratio or lower profile, this option is a good choice. The overall height of this tire from top to the ground is 18”, they’re DOT-approved and made with a 4-ply rating. They provide a good grip even on surfaces like wet grass and give your cart a bit of a custom appearance. These tires sell for around $80.00 each and will fit any 12” wheel.

EXCEL GTX 18X8.50-8" DOT SAWTOOTH TIRES

For the budget-conscious buyer with 8” wheels found on some older cart models, this is an excellent tire choice. Sturdy and long-lasting 4-ply construction and a tread design perfect for use on turf, the tire is DOT-approved and will mount on any cart manufacturer’s 8” rims. These tires can be found for around $50.00 to $70.00.

LIFTED CARTS

WANDA 23X10-12" DOT STREET CRUZ TIRES

These are a very popular tire choice for carts used in communities or on the streets, and Wanda is a well-respected manufacturer. This tire is 23” from top to the ground, made of 4-ply construction and also carries a higher load rating than other tires for carrying 4 passengers or larger cargo loads. It is DOT-approved, fits all 12” golf cart wheels and sell for around $100.00 to $120.00 each.

KENDA LOADSTAR 205/65-10 DOT TIRES

Another good option for lifted cart owners who want a slightly lower sidewall profile, this tire measures 20.5” from top to ground. It is DOT-approved, 4-ply construction and features a slightly more aggressive tread pattern for extra grip and performance on wet grass. These tires retail for around $85.00 to $100.00 each.

MODZ STREET FOX 23X10R-12" RADIAL DOT TIRES

If you prefer a radial tire for your cart, this option is an excellent choice. The bold tread pattern and radial construction provide a smooth ride on the street or golf course. This tire measures 23” tall from top to ground, is DOTapproved and carries an impressive load capacity of 800 lbs. at 20psi. Radial tires generally have a longer tread life and provide less rolling resistance, so that is something to consider when selecting tires. These tires run around $100.00 to $135.00 each.

WANDA 20X10-10 DOT ALL TERRAIN TIRES

If you use your cart at your hunting cabin or campground, this is an excellent choice in all terrain tires. This particular tire is DOT-approved, unlike some other all terrain tires. The height is 20” from top to ground, but they may require a lift kit on your cart to allow adequate clearance because of the bold tread pattern. This tire is ideal for dirt and gravel trails and roads, soft surfaces, or deep grass. This tire retails for around $70.00 to $90.00 each.

MJFX (MADJAX) RAPTOR 20X10-10 MUD TIRES

If you’re deep outdoors and off the beaten path in your cart, these are the tires for you. Featuring a very aggressive, deep tread design and an overall height of 20” top to ground, the tires carry an 800-lb load rating. Some carts may require the installation of a lift kit or other minor modifications to accommodate the brawny tread profile, but you’ll assure yourself of limiting the risk of getting stuck on a muddy trail. These tires retail starting at approximately $200.00 each for the 14” size and go up from there.

WHEN THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD…

Selecting the correct tire for the way you use your cart is not a simple task. You need to research the different manufacturers and models they sell, talk with your friends on the course about their selection and why they chose them, and check with your favorite cart sales or service outlet.

The right tire can make a big difference in the ride of your cart, just like in your car, and you need to be careful to get what you pay for, especially if you spend a lot of time in your cart.