Golf Carting Magazine Issue 74 July 2026

ANCRA CARGO SAFER LOADING. SMARTER

Drive Growth with a smarter lineup

Powered by Bintelli TM

Letter from the Editor

Sometimes the best cover stories find you on Facebook. That's how Tim Christie's rat rod golf cart ended up on the cover of this issue, and I'm genuinely glad it did. Because what Tim built over the course of a year in North Carolina isn't just a custom cart. It's a challenge to everyone else in this industry about what's possible when you're willing to start from scratch and ignore the rulebook.

A 2003 E-Z-GO with maybe two feet of the original cart remaining. A fiberglass body hand-laid for the first time in Tim's life. A fake motor that actually contains real Chevy parts. Suicide doors. Brass knuckles made from rebar. An airlift system that lets him sit this thing nearly flat on the pavement. This is golf carting at its most creative, and when you read the full story, you'll understand why we had to make it our cover. "Rat Rod Dreams" is the kind of build that reminds you why this industry matters.

ENTRY LEVEL PRICE, PREMIUM FEEL

The ActivEV story in this issue makes a different kind of statement. Not every build needs to push the envelope

like Tim's does. Sometimes the most important innovation happens at the entry level, where manufacturers and dealers are trying to offer real value without the fluff. Jason Perske and the team at Bintelli have figured out something that matters: you can deliver premium fit and finish at an accessible price point. Color-matched roofs. Attention to detail in the piping. Quality materials that feel solid. It's a reminder that differentiation doesn't always require the most expensive components. Sometimes it requires the smartest choices.

SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS

Our company profile this month focuses on Ancra Cargo, a 50-year-old freight-handling innovator that has brought its expertise directly to powersports. The Powersports Delivery System addresses something we don't talk about enough: the logistics and safety challenges of transporting increasingly valuable carts. When a modern LSV represents a significant investment, damage in transit becomes a reputational problem, not just a cost of doing business. Ancra's solution is the kind of purpose-built engineering the industry has needed for a while.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

In industry news, the Faith Dutton Yellow Shoes Foundation merged two Charleston traditions into one event that raised $9,000 for scholarships and community support. Carts & Cornhole brought together Charleston Custom Carts' Carts & Coffee with the Yellow Shoes Cornhole Tournament, creating something bigger than either event alone. It's a reminder that partnerships amplify impact, and that community really does matter in this space.

THE PRACTICAL SIDE

Our Lift Kits 101 guide is the kind of resource I get asked about constantly. Not everyone wants to build a rat rod. Most people want to know: what lift kit should I actually buy, and how do I avoid the cheap options that'll cause more problems than they solve? This one's for you.

July is heating up, the summer cart season is in full swing, and this issue captures the full spectrum of what this industry looks like right now. From ground-up builds to entry-level excellence to practical solutions to community impact.

Enjoy the read.

Matt White Editor matt@golfcarting.com

GOLF CARTING // Issue 74 // July 2026

Publisher: GC Media Group, LLC

Senior Editor: Matt White - matt@golfcarting.com

Creative Director: Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com

Production Director: Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com

Staff Writer / Social Media: Tony Benjamin

Golf Carting® is published monthly by GC Media Group, LLC. Reprinting in whole or by any means- electronic, graphic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems is forbidden without written permission from the publisher.

Advertising opportunities and inquiries to:

chris@golfcarting.com

Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors contact us first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage, and we assume no responsibility for damage or loss of material. Manuscripts must be typewritten, and all photos have to have captions. Photo model releases of all people in photos must accompany manuscript. GOLF CARTING reserves the right to use material, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet publication requirements. E-mail contributions or inquiries to: matt@golfcarting.com

WARNING: Certain action photographs depicted in this magazine are potentially dangerous. The drivers and vehicle occupants seen in our photos are experienced professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts. Wear a helmet and safety restraints while operating a Golf Cart, and never drive beyond your capabilities. Do not drink and drive while operating a Golf Cart. We also encourage you to “Tread Lightly” while respecting the outdoors and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Use your head and enjoy the ride!

©2026 GC Media Group, LLC

https://www.facebook.com/golfcarting

https://www.instagram.com/golfcartingmag/ Stay connected with Golf Carting Magazine

www.golfcarting.com

GROW WITH BINTELLI

Isn’t it time you experienced the best LSV dealership program in the industry? BECOME A DEALER

SCAN NOW & LEARN HOW

Be a part of Bintelli’s authorized dealer network and capitalize on the strength of a premium brand built on 25 years of industry leadership.

