When it comes to ensuring your golf cart performs at its best, investing in a high-quality battery is crucial. In this article, we’ll review the top five 8-volt golf cart batteries, comparing their prices, warranties, and benefits.
Our goal is to help you make the right decision for your golf cart battery needs.
1. Trojan T-875 8V Golf Cart Battery
Price: Usually between $150 and $180 per battery.
Warranty: Comes with a 12-18 month warranty depending on the distributor.
Why it’s good?
Trojan is a well-established brand in the golf cart battery market, known for its durability and performance. T-875 features a robust design with thicker plates that ensure longer life and better deep cycle capability.
Moreover, Its 170-minute reserve capacity at 5 amps and 295-minute capacity at 56 amps are among the best on the market, translating to longer runtimes and shorter charge cycles.
Benefits:
Long Lifespan: With proper maintenance, the Trojan T-875 can last for 5-7 years, making it a cost-effective choice.
High efficiency: Its deep-cycle capabilities provide consistent power output, ensuring your golf cart runs smoothly.
Trusted Brand Reputation: Trojan has a long history of manufacturing quality batteries ensuring peace of mind for consumers.
2. Crown CR-165 8V Golf Cart Battery
Price: Usually priced between $130 and $160.
Warranty: Offers a 12-month warranty.
Why It’s Good?
Crown batteries are designed for users who need a balance between performance and affordability. The CR-165 has a reserve capacity of 140 minutes at 25 amps, which, while slightly lower than the Trojan T-875, is sufficient for most casual golfers. The battery’s thick plates and durable construction are ideal for rough terrains and heavy usage.
Benefits:
Affordable: It provides a good balance between price and performance, making it suitable for budget-conscious users.
Durable: The robust design can withstand demanding conditions, such as frequent golf course use or off-road paths.
Easy maintenance: It features a standard vent cap for hassle-free maintenance, extending its life.
3. US Battery US8VGC XC2 8V Golf Cart Battery
Price: Typically ranges from $170 to $200.
Warranty: Comes with an 18-month warranty.
Why It’s Good?
The US Battery US8VGC XC2 stands out for its unique XC2 formulation, which increases the battery’s life cycle and performance. It has a high reserve capacity of 170 minutes at 25 amps, offering excellent deep-cycle capabilities. This battery is known for its ability to recharge faster than most of its competitors, which can be a significant advantage if you need your golf cart ready for use on short notice.
Benefits:
Faster recharge time: Saves time with quicker charging cycles, reducing downtime.
Excellent deep-cycle performance: Suitable for users who frequently use their golf carts for extended periods.
Longer lifespan: The XC2 technology enhances battery life, providing great value for money.
4. Duracell GC8 8V Deep Cycle Golf Cart Battery
Price: Ranges between $150 and $180.
Warranty: Offers a 12-month warranty.
Why It’s Good?
Duracell’s GC8 is known for its reliable performance and longevity. With a reserve capacity of 165 minutes at 25 amps, it is comparable to the Crown CR-165 but comes with the added benefit of Duracell’s established reputation in the battery industry. The battery’s construction includes rugged internal components that can handle repeated deep discharges without compromising its lifespan.
Benefits:
Reliable brand reputation: Duracell is synonymous with quality, ensuring customer trust.
Good performance at a reasonable price: It balances cost and performance, making it suitable for most golf cart owners.
Low maintenance: Features easy-to-access vent caps for straightforward maintenance.
5. Deka GC15 8V Golf Cart Battery
Price: Generally priced between $160 and $190.
Warranty: Includes a 12-month warranty.
Why It’s Good?
The Deka GC15 is another solid choice for golf cart owners, offering a reserve capacity of 150 minutes at 25 amps. While its reserve capacity is lower than some competitors, it compensates with exceptional durability and low self-discharge rates, ensuring a longer battery life. The battery’s rugged construction makes it ideal for golf carts used in challenging terrains.
Benefits:
Durable and reliable: Known for its long lifespan and ability to withstand tough conditions.
Low self-discharge rate: Retains charge longer when not in use, making it suitable for seasonal golfers.
Good value for money: Provides a reliable performance without breaking the bank.
When choosing an 8-volt golf cart battery, there are several important things to keep in mind
Capacity: The battery’s capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines how long it can last before recharging. High capacity batteries are perfect for those who use their golf carts for long distances or extended periods of time.
Reserve Capacity (RC): It measures how long the battery can provide a continuous current. A high reserve capacity means long run times, making it ideal for users who need long-lasting power.
Brand reputation: Choosing a reputable brand can provide peace of mind, as established manufacturers are more likely to produce quality products and provide reliable warranties.
Warranty: A long warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product. Look for batteries that offer at least a 12-month warranty for added security
Price vs. Performance: While some batteries may be cheaper, they may not last as long or may be a slightly more expensive option in terms of performance. A quality battery upfront investment can save money in the long run due to fewer replacements and better performance.
To maximize the life and performance of your 8-volt golf cart battery, follow these maintenance tips:
Regular charging: Always keep your battery fully charged, especially after use. Allowing it to sit partially drained can shorten its life.
Watering: Check the water level regularly and top off with distilled water as needed. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause spillage and damage.
Clean Terminals: Dirt and corrosion can hamper battery performance. Clean the terminals regularly using a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinse thoroughly.
Avoid Deep Discharge: Although deep-cycle batteries can handle deep discharges, try not to discharge completely. Keeping the battery above 50% charge helps prolong its life.
Store properly in the off-season: If you won’t be using your golf cart for an extended period of time, store the battery in a cool, dry place and keep it charged.
8-Volt Golf Cart Batteries FAQ
How many 8-volt batteries are needed for a golf cart?
The number of 8-volt batteries needed depends on the voltage requirements of your golf cart. Most electric golf carts are either 36-volt or 48-volt systems.
- For a 36-volt system: You’ll need six 8-volt batteries.
- For a 48-volt system: You’ll need eight 8-volt batteries.
How long do 8-volt golf cart batteries last?
With proper maintenance, an 8-volt golf cart battery can last 5-7 years. Factors affecting the lifespan include how often the battery is used, charging habits, and maintenance practices like keeping the battery clean and maintaining proper water levels.
How often should I charge my 8-volt golf cart battery?
It’s best to charge the battery after each use or whenever the battery charge drops below 50%. Keeping the battery at a higher charge state helps prolong its life and ensures the cart performs at its best. Avoid letting the battery discharge completely, as this can shorten its lifespan.
Can I mix old and new 8-volt batteries in my golf cart?
It’s generally not recommended to mix old and new batteries. Older batteries tend to have reduced capacity, which can strain the new battery, reducing its lifespan and performance. Replacing all the batteries at once ensures balanced performance and extends the overall battery life.
Can I use a regular car battery charger to charge my 8-volt golf cart battery?
No, a car battery charger is not suitable for charging 8-volt golf cart batteries. Golf cart batteries require specific chargers designed for deep-cycle batteries, which deliver a lower and more controlled current to safely charge the battery over time.
Can I install an 8-volt golf cart battery myself?
Yes, you can install it yourself if you follow the correct procedures:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect all electrical connections before starting.
- Wear safety gear, like gloves and eye protection.
- Install batteries in the correct sequence as specified by your cart’s manual.
- Check all connections to ensure they are tight and free from corrosion
Final Verdict
When making your decision, consider factors such as capacity, reserve time, brand reputation, and warranty to find the best battery for your golf cart. Proper maintenance will also help extend the life of your battery, providing better value over time.
