Quote:
Originally Posted by Champion
Greetings from a Newb!
I started looking at golf carts this weekend for my family to tool around in. Mostly within our golf course community to go to the pools, but we’ll take it camping and to the beach a few times a year. My small children will also enjoy trips around the block, and I’ve convinced myself that it will be a better way to expose them to driving and they will be better drivers when it’s time than my 17 year old daughter that just learned in my truck at 15 is.
All that said about how we’ll use the cart, I am overwhelmed by the options and complexities involved in buying one. Who knew there were so many things to consider.
I’m looking at two 2016 carts, both lifted with new wheels and tires; seat upgrades; new single color paint. Both with new Trojan batteries. One is an RXV ($5,400), the other a TXT ($4,600 but I’ll need to add an extended roof so closer to $5,000 probably)
Everything I’ve read seems to boil down to: - RXVs are the higher quality model from EZGO, costing about $500 more base price
- The RXV is faster and has more torque - won’t lose speed up hills as badly
- The RXV has an automatic braking system, so you don’t actually use the brake to slow/stop the cart, just to set the parking brake
- The RXV can be tuned electronically to dial it in and get more speed, but it seems that you need to know someone that has the know-how vs trusting a dealer or doing it yourself
- The TXT has a standard actual brake and parking brake system that you actually use to slow/stop the cart AND to set the parking brake
- The TXT can be made faster, but you spend $500+ on a new motor setup
- The TXT is easier to tinker with if one is mechanically inclined (which luckily I am)
So, I’m looking to validate what I think I’ve learned and solicit opinions on which cart I should buy.
Thanks in advance for your help! |
Not exactly true. The parking brake is automatic so you don't actually "set" it.
I have both of these carts tho neither is lifted. The RXV drives like an EV, mostly one pedal, while the TXT is more like a conventional (ICE) auto. Comparing them completely stock, they will be equal in top speed assuming the same dealer level controller program, usually called "freedom mode". The RXV is far superior on inclines and when carrying extra weight so if driving each side by side as soon as you start up a hill the RXV will pull away and the difference will be noticeable and as the hill gets steeper--jaw dropping.
As pointed out already, both should be modified if lifting and large tires.
All the RXV needs is the optional Curtis controller. With the same dealer level "freedom" unlock the cart will be in the mid to high twenties speed because of the bigger tires.
The TXT will also need a different controller. Alltrax is a frequent choice. 500 amp model would be a good suggestion. No dealer programing is necessary because you can do it yourself with a PC, printer cable and free software.
The weak link in this cart now becomes the motor, performance wise, but the stock one may be good enough for you and should still be reliable.
Both carts should have upgraded cables, most would suggest 2 gage.
There is more performance and drivability available in the stock or 350 amp Curtis controller in the RXV. There is only one person I'm aware of that can do it. I can't speak for him but depending on where you are, one possibility is he could come do it personally or you could mail it to him. I've had it done to my RXV and the result is awesome. But it is appropriate for the environment I'm in and may not be for you. Do you want a 30-40 mph golf cart with kids?
I believe you are correct in assuming kids driving the cart will ease the transition to road cars. I have twin daughters and they were legally allowed to drive the cart when 12 years old (supervised). When they came of age the only issue was the change in speed and the size of a road car. Easy peezy compared to their older siblings.
One last thing. Lifted carts are less stable, especially at speed. Just a word of caution.