STRONG PROFIT MARGINS

TO SHIP INVENTORY

Add our award-winning company to your dealership and get:

Warranty, marketing, and dealership support you can count on

Turnkey, fully-assembled, and street-legal in all 50 states

Showroom & marketing materials are provided free with first order

Nationwide lead generation to drive traffic to your dealership

Flexible wholesale program

bintelli.com/become-a-dealer (843) 920-6733

GROW WITH

Powered by BintelliTM , Driven by Innovation

Showcase this premier golf cart brand in your dealership:

Low First-Time Order Requirement

Standard Cutting Edge Lithium Battery

4-Year Warranty with Stress-Free Support

Nationwide Advertising To Drive Traffic To Your Dealership

Nationwide Dealership Support Network For Your Customers

Showroom Materials Free with First Order + Premade Marketing Materials

CART ENTHUSIASTS, MARK YOUR CALENDARS: SANFORD LIFESTYLE CARTFEST PROMISES

SUMMER'S

BIGGEST GOLF CART PARTY

SANFORD, FLORIDA – The inaugural Sanford Lifestyle CartFest is just weeks away, and excitement is building. Taking place July 24-26, 2026, in Historic Downtown Sanford, the three-day destination festival celebrating golf cart culture is shaping up to be one of the biggest consumer golf cart events in the nation.

With a powerful lineup of sponsors including Title Sponsor Trojan Battery Company and Premier Sponsors Bintelli Golf Carts, BOLT Lithium Batteries, Cart Life/Low Speed Living, GTW, Lani EV, NAVITAS Vehicle Systems, and SoundExtreme by ECOXGEAR, the CartFest promises an unforgettable weekend for enthusiasts, builders, and lifestyle buyers alike.

Official Sponsors supporting the festival include Affect Vodka, Angry Goat Custom Carts, Eco Battery, GolfCarting Magazine, GolfCartingTV, and Wayne Densch Inc., with additional sponsors to be announced.

The festival will feature a showcase of custom builds competing for awards including Best in Show (with a $1,000 cash prize), Most Custom Build, Best Audio, Tallest Cart, and

People's Choice. Attendees can explore a vendor expo, enjoy live entertainment, sample food trucks, and participate in an organized golf cart cruise through historic downtown streets.

"This is a genuine celebration of the golf cart community," said Matt White, editor of GolfCarting Magazine and Sanford resident. "Whether you're bringing a custom build, shopping for your next cart, or just coming to be part of something special, CartFest is the place to be this summer."

Spots are still available for those interested in showcasing a build, exhibiting, or simply attending. Registration details, ticketing information, and the full schedule are available at www.SanfordCartFest.com. With the event just weeks away, organizers encourage interested participants to register soon.

The event is presented by Sanford Main Street, Sanford Golf Cart Gurus, GolfCarting Magazine, and GolfCartingTV in partnership with the City of Sanford.

Event Details Sanford Lifestyle CartFest July

24-26, 2026 Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida

-

the house where unrivaled

DENAGO ROVER

2025 - 2026 ICON

CARTS & CORNHOLE: HOW TWO CHARLESTON EVENTS BECAME ONE COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE

On Saturday, May 16, the grassy lawn at Pointe Hope in Charleston, South Carolina, filled with the sound of cornhole bags hitting boards, custom golf carts on display, and a community united behind a cause.

Carts & Cornhole brought together two separate local traditions for the first time, and the result was bigger than anyone expected. The event merged Charleston Custom Carts' Carts & Coffee, a Saturday morning gathering that had been running the week before the Yellow Shoes Cornhole Tournament, with the Faith Dutton Yellow Shoes Foundation's annual fundraiser. What started as a simple idea to expand exposure turned into a testament to how community partnerships can amplify impact.

"The event was more successful than I could have ever imagined, and I appreciate everyone in the community who came out to support a great cause,” said Phillip Caston, cofounder of the Yellow Shoes Foundation alongside his wife Holly, Faith's father Will Dutton, and teacher Olivia Thatcher. “We have big dreams for future events, and it's special to see so many showing up to make the lives of fellow community members better."

Matt Smith of Charleston Custom Carts, who championed the merger, added: “At Charleston Custom Carts, we believe a strong community is built on support, compassion, and connection. Our mission is to give back to the people and causes that matter most, honor the memories of those we’ve lost, stand beside families in times of need, and help create opportunities that make our community stronger. Together, we can make a lasting difference.”

A FOUNDATION BUILT ON MEMORY

The Yellow Shoes Foundation was created in 2020 to honor Faith Dutton, a Wando High School student who passed away

in 2017 at age 16. Faith was a standout on Wando's awardwinning yearbook team, and the tight-knit relationships forged in that program inspired the foundation's mission: to create something permanent that would keep Faith's memory alive while serving students in need.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded scholarships to Wando and Philip Simmons High School students, provided funding to Charleston County Special Olympics, and built a growing community of supporters committed to embodying what Faith's motto became: "Be brilliant. Be fearless. Be kind."

GROWTH THROUGH COMMUNITY

What began in 2021 as a neighborhood cornhole competition to raise funds has grown steadily. When Community Craft House owners Todd and Tessa Miller invited folks to weekly cornhole events, and the Cornholio app expanded their reach, the tournament attracted both recreational and serious players. Moving to Pointe Hope in 2025 brought new energy, and partnering with Charleston Custom Carts in 2026 brought the buzz to another level.

The addition of professional and amateur divisions opened the competition to more participants and created broader appeal. The 2026 event, backed by sponsors including Alexander Heating & Cooling, Honor LSV, Community Craft House, Car Audio Radio & Security (C.A.R.S.), Sizemore's Lawn Care, Tidal Rice, and Pointe Hope, raised $9,000 for the foundation's mission.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand to Philip Simmons High School, one of Faith's younger brothers' alma mater. Each year, the event edges closer to becoming an institution in the Charleston community, one cornhole toss and one scholarship at a time.

