Top 10 Best Golf Cart Batteries Today (2020 Updated)

Golf cart batteries are an essential element that you might not take enough time to consider.

That’s because they are so easy to take for granted.

After all, they are probably more or less the same in their design and implementation, right?

Not quite.

Let’s take a look at some of the best golf cart batteries on the market today and everything to know about them.

 

The Top 10 Best Golf Cart Batteries on the Market Today

 

Top 3 Recommended Golf Cart Batteries

 

10. Electric Mobility Battery

This battery is produced to operate on a variety of different vehicles. However, it is a particularly good choice for golf carts because it has a decent voltage rating. Try to match it up with a cart that has a weight capacity of 500-600 pounds to get the best results. In this way, you can avoid losing power when you need it most.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 34 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 7.7 by 5.1 by 6.5 inches

Weight

• Weight – 23.5 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Compact size makes it easier to install

 

• Includes AGM design for a leak-free surface

 

• Simple nut-and-bolt terminal design

 

Cons

 

• Amps somewhat limited compared to larger models

 

• May not work with some heavier carts

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

This battery is a good choice for somebody who has a smaller cart that doesn’t need a lot of power. It’s charger should help to keep it more than ready for your average golfing experience.

 

9. PowerStar MR107

PowerStar produces many high-quality products, and this is an excellent golf cart battery. It produces one of the higher amperage levels among the batteries on this list. While it is a bit long and heavy, it should be easy enough to install in most carts.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 70 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 10 inches

Weight

• Weight – 51.7 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Two-year warranty option

 

• Low-pressure safety release valve

 

• Tough plastic case withstands weathering damage

 

Cons

 

• Extra weight may weigh your cart down a bit

 

• Larger size may not fit in some carts

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

Try to fit this battery in a larger cart or one that can move at least 600-1,000 pounds. Its heavier weight and higher amperage makes it a great choice for these models.

 

8. ATV Battery YTX14-BS

This simple ATV battery is a great choice for golf carts. It contains one of the highest amperage ratings of any model on our list and is also one of the smallest choices. As a result, it is a great choice for many different golfing situations, including carts from 500-1,000 pounds.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 144 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 5.89 by 3.3 by 5.7 inches

Weight

• Weight – 23.5 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Can fit on motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, and other types of vehicles

 

• Uses Absorbed Glass Mat technology to minimize maintenance procedures

 

• Requires no tricky installation procedure

 

Cons

 

• May be tough to hook up to some carts

 

• Susceptible to some weather damage

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

If you run a variety of different vehicles at home or outdoors, this is a great battery to choose. It is easy to swap between various golf carts and even ATV units.

 

 

7. MMG YTX4L-BS 4L-BS

The best aspect of this golf cart battery is its size and weight. Even though it is one of the smallest and lightest batteries on my list, it still puts out 120 amps. That makes it a great choice for those who have limited space on their cart for a battery but who plan on hauling a large number of people.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 120 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 6.54 by 4.96 by 6.89 inches

Weight

• Weight – 10.73 pounds

 

Pros

 

• One of the lightest models on this list

 

• Compact size makes it easier to install

 

• Capable of 2,000 charge cycles

 

Cons

 

• May not be powerful enough for larger carts

 

• Lacks a protective covering

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

This model is a good all-around choice for golf cart owners. It is a particularly great choice if you are sick of lugging heavy batteries around or if your cart has limited power.

 

 

6. DieHard 02838228 38228

Die Hard batteries are legendary for their power and durability. This golf cart battery is no different. It should provide you with weeks of power for your cart without a problem. And while it’s a bit heftier than I’d like, it’s still a great choice for the right buyer.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 70 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 11 by 6.9 by 7.5 inches

Weight

• Weight – 47.5 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Heavy-duty (20x) vibration protection while driving

 

• Minimum two-hour power time

 

• Spill-proof design prevents acid leaks

 

Cons

 

• A little pricier than necessary

 

• May be heavy for some carts

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

Users interested in a good all-around battery will enjoy this model. While it’s neither the most powerful or lightest, it offers solid power at a reasonable size.

