Batteries in my golf cart are finally going out. I'm in Houston / Galveston, any recommendations on where to buy? Should I look at lithium replacement? Never replaced them before so looking for any tips or suggestions. Thanks.

I just bought an electric cart this past summer. We intentionally avoided lithium batteries because they can spontaneously catch fire and our cart is parked in a garage that is attached to the house. No way am I risking the golf cart taking out my house (and sleeping family), no matter how small the probability. I have sealed lead batteries (no adding water) as the safer compromise.

Buck Turgidson said:

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I just bought an electric cart this past summer. We intentionally avoided lithium batteries because they can spontaneously catch fire and our cart is parked in a garage that is attached to the house. No way am I risking the golf cart taking out my house (and sleeping family), no matter how small the probability. I have sealed lead batteries (no adding water) as the safer compromise.

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Thanks for this information.. did.not know this

I was told Trojans were the best for this. We have used them in an electric pallet jack daily (similar application) for over 5 years now. No issues with the batteries. Check electrolyte level 2-3 times a year and use distilled water to add if needed.

It is very rare but does happen, called thermal runaway. I don't deal with golf cart battery manufactures so I am not sure what cells they use and how they hook them together. Thermal runaway is technically an issue internal of the battery, I see lots more issues with how they are assembled.

The new li batteries are much safer than the 1st gens, which caused all the thermal runaway fears. In fact, I know manufacturers that guarantee the new tech is not capable of it happening.

Maybe not as conventional, but I bought my cart batteries from Sam's. It's a little easier on the wallet at around $100/battery. They are Duracell and my current set is going on 5 years old. It's just a neighborhood cruiser so it stays on the charger most of the time and get's it's main use during the summer for trips to the neighborhood pool.

Li offer substantial benefits: faster charging, quicker acceleration, longer life, lighter weight. Not all of these are important to single home use.

Besides the pretty minor combustion potential, the drawbacks are significant expense and having to buy a new charging system. I've read about concerns regarding the redistribution of the cart's center of mass, but I haven't done the calcs and am not sure how significant that might be on a non-lifted cart -- guessing it's low on the list of things to worry about, but I've seen stock carts roll on more than one occasion. Now, a cart with a 6" lift may be a different concern.

As an engineer who has been repairing carts for over 10 years as a side business, I do not offer Li retrofit services. I recommend installing standard batteries (Trojan's are still good) and revisit it in 4-5 years.

Trojan and Continental ftw. Interstate has gone to crap.

Hint: Take lots of pics before removing the old batteries - makes new installation/wiring much easier, and don't forget to use that "On/Tow" switch!

All reasons a gas cart is the way to go. We have had one at our family property for probably 25 years. The cart itself has become more of a "Ship of Theseus" around the original engine that hasn't been touched.

I switched to Li about 3 years ago and have loved it.

B-1 83 said:

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Trojan and Continental ftw. Interstate has gone to crap.

Hint: Take lots of pics before removing the old batteries - makes new installation/wiring much easier, and don't forget to use that "On/Tow" switch!

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It is my understanding from a good source, that recently Trojan has recently started making the Interstate golf cart batteries. At least in the 8v. I ran Trojans for many years with good results, but since I don't get to run and charge my cart like I used to (at the coast), I decided to give them a try. Others that I have talked to have done the same for the cost savings. Trojan does warranty for two years in some lines, and Interstate is a one year warranty. I will say that the local Interstate facility (not garage dealer) has treated me very well with my vehicle and boat batteries with any issues I have had. That may have influenced my decision. As you can probably tell, that is where the "good source" is.

My last 8v Interstates were about 8 years ago, 3 of the six (two different lots) were crap from the get go, and Interstate wouldn't stand behind them. I guess I'm jaded.