CALENDAR of EVENTS

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 24-26, 2026

SANFORD LIFESTYLE CARTFEST

Sanford, Florida

The Sanford Lifestyle CartFest is bringing together hundreds of golf carts and enthusiasts for a three-day celebration of carts, culture, and community in Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida www.SanfordCartFest.com

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 24-25, 2026

OUTLAW SYNDICATE GOLF CART DRAG RACING

Darling Dragway, Hartsville, South Carolina

Bring out your fastest cart for golf cart drag racing at Darlington Dragway in Darlington, SC, as part of the Outlaw Syndicate Small Tire Series. https://golfcarting.com/event/outlaw-syndicategolf-cart-drag-racing/

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1-3, 2026

GOLFCARTING EXPO & DEALER SUMMIT

Charleston, South Carolina

The industry's first and only dedicated annual event showcasing innovative products, services, and companies while providing comprehensive education to golf cart dealers. www.GolfCartingExpo.com

SHARE YOUR EVENT

Share your upcoming golf carting event at golfcarting.com/event-submission

B ecome a Dealer

Your Complete

AC Drivetrain

Navitas delivers uncompromising performance with our Complete AC Drivetrain. Featuring our TAC2 AC Controller / Motor kit. Offering more speed, torque with greater efficiency, and our robust, newly developed axle, your vehicles will achieve peak performance, reliability and efficiency.

ENGINEERED, ASSEMBLED & TESTED IN NORTH AMERICA

CORE PRODUCTS

TAC2 AC CONTROLLER

State of the art 440a - 600a 36v-72v controller giving ultimate unmatched performance. MADE IN CANADA.

AC INDUCTION MOTOR

Get ultimate control over your Golf Car (LSV) with our Bluetooth App. Download on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today!

Stay a head with Navitas Vehicle Systems Ltd. ® industr y leading products and unmatched support. (844) 576-2499 www.navitasvs.com

Thefirst thing people notice when Tim Christie pulls up in his golf cart is that it doesn't look like a golf cart. The second thing they do is double take when they realize it actually is one.

Built over the course of a year in Stella, North Carolina, this maroon machine sits so low to the ground, wears a body of hand-laid fiberglass, and carries the styling cues of a 1930s hot rod so convincingly that passersby have to be told it started life as a 2003 E-Z-GO. According

to Tim, most people don't believe him at first. They think the fake motor is real. They expect it to roar like a V8. And then they hear it quietly whir to life on lithium power, and they understand: this is something entirely different.

STARTING FROM ALMOST NOTHING

Tim's cart began as what he calls a blank slate, though that's being generous. "There's probably about two feet of that original E-Z-GO left," he says. Everything else, from the front axle to the frame to the entire body, was either custom-built or reconfigured for this vision.

The fiberglass body was perhaps the biggest undertaking. Tim had never worked with fiberglass before, so he did what he usually does when facing something unfamiliar: he figured it out as he went. Instead of building a mold and laying

fiberglass into it, he constructed a wooden frame and wrapped it in fiberglass from the outside in. The result, intentionally, is imperfect. The rough, slightly irregular finish is exactly what a 1930s rat rod should look like. Smooth perfection would have felt wrong.

The design details reinforce that aesthetic. A piece of lace taped to the roof became a stencil for copper spray paint, creating a unique pattern across the top. Copper accents run throughout: the wheels, door hinges, valve covers, cantilevers, and front rims all share the same warm metallic tone that complements the deep maroon body.

ENGINEERING UNDERNEATH

Beneath the rat rod styling lies genuinely thoughtful engineering. The fake motor that dominates the front of the

cart is real in all the ways that matter. It features actual valve covers, a carburetor, water pump, fan, spark plugs, wires, distributor, and coils, all sourced from small block Chevrolets Tim has in his shop. The motor itself is a cover, though. Disconnect the radiator hose and lift the whole assembly, and what you find underneath is a 48-volt DC House lithium battery that powers the cart.

The front axle was stretched 15 inches to accommodate the rat rod proportions. The suspension uses cantilever airbags cut from a CNC plasma table by a buddy who builds rat rods. Those same friends at Steadfast Metal Company handled the welding work on the suspension components, work Tim trusts far more than his own welding skills.

The airlift system uses individual switches, though Tim acknowledges he probably didn't need to go that far. Front

and rear can be controlled independently, giving him the ability to lift the cart 10 to 11 inches when needed, though he prefers the slammed look for everyday driving.

DETAILS BUILT FROM SCRAPS

Much of the cart was assembled from parts Tim had lying around his shop or repurposed from vehicles he was working on. The steering wheel is the factory unit from a 1946 Chevrolet truck he's currently building. The door hinges are trailer gate hinges. The brake lights are housed in old Chevy pistons. The windows are removable golf cart windshields held in place with Velcro, practical for hot Carolina summers.