 

5. Mighty Max Battery ML35-12

Mighty Max doesn’t mess around when it comes to producing excellent batteries. This model is useful for a variety of items, including motorcycles, power sports, and even portable tools. Many features make it well worth your consideration as a small-cart battery.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 35 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 7.68 by 5.16 by 7.13 inches

Weight

• Weight – 23.15 pounds

 

Pros

 

• SLA/AGM design eliminates the risk of spills

 

• Includes a 30-day refund policy

 

• Performs in both hot and cold temperatures

 

Cons

 

• Fairly low amp levels

 

• May lack power for some cart models

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

While this battery isn’t quite as powerful as I’d like, I still think it’s a good choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money.

 

 

4. VMAX Tanks VMAX V35-857

This VMAX battery is very similar to the Mighty Max one mentioned above. It only inches a bit higher on our list because I found it operated just a bit better on most golf carts. It’s hard to describe its extra boost of power, though, so you’ll have to take my word for it.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 35 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 7.7 by 6.1 by 5 inches

Weight

• Weight – 25 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Heavy-dusty grid made out of tough tin

 

• Maintenance-free operation

 

• Requires little to no extra water during its lifespan

 

Cons

 

• Lacks power compared to similarly-sized models

 

• Has no power indicator

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

I suggest this model for those who liked the Mighty Max battery mentioned above but who want a little bit more power than it is capable of producing.

 

 

3. Powersonic 12V 35Ah

Powersonic’s batteries are typically quite powerful, often more powerful than they seem at first. So while this golf cart battery does lack the oomph of others on this list, I think it is well worth a purchase due to a variety of other features.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 35 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 7.72 by 5.14 by 7 inches

Weight

• Weight – 24.70 pounds

 

12V 35AH SLA Battery.

Dimensions: (L) 7.72 x (W) 5.14 x (H) 7.00. Weight: 24.70 lbs.

 

Pros

 

• May be used in a variety of different carts

 

• Diverse installation methods

 

• Stain-free surface keeps it clean

 

Cons

 

• May seem rather bland compared to more powerful batteries

 

• Does not have a voltage meter

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

While it has the same amperage ratings as the same few batteries I just highlighted, I think this is the better choice. Mostly because it can be used in many other types of products, including portable tools.

 

 

2. UPG UB12350 (Group U1) Battery

Here’s another interesting battery that will provide your golf cart with a reasonable level of power. What sets this model apart from others is its lower price, which helps to make it a great budget choice for those who don’t have a lot of cash to spend.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 35 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 6.8 by 5.2 by 7.1 inches

Weight

• Weight – 46 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Each order comes with two batteries

 

• One-year warranty

 

• Very reasonable price

 

Cons

 

• A bit heavier than necessary

 

• Tricky to install

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

Those who want a powerful golf cart battery with a solid build will enjoy this model. While it’s not the most powerful on our list, its reasonable price makes it worth a look.

 

 

1. Pride Mobility TSS 300

Finally, we have my top pick for the best golf cart battery models on this list. This particular model features the same voltage and amperage of the last several choices but is also one of the sturdiest and most reliable that I could find on the market today.

 

Specifications

 

Voltage

• Voltage – 12 volts

Amperage Rating

• Amperage Rating – 35 amps

Dimensions

• Dimensions – 7.7 by 5.2 by 6.7 inches

Weight

• Weight – 50 pounds

 

Pros

 

• Solid build makes it tough to shake in your cart

 

• Price is very solid

 

• Charge should last for days or longer

 

Cons

 

• Might be tough for some to install

 

• Weight may seem excessive

 

Best Use Recommendation

 

While this battery is a pretty hefty beast, its weight improves its stability and makes it easier to install in a variety of carts without suffering any damage.

 

Tips to Consider When Buying a Golf Cart Battery

Before you jump in and buy your replacement battery, you need to understand a few basic shopping tips.

This information is critical for you to know because it will dictate how well your battery works with your cart.

Failure to follow this information could cause you to pick an old or even an under-powered battery that doesn’t meet your needs.

 

In each of these sections, I will discuss the elements that you need to consider when buying a golf cart battery and how they will influence your purchasing decision.

