2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

So I picked up a 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt Series. It will be used around our families' property and to take camping. The camping part is the main reason I bought it and also a contributing factor to going with electric.

I'm very happy with it so far but it's slower than I expected. On the long dirt driveway, which is not completely level, I was seeing anywhere from 10mph to 13mph with a handheld GPS. Up a hill it slows down a bit. The batteries are US Batteries 8VGC. I believe they are 2010's, as I see '10' stamped on the lead terminal. I knew the batteries were not new, but hoping these will get me through this year.

My first mod was the battery meter seen in the last pic. That's just a temporary setup as I wanted to see it working. Got it from ScottyB today. Thanks ScottyB. I have a Double Take rear seat kit on the way. Eventually I'd like to do a motor, controller, heavier gauge wires and probably wheels and tires, and of course batteries. But those wont be anytime real soon.

I have some questions on my current setup but will ask them later. Thanks in advance for all the help. I've been reading a lot but still have questions...

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

I have that cart and love it. I put a d&d motor and 500a controller with lift and 22's and go 23mph. Its good for me and the kids. Great torque too. I would like more speed but with kids 23 is good.

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

Thanks for the info. I've got kids too, so 23mph would be plenty for me.

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

Bigger wires are the foundation of a solid cart. 4Awg is good, 2 Awg is better. If you intend on going big with controller and motor, go with the bigger wires.

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

Yeah, after some reading, I will probably go right to 2 gauge. I don't have any lofty power goals but know it wont hurt to go with 2 gauge.

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

I bought my cables, ends, lugs at del city remember do all cables and the f&r is 1/4 dia if i remember or u can order a set. Thats up to you. I went 2ga welding cable. Also, f&r upgrade and solenoid....its money but u will be happier.

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

Great info. I appreciate the responses. I've been looking at some prices and know it wont be cheap, but I like to do things one time. I'm glad I got a pretty good deal on this CC, as I know what I saved will be put right back into it with upgrades. A DS that someone hadn't already modded is what I wanted, so I don't mind spending some money on it. Just not all at one time lol. It'll probably be around for a long time...

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

The Club Car DS is a workhorse. They don't often break. More often than not they just wear out, after 25 years or so. I rarely ever get a DS in for service. Just once every 5 yearsish for batteries

2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

Well almost done with the short term updates to my long term plans. Wheels, tires, rear seat and extended roof. Should have the extended roof tomorrow and can't wait to get it on. But here are pics with the new wheels, tires and doubletake rear seat. I'm really happy with the offset as I didn't want wheels that stuck out the sides. These almost mirror stock perfectly. They are 215/40-12 tires with 12" -20mm offset wheels. Tires measure just over 19" tall mounted to the wheels and not bearing any weight (not installed on cart).

http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_2362.jpg
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_2360.jpg
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_2357.jpg
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_2356.jpg

Re: 2001 Club Car DS 48 Volt, Long Term Project
 

I have a 2003 DS series cart, I put in a plumquick bandit motor and stock controller with 10" low pro tires runs at 23+ mph with upgraded #2 welding lead wires. Love the old clubcar, bought a new yami last october and gave the club car to my daughter to run to the clubhouse and pool, thinking I might have given away the wrong cart lol