The interior uses the factory gas and brake pedals from the original E-Z-GO, though the brake pedal had to be completely redone. E-Z-GO's design loops underneath the cart, which

doesn't work when you're sitting inches off the ground. Tim reworked it so it pivots from the top instead.

Two DC House batteries power everything: the 48-volt lithium under the fake motor, and a 12-volt 165 amp-hour battery in the back that runs the air compressors, headlights, taillights, and an old-school Ooga horn. Access to the rear components comes through a deck lid held down by screws, easy enough to remove when maintenance is needed.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

What makes this cart remarkable isn't any single component. It's how all those details come together into a coherent vision of what a golf cart could be. The suicide doors open outward. The brass knuckles on the shifter came from a piece of rebar. The center console sits slightly offset to accommodate

that large steering wheel. Nothing is fancy. Everything is intentional.

"I just wanted to build something different," Tim says. It took long nights after work and weekends when he wasn't at the beach. It required learning fiberglass from scratch. It meant calling in favors from friends with better welding skills and access to plasma tables. But the result is a cart that stops people in their tracks, that makes them look twice, that makes them want to know the story.

For someone who isn't a golf cart business owner, who doesn't do the typical lift-kit-and-rims routine, Tim Christie has built something that will make people reconsider what a golf cart can be.

Watch a full video interview with Tim here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=oMg3ka1DNYc

FULLY INTEGRATED REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

EZGO Gen1 and Gen2

Club Car LG Gen1, Gen2, and Vanguard Gen1

Also available for Evolution, Denago and more!

REVIVE YOUR DEAD FACTORY LITHIUM CART TO Y

®

dealereducation

THE CUSTOMER WHO DIDN'T COME TO BUY

THE MOST VALUABLE MOMENT IN YOUR DEALERSHIP IS HAPPENING IN YOUR SERVICE BAY

I

There is a customer sitting in your service bay right now who is more open to a real conversation than anyone who has ever walked through your showroom door.

They did not come in to buy. They came in because something broke.

That is exactly what makes this moment unlike any other.

They are already thinking about money. Already questioning whether what they own is still the right decision. Already, quietly, measuring the gap between what they have and what they might want next.

That internal conversation is happening whether you participate in it or not.

Most dealers do not participate.

The estimate gets written. The work gets approved. The cart gets fixed. The customer leaves.

And every question they arrived with follows them home unanswered.

The service bay is not a cost center. It is the most honest, unguarded moment in your entire customer relationship. It has just never been treated that way.

What if the repair estimate carried one additional line?

The cart's trade-in value — as it sits today, and what it becomes once the work is complete. No explanation. No pitch. Just the numbers, present on the page, offered the way a trusted advisor offers information:

"We pulled this together while we had the cart. Wanted you to have the full picture either way."

That is not a sales move.

That is the rarest thing a customer encounters anywhere — someone who gave them more than they asked for, with nothing attached to it.

Some will repair and stay. Some will trade and move forward. Some will leave to think and return when they are ready. Every one of those outcomes strengthens the

relationship. Because in each case, the dealer did something the industry almost never does.

They showed up with the full picture before anyone asked for it.

There is a loop that begins here and most dealers never see it.

Trade-in inventory builds from customers who already trust the business. That inventory feeds a certified pre-owned program serving a market growing larger every year. New cart conversations emerge not from cold outreach but from relationships that never went quiet. The service bay feeds the sales floor. The sales floor feeds future service customers.

Each part of the business strengthens the others. Quietly. Continuously.

It starts with a single line on a document that most dealers never thought to include.

The estimate fixed the cart.

The conversation changed the relationship.

And years later, when that customer is ready for whatever comes next — a new cart, a referral, a reason to return — they will remember which dealer handed them the full picture when nobody else did.

That is not a service department.

That is a growth engine.

It was always there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Rixmann Boger, MBA owns Golden Hour LEDs (goldenhourleds.com), developer of FactoryFit Wheel Lights, bolt-on LED wheel lighting solutions tailored to specific golf cart makes and models. These help Golf Cart dealers stand out and move inventory faster through high-impact differentiation. As founder of FractionExec.com, she advises organizations on strategic growth and market positioning across industries. She brings more than 25 years of global experience in sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, including C-suite leadership roles.

GCMOD IS NOW THE DEALER-DIRECT SOURCE FOR X COMP GOLF AND TRAILER TIRES. SIGN UP TODAY AND START OFFERING INDUSTRY-LEADING TIRE PERFORMANCE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. X COMP GOLF X/T

X COMP GOLF A/T

BY BOBBY DIAZ, SENIOR BATTERY PRODUCT MANAGER,

WMost golf cart owners don't realize how much they've adapted to their batteries.

They've adapted to slow charging. They've adapted to checking water levels. They've adapted to cleaning corrosion. They've adapted to losing performance as batteries age. They've adapted to planning their day around charging schedules.

In short, they've adapted to inconvenience.

Then one day, they upgrade to lithium.

The first thing most owners notice isn't what's under the seat. It's how the cart feels. Acceleration feels stronger. Hills feel easier. Power feels more consistent. The cart simply feels more responsive.

Many owners describe it as feeling like they bought a new cart.

But the biggest difference isn't performance. It's freedom.

