Sam's Club Golf Cart Batteries -- FYI

[redwitch]

If anyone is interested, Sam's Club has Energizer golf cart batteries. Six 48 volt would cost $567.02, with $54 being refunded when you return your old batteries (or bring them with you and pay $513.02. Six 36V are $525.42, less $54.

[jeffy]

I just returned from Sams with my 8 , 6volt batteries. The 6 volt are 71.xx and the 8 volt were about 75 or so. They are Energizer batteries. They are the exact width and length of my original 2005 Par Car batteries. The Energizers are about an inch taller. They come with a 12 month full replacement warranty. They were $200 cheaper than what I could find calling around.


jeffy

[zcaveman]

I thought Spanos was cheaper and they did the work.

[Sidney Lanier]

I thought Spanos was cheaper and they did the work.

We had a technician from Ken Spano put in our new batteries a couple of months ago, and if I recall correctly, at just about the same price as what's being touted at Sam's Club. The technician came to our house, did all the work (hauling around batteries that I believe weigh about 70 pounds each!), replaced all the necessary hardware, checked the air pressure in the tires and added a little to each tire, loaded the old batteries into his van, gave us 18-month warranty papers, explained to us exactly how to use/charge new batteries, thanked us politely for our business, and drove away. And we have helped keep a local person in business. IMHO, for us this was the right way to go....

[redwitch]

Spanos is now quoting $639.00. Personally, I would rather use Spanos but just thought it would be of interest to others. Besides, we also need to keep our local businesses going and Sam's Club is definitely I'd hate to see close up -- going to Ocala is too much of a pain.

[The Great Fumar]

Spano just finished installing new batteries (6-48 volt) for $618.00 .....Trojan brand which I Think are the best...........
If you do it yourself , keep in mind you'll need a battery strap to lift them out and they weigh 65 lbs each.........
Another plus is you don't need to worry about tail lights as no one will be able to catch you........

Flash Fumar ,:D

[rwcw]

Your post was very informative. All the buggiesgone wild info gave us data in AMPs. Shouldn't we be looking at 12 volt batteries for comparison and then comparing the amperage? Fumar's post really confused me when I compared it with your information.

[captain1202]

Batteries are one area it is not worth cheaping out on. All the above comments are true. The battery equation is a simple one:

More lead = more power = more distance = more life = MORE $$. It's just the way it is.

The incremental $$ increase initially vs. full replacement when the cheapo's crap out is not worth it. A high quality battery shows it's colors when the going gets tough, such has heat and distance.

As far as heavy duty batteries go you can count on Trojan, Rolls, Surrette.

[JCSTUNCARD]

As of today's call back from Spano they no longer install batteries due to a back problem. Referred me to a person who will pick up my cart around the end of the week, and return it a few days later for about $650 (6 x 8 volt Trojans).Phone con with this person didnt give me the warm cozies. A couple of the others didnt return messages. So much for trying to buy local......Guess I'll be visiting Sam's. It'll be inconvenient, but at least a sure thing.

[captain1202]

That's fuinny, he has guys working for him that do the work. Most places will come and install at your place, about a half hour job. It's also easy to do yourself. I would still recommend the Trojans over Sam's, they are a much better battery. There are other dealers in the area, call around and get some quotes, then do it yourself.

[golfnut]

i believe the post above about spano no longer installing batteries is false...GN

[captain1202]

Notwithstanding the negative posts here re: Ken Spano's practices, I must say that I bought 6- 6volt Trojan 105's, Brand new, in date, (new battery posts, not ground down), last November. His man came and installed them promptly (next day) in about 1/2 hr on site. Very courteous and no BS about other parts, etc.. Price of batteries $595 installed. Took away old batts.

I have checked the spec. gravity of the batteries regularly as well as putting a load tester on them every couple of months. If they are blem's you couldn't prove it by me as they are providing excellent service.