The information will be as detailed as possible, though some elements are harder to gauge.

For example, the size of a battery will vary depending on a multitude of factors, including where it is to be installed.

 

Check the Charging Time

 

Every golf battery will have a slightly different charge time indicated on the side of the battery or the box.

Typically, it will take about 24 hours to charge your battery the first time you use it. And if it loses its charge on you, it will take another 24 hours to get it back up again. Thankfully, a typical golf outing shouldn’t drain it too drastically.

 

That said, it is always a wise idea to charge it up a little before you hit the course.

In this way, you can ensure that you have a full-powered battery that won’t give up on you part way through an outing.

Make sure, though, that you let the battery drain all the way down before recharging it again. This action should increase its strength. Thankfully, it can take several trips before it is fully discharged.

 

Ensure It is Powerful Enough

 

There are many types of batteries on the market, and they mostly have a voltage of about 120 and an amperage rating of about 200-400.

These ratings should be more than powerful enough for the average golf cart.

However, your cart may be a little heavier than the average cart because it contains extra features, such as increased seating areas. In this situation, you need a more powerful battery.

 

So make sure that you check your golf cart manual to see what kind of battery is necessary for your unit.

This information should be in the specifications section under the “Battery” heading.

When you find out what size of a battery you need, you can then check the labels on available batteries to ensure that they either meet or exceed your minimum requirements.

 

Gauging Its Age

 

If you are buying a used battery for your golf cart, it can be hard to determine their age.

After all, there’s a good chance the original box for it was lost age ago, meaning it’ll be a bit more difficult to gauge its age.

Thankfully, it is possible to check the age of a battery simply by looking for various stamps on its surface.

However, it is important to know how to read these stamps to gauge when they were produced.

 

Typically, you’re going to find a stamp in the metal that consists of a letter and a number.

The letter corresponds to the month that it was produced, starting with “A” for January, “B” for February, etc.

The number indicates the last number of the year in which it was produced. So a stamp of “F-2” on a battery indicates that it was produced in June in the year 2012.

 

You might wonder why the “2” in that stamp doesn’t indicate 2002 or an earlier year.

While it is possible that the battery could have been manufactured in those years, it isn’t that likely.

That’s because most golf cart batteries will last around 8-10 years before they die. However, there is a chance that this older type of battery could still be available for sale in some shops.

 

The best way to know for sure is to pick it up and inspect its sides for dirt and stains.

A very dirty battery is likely a lot older than a newer one and probably no longer runs well. In fact, if the battery feels lighter than similar models from different years, there is a good chance that it has run out of charge and no longer operates.

 

Inspect for Any Damage

 

When buying a used or even a new golf cart battery, check it carefully for damage.

You want to check new batteries too because there is a chance that they may have minor manufacturer flaws that could make them operate poorly.

For example, crooked charging stations will make it very difficult for your golf cart battery to run well.

 

You should also check the sides for any signs of cracks, burns, or even weak spots.

These areas could get worse as you ride your golf cart and could cause the battery to fail.

Thankfully, it should be effortless to spot visible damage on a battery without a lot of excessive work. And if you find a battery that looks pretty worn out, you should pass on it.

 

Learn More About the Charger

 

Each golf cart battery will come with a charger that is used to keep it fully powered.

Unlike car batteries, which only use a minute amount of charge each time your vehicle runs, a golf cart battery is going to drain while you are on the course.

After a handful of trips to the course, you are going to find that your battery needs to be charged.

 

So before buying any of these products, check the specifications of the charger.

Figure out how much it weighs, its overall size, how much power it needs, and how many prongs it uses.

This simple step will ensure that your charger is not too big for your golf cart parking zone. It will also ensure that your battery remains well charged and that it won’t give out while you’re golfing.

 

Check Compatibility With Your Cart

While golf cart batteries are typically compatible with a wide range of carts and even other types of small riding vehicles, there is a chance that a specific model might not be compatible with your cart.

For example, it might have a charge that is too high for your cart or a design that is not created for implementation with your vehicle.

 

As a result, it is essential to check your user’s manual before making any purchases.

In here, you should be able to find a list of models that will work for your cart.