Freedom from watering batteries. Freedom from corrosion. Freedom from routine maintenance. Freedom from wondering whether the batteries are ready for the next ride.

Just turn the key and go.

Today's golf carts are no longer confined to the golf course.

THE DAY YOUR GOLF CART GROWS UP

They're used for neighborhood rides, trips to the pool, campground adventures, marina transportation, and evenings spent with family and friends.

The cart has become part of the lifestyle.

And when something becomes part of your lifestyle, reliability matters.

That's why choosing a reputable lithium brand is just as important as choosing lithium itself. Quality engineering, proven safety systems, strong customer support, and a company that stands behind its product can make all the difference in the ownership experience.

The cheapest battery is rarely the one owner’s brag about.

The batteries people talk about years later are the ones that simply work.

The ones that deliver confidence every time they turn the key.

Because the day you switch to a quality lithium battery isn't just the day you upgrade your batteries.

It's the day your golf cart grows up.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 727-955-4955 or visit nivelparts.com

MOVING THE LOAD

HOW ANCRA CARGO IS SOLVING ONE OF POWERSPORTS' OLDEST PROBLEMS

Getting a golf cart onto a trailer sounds simple enough. Roll it up a ramp, strap it down, and go. But anyone who has spent time in a dealership, on a delivery route, or at an event hauling carts from point A to point B knows the reality is messier than that. Ramps slip. Loads shift. Equipment gets damaged in transit. And the person operating the ramp bears a level of physical and safety risk that rarely gets talked about.

Ancra Cargo has been thinking about problems like this for more than 50 years. And now they've brought that thinking directly to the powersports world.

A LONG HISTORY, A NEW FOCUS

Founded in 1969 with a mission to improve safety and security in the transportation industry, Ancra Cargo has grown into North America's largest designer and manufacturer of load maximizing systems. Headquartered in Hebron, Kentucky, with

manufacturing and distribution locations in Texas, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, the company's products are used across land, air, and sea freight applications. They hold many current patents, and their work has earned them a Top Workplaces designation from Enquirer Media in Cincinnati for six consecutive years.

For most of their history, Ancra's focus has been on heavy-duty commercial transportation. But the powersports segment — which includes golf carts, UTVs, motorcycles, and similar vehicles — presents its own distinct set of loading and securement challenges. Those challenges are what led to the development of the Powersports Delivery System.

THE PROBLEM WORTH SOLVING

Traditional ramp-and-lift loading methods work, but they come with tradeoffs. Damage claims from freight shifting

in transit add up. Ramps that aren't properly secured create safety hazards for operators. And the physical demands of manual loading put real strain on the people doing the work, particularly as more dealers take on direct delivery and the volume of carts being transported continues to grow.

Ancra's Powersports Delivery System was engineered to address all of those issues in one integrated solution. The system combines powered lifting technology with advanced stabilization, designed to transform the way powersports equipment is loaded, transported, and secured. At its core, the goal is straightforward: make loading safer, more efficient, and more controlled.

TWO COMPONENTS, ONE SYSTEM

The Powersports Delivery System consists of two primary components that work together to handle the full loading and securement sequence.

The first is the PoweRamp, a powered 16-foot ramp section that replaces traditional manual ramp methods. Rather than relying on physical effort and gravity, the PoweRamp uses a rear plug-in remote hand pendant that allows operators to raise and lower the ramp smoothly with the push of a button. When not in use, the ramp and deck components stow at ceiling height, maximizing trailer cube for efficient backhaul loading. A built-in threshold keeps cargo from moving during loading, edge guards protect the trailer sidewalls, and a heavyduty latching system locks the ramp securely when stowed or deployed.

Critically, the PoweRamp is fully functional even with vehicles already loaded in place — a design detail that addresses one of the more common frustrations with conventional loading systems.

The second component is the SoliDeck, a manual decking system built for speed, strength, and simplicity. Using Ancra's beam release tool, operators can lift or lower beams inside the track system and complete a decking sequence in minutes. The result is a more organized cargo space with improved load securement and better use of available trailer volume that also stows at ceiling height like the PoweRamp to maximize trailer cube for backhauls.

Together, the two systems are engineered to improve loading efficiency, reduce freight damage and related claims,

lower equipment maintenance costs, and create a more stable, secure transport environment for powersports vehicles.

WHY IT MATTERS FOR THE GOLF CART INDUSTRY

The golf cart segment has changed considerably over the past several years. Carts are more valuable and more technologically complex than they were a decade ago. An LSV with a full audio system, premium build work, and modern technology represents a significant investment — for the dealer, and for the customer. Damage in transit isn't just a cost of doing business. It's a reputational problem.

At the same time, dealers are increasingly delivering carts directly to customers, and manufacturers are shipping to dealer networks across wider geographic areas. The logistics demands of the industry have scaled up, and the tools used to handle those logistics haven't always kept pace.

Ancra's Powersports Delivery System represents an attempt to close that gap — bringing the same engineering rigor that has served commercial freight operations for decades to a segment that has long been underserved by purpose-built solutions.