"This is an unpaid endorsement";)

[The Great Fumar]

Your post was very informative. All the buggiesgone wild info gave us data in AMPs. Shouldn't we be looking at 12 volt batteries for comparison and then comparing the amperage? Fumar's post really confused me when I compared it with your information.

Dear Confused
Of course I made a TYPO........what I meant to say was 6 - 8volt batteries..

To comment on the post about SPANO'S back problems ,,,,Its bunk,,Spano has several men working for him and they come right to the house...
They are knowledgeable and courteous......their price is right for a good product............

Fumar

[LovinItAtTheVillages]

My neighbors got theirs from Joes Cart Service
he lives in Village of Silver lake
he is good...we have had him for service

good prices too

[kaydee]

Has any one used "Battery Boys" to purchase trojan batteries for you electric golf cart? If so, I am interested in hearing any and all opinions regarding them. We are in the process of getting quotes and Battery Boys seem to be matching what Spano charges and we're curious about their reputation. Thanks to all in advance.

[nall3893]

I used Battery Boys just last week based on their price and experience as stated in their ad. They were cheaper than both spano and The Villages plus they could do it the same day. I sat and observed the entire exchange and was very pleased with the quality of work. They showed me the date stamp on the batteries and explained how to read it. The batteries were very fresh, being made in June 2010. After the installation, I received a nice email from them wanting to know how things were going and thanking me for using them. Keep in mind that the warranty is from Trogan and not the installer so that pretty much makes things even anyway. I would use them again. Hope this helps your decision.

[gego3650]

Interstate are heavyer and have wider cells. None ot my friends will use Trojans or Spano. I used Spano twice but never again!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Interstate are heavyer and have wider cells. None ot my friends will use Trojans or Spano. I used Spano twice but never again!!
Why will you not use Spano again?

[anotherNYtransplant]

I have never had a bad experience using Spano for ten years now. after shopping around they always have the best price and they come right to my house and fix whatever is wrong usually right at my house; same day. When they did have to take my cart to the shop they gave me a loaner until mine was fixed (for free!).... so in my opinion they are the best (not to mention they have been around forever which screams volumes).

[LovinItAtTheVillages]

I will get my cart batteries when we return in NOV, I know many people that use Joe's Cart Service..he is quick and reasonable. I did hear Trojan was best name....

[rhood]

If anyone is interested, Sam's Club has Energizer golf cart batteries. Six 48 volt would cost $567.02, with $54 being refunded when you return your old batteries (or bring them with you and pay $513.02. Six 36V are $525.42, less $54.

Seems like the lead in the batteries is worth more than $54. Lead in each battery is nearly 60 lbs and there are 6 of them. Scrap lead is almost $.90 a pound.

[Sail41]

I've have 8 trojans in my boat and trojans in the GC, I wouldn't use them again. They only have a 2 year warranty and on the boat won't even last that long. Our local suplier in PSL, Fl will not even carry them any more as people aren't paying the price for the short life when they can get batteries that last 5 years. Myself included. With that said, our cart has trojans and they've been good. The last batteries I bought for the boat came from Sams, they were dunlaps and lasted over 5 years and were still good when I replaced them. You don't want to run out of power in a boat offshore. I'm not sure about the batteries being sold by Sams now and would have to do a lot of research before buying them. I'm having real good results with Deca so far. Haven't had them long enough to make a recommendation, but they've already outlasted the trojans and are far easier to maintain.

[Bogie Shooter]

Seems like the lead in the batteries is worth more than $54. Lead in each battery is nearly 60 lbs and there are 6 of them. Scrap lead is almost $.90 a pound.

the post you quoted is dated January 2009.

[nelsonevv@gmail.com]

I am not happy with Trojans. I have always heard that Trojans are the best so I spent the extra money. That was 2 yrs. and 3 mo. ago. I checked the batteries regular for water and keeping them clean. Two of them have bad cells in my Par Car. I had interstate before and they lasted 4 yrs. Several people have told me to get Crown batteries they are made in US and their least expensive grade battery is equal to the more expensive grade of Trojans.