There may even be a list of common batteries that won’t work with it. That said, non-compatible models may appear to work with your vehicle before failing, so make sure you are prepared for this issue.

 

Testing Your Golf Cart Battery Before Purchase

 

Before you buy a golf cart battery, it is important to test its voltage.

The easiest way of testing a golf cart battery is to hook it up to a digital voltage meter. This process requires hooking up the voltage meter wires to the poles of the battery. It will give you a basic understanding of the amount of power that your battery contains.

 

Using a Digital Voltage Meter

 

Make sure that you attach the positive (usually red) wire to the positive pole first while holding the negative away from it.

Attach the negative pole, and the digital meter should indicate how much power is in the battery. If you find that it is quite low even before you buy it, you should probably avoid getting it because it may have an issue causing it to bleed power.

 

Try Out a Load Tester

 

Next, you can try hooking it up to a load tester or a discharge machine.

A load tester attaches to the battery in the same way but indicates how much voltage it is putting out per second.

In this way, you can gauge if it will be powerful enough for your cart’s needs or if some problem is causing it to run at a lower rate than average.

 

Consider a Discharge Machine

 

Lastly, a discharge machine will provide your battery with a 75-amp load to check how well it handles it.

Most of the time, it should be able to run under this load before the discharge reaches 75 percent.

Typically, this should take at least 105 minutes or so to achieve. If it takes under 60 minutes, your battery is weakened and may be close to death.

 

How To Test a Golf Cart Battery?

 

Traits to Consider When Buying a Battery

 

It is important to figure out what kind of specifications you need to consider when buying one.

I have broken these down into the traits I am going to cover in each review to give you a feel for how each battery differs and how specifications influence its operation.

 

Voltage

 

The voltage of a good battery should be anywhere from 6-12 volts, minimum.

While you can use batteries with a higher voltage on a golf cart, it is probably wise to aim for the voltage that is indicated in the instruction manual of your golf cart.

Failure to do so could cause you to overpower your cart and may lead to some control issues.

 

Capacity

 

The amperage of a battery measures its power capacity.

This rating indicates how much power your battery will put out while your cart is running.

You need to make sure that you meet the minimum amount for your cart or it won’t run properly.

Typically, rates go anywhere from 35-200 AH. Higher levels are only necessary if your cart needs it.

 

Size

 

The physical size of a battery is something that you shouldn’t ignore when installing one in your cart.

For example, you may have a limited amount of room where you can place your battery.

Therefore, you should focus on a more compact model.

However, large models are often more stable in your vehicle and require less maintenance or upkeep to prevent them from failing while you are on the course.

 

Weight

 

Heavier batteries are usually more stable in your cart and less likely to fall off or disconnect.

However, lighter batteries are easier to move on your cart and won’t weigh it down as much as a heavier battery.

There is a fine balance you can reach here when choosing a battery weight, so try to find an option that is heavy enough to be stable but which doesn’t slow down your ride or drain your power excessively.

 

 

Golf Cart Battery FAQ

 

Q: What type of batteries are used for golf carts?

 

A: When buying a golf cart, you should look for batteries that use a wet-cell lead-acid system.

Typically, these batteries range in voltage from 6-48 volts. In each of these models, multiple types of cells are used to provide your cart with the power it needs to ride.

 

This fact means that you can use wet cell lead acid batteries that may not have been designed specifically for golf carts.

For example, batteries for a trolling motor on a fishing boat may be adapted to golf carts. Make sure you talk to your golf cart manufacturer or repair shop, first, to avoid buying one that won’t work correctly for you.

 

Q: Can I install golf cart batteries myself?

 

A: Most people should be more than capable of adding a battery to their golf cart. Most of the time, your battery will be located at the back of the vehicle and on top of a running board.

There is usually a cover that goes over it to protect it from the elements. Open up this cover to access your battery.

 

From here, you can remove the charging wires and carefully take out the old battery.

You can then place the replacement battery in its spot and attach the chargers.

Make sure to hold these away from each other to avoid causing sparks that could damage your vehicle.

 

Q: Can you swap golf cart batteries into RV units?

 

A: Some users may try to place their golf cart batteries into a variety of different RV units.