For dealerships evaluating their delivery and transport operations, or for anyone in the distribution chain looking to reduce damage claims and improve operator safety, it's a system worth a close look.

For more information, visit www.ancracargo.com or call 1-800233-5138.

ENTRY POINT, PREMIUM FEEL THE ACTIVEV STORY

IT MAY BE THE MOST AFFORDABLE OFFERING FROM BINTELLI, just don’t expect the ActivEV offerings to cut any corners.

“We want to include as much of what the customers want, while being mindful of what they don’t need,” Jason Perske of Bintelli explains. It’s a philosophy that shapes every decision, from frame material to wheel selections.

TURNING HEADS

With the launch of ActivEV, the team at Bintelli chose a styling on the new Pulse model that moved away from traditional cart aesthetics to a more unique and sportier front end. This move at the time was something of a gamble. “We went through countless designs and renderings before landing on what

you see today,” Jason recalls. From headlight design and body shape to the overall stance, everything was done from the ground up. On launch, the ActivEV team was quick to hear the response from the dealer as they pointed out how the unique looks helped separate it in the marketplace.

This distinctive styling makes it easy to spot from a distance and in a market of lookalike carts, this is no small feat. Attention to detail throughout the cart is tastefully done, with color matching seat piping and fully painted roofs. “One of those details that really gives a better experience and feel,” Jason pointed out.

DETAILS THAT ADD UP

Walk around an ActivEV and it’s easy to see all of the

small design choices add up to a much larger takeaway. Functionality and locking glove boxes to protect valuables is practical and appreciated. Convenient wireless charging for your phone on the go is intuitive and where you would expect it to be. Controls and buttons are precise and feel solid. There’s even factory installed accessory switches to make future 12v accessory additions a breeze.

Most significantly, all ActivEV carts come standardly equipped with Eco Battery’s 48-volt Gen 3 lithium battery pack, the same gold-standard power source used across every

model in Bintelli’s lineup. No corners cut on components that matter the most, and the heart of the cart is no different.

FLEXIBILITY AND FUN

ActivEV features multiple seating configurations and suspension packages, including their 2, 4 and 6 passenger configurations. Standard or lifted versions are available in the 4 and 6 passengers giving flexibility to fit more needs.

A focus on safety and driver comfort is evident in all models. Three-point seatbelts, four wheel hydraulic disc brakes

and a crisp and clear backup camera through the integrated infotainment system gives drivers the confidence they need to be in full control wherever the roads take them.

That doesn’t mean the trip has to be boring, every ActivEV Pulse comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Speakers throughout the cart let you pair your phone and enjoy tunes on the go or listen to navigation as you find the best way around. A modern touch that goes a long way.

THE BINTELLI ADVANTAGE

What allows ActivEV to punch above its price point is the access to the massive manufacturing and parts infrastructure spanning multiple states over the last 25+ years. ActivEV is one of three distinct brands in the Bintelli family, alongside Bintelli and SIVO. Each brand is treated as its own entity, with separate dealer programs for each to allow more markets to access more options that make sense.

While based in Ladson, South Carolina, the company also operates facilities in Jeffersonville, Indiana and Orangeburg, South Carolina which houses one of the most extensive parts

inventories in the industry. With tens of thousands of SKUs from motors to body panels, all the way down to individual nuts and bolts, the emphasis on parts availability is a clear focus of the company.

Vehicle production takes place year-round under a refined process. Vehicles are prepped and staged at numerous build stations with specialists focusing on various stages from assembly to paint, final production to quality control. Each stage is accompanied by multiple inspections and checklists to make sure the vehicles all match the quality Bintelli products are known for.

ENTRY POINT PROGRAM, HUGE OFFERINGS

While ActivEV is the most approachable program for dealers to get started with, that doesn’t come with compromising what matters the most. Quality craftsmanship, approachable price points and the clear passion for offering some of the most fun and engaging carts on the market today.

For more information on ActivEV visit ActiveGolfCarts.com

LIFT KITS 101

DROP AXLE, A-ARM, AND LONG-TRAVEL COMPARED

If you've spent any time in the golf cart world, you've probably noticed how many lifted carts are rolling around.

Lift kits are one of the most popular upgrades out there, and for good reason. They give your cart a more aggressive look, fit bigger tires, and add ground clearance for trails, beach roads, or really any time you wander off the pavement.

But here's the thing: not all lift kits are the same. Walk into any dealer or scroll through accessory sites and you'll see drop axle kits, A-arm kits, long-travel kits, and a few other options thrown around. They each work differently, ride differently, and come at very different price points. Picking the wrong one for your situation can leave you with a rough ride, busted parts, or a cart that doesn't do what you hoped it would.

In this guide, we're breaking down the three most common lift kit types, plus a quick look at some of the cheap options floating around online that you'll want to avoid. We'll cover how each one works, what it costs, and who it's actually right for.

WHAT A LIFT KIT ACTUALLY DOES

Before we get into the types, it helps to understand what a lift kit really is. At its core, a lift kit raises your cart's body and frame higher off the ground. A lot of newer carts come prelifted right from the factory. If yours doesn't, a lift kit is how you add it. As a general rule, the bigger the tire you want, the more lift you'll need to clear it without rubbing.

