[Commitclothing]

First off, thank you everyone participating in this forum, it's a killer reference place for new cart owners! I picked up a 2006 EZGO TXT series cart for cheap with no batteries. I got a deal on some 12v gel cell surplus batteries that were pulled from 2010 GEM smart cars. I took the batteries down to my local Bat. + store and Had them tested. Seven of these batteries that have tested out well and I figure they should work in the cart.

I'm going to run two battery "packs" which will consist of three batteries ran in series, the two packs being ran in parallel to the controller. Any ideas how this combo might be as far as performance/endurance is concerned vs six 6 volt lead acid?

My dilemma is charging. I got a free 36 volt golf cart charger that looks brand new, but haven't tested it yet. I have read that gel cell batteries should be charged with a 3 or 4 stage charger that is specifically designed for gel cell batteries. I have found this one: , at $300 it's not cheap but it's cheaper than $620 for a new set of 6v batteries, and possible s charge(if my free one doesn't work)

Anybody see why this wouldn't work or a better bang for my buck? I don't want to put a lot into this right now, but don't want to shoot myself in the foot either!!

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.