Typically, this isn’t a wise choice unless the battery is designed for multiple uses.

For example, some models are designed to be used with golf carts, small motorbikes, and other types of vehicles.

 

That said, you can also buy adapter kits that will modify a smaller golf cart battery and make it adaptable for more vehicles.

This step requires a cautious approach to execute it correctly. Unfortunately, it would be very easy for an amateur to cause damage to their cart or RV units using these devices.

 

Q: How often should I recharge?

 

A: Golf cart batteries don’t need to be charged every day to work properly. In fact, you might find that you don’t need to charge one for several weeks at a time. However, it is a good idea to charge the battery after at least 30 days have passed or if the cart has sat unused for about a month.

 

You should also charge it if you find that the battery’s charge is at 50 percent or lower. This step ensures that your battery stays strong and doesn’t give out on you while you’re using it. If you don’t have a meter on the batter, use a handheld digital meter to check your charge rating.

 

Q: When should I replace my battery?

 

A: A good golf cart battery may last as long as 10 years before it has to be replaced. However, most manufacturers suggest replacing your battery every five years. That’s because batteries that are older than that are going to be in rougher shape and likely won’t run as well.

 

In fact, a weak cart battery could cause your vehicle to drive slower and make it more difficult to haul heavier weights. Therefore, it is wise to follow the manufacturer’s advice and swap out your battery every five years. Don’t hesitate to swap out sooner, though, if your battery is showing signs of weakening.

 

Q: Can I jump start a golf cart battery?

 

A: A dead golf cart battery cannot be jumped the way that you can a car battery. That type of jumping only works because a gas vehicle uses an alternator to charge the battery. So when you get a jump and start a car or truck, the alternator will increase your charge and power the battery back to normal levels.

 

That said, you can use a battery charger to increase a golf cart’s power. Unfortunately, leaving a battery poorly charged will cause a lot of damage to it. As a result, you may not be able to revive these models after they have died. In some cases, the battery may refuse to hold a charge at all.

 

Q: How often should I add water to the battery?

 

A: Water helps to keep your battery cool and prevents charging issues. Most of the time, your battery water should be at a reasonable height and likely rarely needs a refill. However, you should probably check the level every 30 days to ensure that it is at the right level.

 

Perform this action by opening up the container holding your battery and checking the water level inside. If you find that it has fallen below one-quarter of an inch, pour water into the container until it reaches that level. Close your tank to keep it protected from the elements.

 

Q: What is that boiling noise I hear when my cart runs?

 

A: Many cart drivers are shocked and concerned to hear boiling noise when running a vehicle or charging a battery. That sound is typical in a cart battery and is an excellent sign that it is operating correctly.

 

When your battery runs and recharges, it releases hydrogen gas bubbles to stir up sediment at the bottom of the batteries. This process is designed to eliminate buildup and keep your battery running smoothly. So while it sounds bad at first, it is a good thing to hear.

 

Q: What kind of charging rate is safe for golf cart batteries?

 

A: There are several different rates from which you can choose when powering up your battery. Typically, you’re going to want to use about 2.5 volts per every cell in your battery. You can gauge your number of battery cells by dividing your voltage by six and multiplying this level by three.

 

So if your battery is 18 volts, you would divide it by six (3) and multiply that by three (9) to get your number of cells. Then, you multiply your cells by 2.5 (22.5) to get your maximum recharge rate. Try to stay at or near this level to avoid overpowering or damaging your battery.

 

Final Thoughts

 

As you can see, there are many important elements to consider when buying a golf cart battery. This topic is surprisingly complex and will require you to perform a lot of research and to make quite a few careful decisions. Thankfully, there are plenty of options from which you can choose when making this purchase.

 

Please try to stick to one of the batteries mentioned here to get the best results for your cart. However, don’t hesitate to try other models if you find that the ones mentioned here are not right for you. While these are the best models I could find, there is a chance another one could be better suited for you.

 

Resources

Golf Link: Tips on Buying Golf Cart Batteries

Go With Garrett’s: Buying a New Battery for Your Golf Cart? Read This First

Mod My RV: RV 6-Volt Battery Upgrade