Where the kit types differ is in how they get that lift done. Let's break them down.

1. DROP AXLE LIFT KITS

PRICE RANGE: $250 TO $550+ FOR THE KIT

Drop axle kits are the most common and budget-friendly option on the market, and they've been around forever. Jake's Lift Kits is one of the longest-running and most recognized brands in this category. The way they work is pretty simple. Up front, the stock axle gets swapped for a longer drop-axle

golfcartliftkits

that tapers down to your existing spindles, pushing the wheels lower. The rear is lifted with matching hardware that comes in the kit. The springs, shocks, and control arms all stay exactly the same. You'll most commonly see these kits in the 3" to 6" range.

PROS:

• Easy on the wallet. Jake's 4" drop axle for the Club Car DS runs around $250, and most 6" kits land in the $400 to $500 range.

• Keeps your factory ride feel mostly intact since you're not changing the suspension layout.

• Plenty of brands to choose from. Jake's, MadJax, RHOX, and GTW all make solid drop axle kits.

• Works on just about every popular cart out there.

CONS:

• You're still working with stock suspension travel. If you take it off-road, you'll bottom out faster than you would with a long-travel setup.

• Some kits affect the front-end alignment, so plan on getting the cart aligned after install or it might pull to one side and chew up tires unevenly.

WHO IT'S FOR: This is the right kit for most everyday owners. If you're cruising the neighborhood, hitting the campground, or just want bigger tires and a meaner stance, a drop axle kit will do everything you need without overcomplicating things.

2. A-ARM

LIFT KITS

PRICE RANGE: $400 TO $900+ FOR THE KIT

A-arm kits are a step up in both performance and price. Instead of just repositioning the axle and spindles, an A-arm kit replaces the entire front suspension with new control arms (the "A-shaped" arms) that are built specifically for the

lifted height. That means everything stays lined up the way it's supposed to, instead of stock parts being forced to work at a height they weren't designed for. The rear is lifted with matching hardware that comes in the kit so the cart sits level. This is the kit you want if you're after better ride quality. Most A-arm kits land in the 4" to 6" range, though smaller 3" options and taller 7" or 8" versions are out there. Popular options include the MadJax King XD, RHOX A-arm kits, and Jake's double A-arm setups.

PROS:

• Smoother ride than a drop axle kit.

• Better steering feel, especially noticeable at higher speeds.

• Many A-arm kits come with upgraded shocks, which makes the ride even better.

• Most kits clear 22" to 23" tires depending on the lift height, though some 4" kits are more limited.

CONS:

• Significantly more expensive than drop axle kits.

• Install is more involved than a drop axle. Most owners pay a shop unless they're comfortable working on suspension.

WHO IT'S FOR: If you spend real time in your cart, ride longer distances, or just want the best balance of looks and feel, an A-arm kit is worth the extra money. It's also the one we'd lean toward for a cart that's going to spend a lot of time on the road at higher speeds, where the improved suspension really makes a difference.

3. LONG-TRAVEL LIFT KITS PRICE RANGE: $1,800 TO $2,500+ FOR THE KIT

Long-travel kits are built for off-road use. They're designed to handle rough terrain that would beat up a stock or basic-lifted cart. Jake's Long Travel kit is one of the most well-known of the bunch, and it replaces the front end with a fully independent suspension system, extended A-arms, and external reservoir nitrogen-charged shocks that you can adjust for ride quality.

golfcartliftkits

Most long-travel kits offer adjustable lift somewhere in the 4" to 10" range depending on the cart platform and version, so you have plenty of room to dial in the look and clearance you want. They look the part too, with that wide, aggressive stance and tall sidewall tires.

PROS:

• Real off-road capability with suspension travel well beyond what you get on a stock cart.

• Adjustable lift height so you can fine-tune the stance.

• Wider stance means better stability at higher speeds and on uneven ground.

• Pairs with up to 25" tires for serious clearance.

• Honestly, they just look fantastic if that's the vibe you're going for.

CONS:

• Expensive. The kit alone is $1,800 to $2,500+, and once you add matched wheels and tires, the total can push past $4,000.

• The wider stance might not fit on standard cart paths in some neighborhoods or communities.

• More moving parts means more maintenance over time.

• Overkill if you're just cruising paved paths.

WHO IT'S FOR: Hunters, beach drivers, off-roaders, and anyone who actually beats on their cart. If your idea of a Saturday is taking the cart through fields, sand, or trails, this is the one. If you're driving to the clubhouse, save your money.

A QUICK WORD ON SPACER AND BLOCK KITS

You'll occasionally see super cheap "lift kits" online for $50 to $150 that are really just blocks or spacers that bolt between existing components to fake a lift. We don't recommend them, and the golf cart forums are full of horror stories to back that up. The most common complaints are dangerous oversteer, severe negative camber, and a loss of turning radius once the

kit is installed. There are also reports of the drag link contacting the frame on bumps, and rear block setups not working at all on carts where the springs sit under the axle. If you're going to lift your cart, save up and get a proper kit. Your future self will thank you.

A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU LIFT

Whichever kit you go with, there are a few things worth thinking through before you pull the trigger:

• Tire fitment matters. Check that the tire size you want will actually clear the body and fenders. Some lifted setups still rub at full lock.

• Alignment is a must. After any lift, get the cart aligned. Skipping this step can eat tires and create handling problems.

• Warranty considerations. If your cart is still under warranty, check the terms before you lift. Some manufacturers may not cover damage tied to aftermarket suspension changes. If you're past the warranty window, this isn't something to worry about.

• Match the tires to the kit. A 6-inch lift with stock 8" wheels looks goofy. Plan the wheel and tire upgrade as part of the budget.

WRAPPING IT UP

Lift kits are one of those upgrades that can completely change how your cart looks and feels, but the type you pick really matters. Most owners are best served by a quality drop axle kit. If you want a smoother ride and a taller lift, step up to an A-arm. And if you're actually going off-road, a long-travel kit is the way to go.

Pick the one that matches how you actually use your cart, and you'll be happy with it for years. Don't want to deal with picking a kit and finding an installer? Head to CartFinder, the golf cart marketplace, to shop carts that are already lifted and ready to roll.

askthemechanic

ASK THE MECHANIC ASK THE MECHANIC

Q: I just got a new Navitas controller. Can you tell me all about it?

A: Navitas controllers allow you to fine-tune your vehicle's performance. These settings can be adjusted in two ways: physical dials on the optional On-The-Fly (OTF) Programmer dashboard accessory, or digitally via the Navitas Dashboard Mobile App (available for TSX/DC and TAC/AC systems).

ON-THE-FLY (OTF) PHYSICAL PROGRAMMER SETTINGS

If you have the physical OTF knob panel installed on your dash, you have instant, real-time control over three main settings:

FORWARD SPEED: Adjusts your top cruising speed on the fly (up to the maximum limit programmed in the app). Lowering this maximizes battery efficiency and driving range.

ACCELERATION: Controls how hard or soft the cart pulls from a dead stop (torque ramp rate). Cranking it up gives you maximum torque for hills, while turning it down makes the ride smoother and saves battery.

BRAKE STRENGTH (REGEN): Controls the aggressiveness of "off-throttle" regenerative braking. When you let go of the gas, higher settings will slow the cart down quickly and pump energy back into your batteries, while lower settings allow the cart to coast more.

KEY LOCK SWITCH: Allows you to lock these physical knobs into place so other drivers (like kids or guests) can't adjust them to go faster.

NAVITAS MOBILE APP SETTINGS

When you connect to the controller via Bluetooth, the Settings tab unlocks deep calibration features. (Note: Some advanced settings require registering a dealer/technician profile in the app).

Navitas controllers calculate speed directly from the motor's RPM so you must input your exact cart specs for the speedometer to be accurate:

TIRE DIAMETER (INCHES): Crucial if you have upgraded to lifted, oversized tires (e.g., 20" or 22" instead of the stock 18").

REAR AXLE RATIO: The gear ratio of your rear differential (tells the controller how many motor spins equal one tire spin).

FORWARD MPH / RPM SPEED LIMIT: Sets the hard electronic ceiling for how fast the cart is allowed to go.

REVERSE MPH / RPM SPEED LIMIT: Caps your reverse speed independently for safety.

NOMINAL BATTERY VOLTAGE: Set to match your pack (36V, 48V, or 72V). This ensures the controller's low-voltage cut-offs protect your specific battery setup.

MAIN SOLENOID VOLTAGE: Matches the controller's output to your solenoid rating to avoid burning it out.

THROTTLE & BRAKING CALIBRATION

THROTTLE MIN (VOLTS): The minimum voltage threshold required before the cart begins moving. If your cart jerks instantly or has a "dead zone" at the top of the pedal pedal, adjusting this matches the controller to your pedal's physical potentiometer.

Analogue Brake Gain (For EZGO RXV): Adjusts the electronic stiffness and response of the automatic braking system found on AC-drive RXV models.

THROTTLE POSITIVE RAMP RATE: Changes how quickly the controller unleashes maximum torque.

ENABLE/DISABLE OVERDRIVE: Allows the motor to spin past its standard rated RPM limits if your motor can handle it safely.

MOTOR/VEHICLE DIRECTION: Used to flip the default rotation of the motor. (For example, Club Car Precedents spin the opposite direction of EZGO TXTs; if your cart goes backward when you flip the switch to forward, you correct it here).

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Whenever you adjust settings especially if you are turning up the speed and acceleration limits; always monitor your battery, motor, and cable temperatures. Demanding high currents can overheat stock wiring, meaning you may need to upgrade to heavy-duty 4 AWG or 2 AWG cables and a heavy-duty solenoid. Always remember to scroll to the bottom of the App page and hit "Save Changes" to commit your updates to the controller.

www.golfcarting.com

Peace of Mind

12-Year warranty and hassle-free ownership backed by an industry leader - Guaranteed.

Innovation Driven By The Industry’s Most Trusted Name.

Extended Range

Drive farther and charge faster with a battery built for maximum distance and all-day freedom.

No Maintenance

Zero up keep required while never worrying about a dead battery with automatic storage mode.