What’s the most reliable electric hunting cart? I’ve heard horrible stories about bad boy buggies and customer service. Thoughts?

Older BBB were not very good. Not sure if they’ve gotten better.

Our Ranger EV has been trouble-free. I bought it for the wife to run around the property because she would run the gas Ranger out of fuel, then leave it with the key on. I would have to go home, fill it up, then jump it off. The only issue was she let some teenage boys drive it and they flew off a fire break and busted a battery. Put a new set in it in early 2015. No other issues. But understand, it does not get abused. I don't know how it would stand up to hard mudding. There are those on this site that use them that way. They can answer for their use.

Why electric for noise control?

Polaris EV is pretty nice, just not a 2010-2011

The 2011’s are good to go if you change the charging algorithm, replace the MPC with a larger 50amp plug and replace the mini-20 amp fuse to a larger blade 20 amp. I bought a 2011 and after a few month the pins burnt on the charging plug. I sliced around the two burnt pins on the charger along with the other I mentioned above and no issues after. I did have to replace the batteries due to the charger boiling the batteries before I changed the algorithm. The Polaris forum has done smart guys on there that will help correct most problems.

Yeah, I know all that, but if I spend $8000 on a cart I shouldn't have to do all that crap and Polaris should take care of the issues instead of giving a bunch of people the middle finger.

The most reliable option would be an EZGO txt 48 volt cart converted to a hunting buggy by yourself. They really aren't that complicated, and you can keep it running yourself. If just gotta have 4,WD, use the system that carries power from the motor to the front wheels. That system is simple and reliable. Though if you add a limited slip rear end like Snuffy did you probably won't ever need 4wd.

The AC systems are very complicated, and something is likely to go wrong.

The most reliable option would be an EZGO txt 48 volt cart converted to a hunting buggy by yourself. They really aren't that complicated, and you can keep it running yourself. If just gotta have 4,WD, use the system that carries power from the motor to the front wheels. That system is simple and reliable. Though if you add a limited slip rear end like Snuffy did you probably won't ever need 4wd.

The AC systems are very complicated, and something is likely to go wrong.[/quote]

Preacher is correct. I converted my EZGO to limited slip rear end. If you get stuck you had no business there anyway. I’ve put mine in some ruff stuff. It will climb a tree. That said I would’nt have a cart without a winch. You can get anything stuck .

So, snuffy and PCP........I've always said I wouldn't have one just because most of the places I hunt are moderately hilly, and in my experience, hills run batteries down quick. But after reading through this thread and the other recent one, in hindsight most of the people I've known that used electric carts were probably the guys that took a bone stock 36v cart, threw on a lift/tires and went hunting.

If done "the right way", like y'all have mentioned in these threads about upgrading motors/controllers/wiring/etc, does that make enough of a difference that a 48v electric cart would be sufficient even on property with some pretty good hills?

In my opinion it will make all the difference in the world. I have 6 8 volt Trojans in my cart. I can easily run 9 to 12 miles on a charge around my neighborhood. I don’t think you will have any issues on a hunting club hilly or not. Preacher may have more insight than I. I turkey hunt some pretty hilly property. I’ve never had an issue with mine. You have to remember a stock golf cart is made for a golf course. Add a lift kit, backseat and a couple of fat hunters and your asking for problems.

Gomer go to buggies gone wild. Look up ScottyB and email him. He is a golf cart guru. Tell him what you want to do. He can answer any questions you have.

Gomer here’s Scotty’s email address. Scottyb@cartsunlimited.net@gmail.com

Check out his website at cartsunlimited.net

I brought up the fixes for the 2011 in case someone run across one for sale. That way they could ask if these fixes have been done, use the fixes as a bargaining chip and also to know the 10 & 11’s aren’t junk. Yes Polaris gave all the ones who bought them new the middle finger. I bought a spare buggy (2010) from a man in Louisiana that Polaris changed chargers and wiring harnesses also new batteries trying to satisfy him. They just failed to change the algorithm and the other fixes; this is my parts buggy. My 2011 runs out great and I bought it second hand without a warranty and didn’t know about the issues until after the fact. It was a little frustrating at first but just a little work and a couple bucks, mine is good to go.

Not a 4x4 but Here's one I built.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/electric-ezgo/138140-first-time-build-2015-txt48.html

This.. He helped me build mine..

If someone wants a project. I have a Beast 48 that needs work. Battery's, Tires, Back seat at a minimum. Maybe we can negotiate a price.

There ain't a road anywhere that my cart won't climb, and it is only 42 volts. Set one up properly and hills will not be the issue. The biggest issue with them compared to a 4 wd ATV is mud. I'm not talking about a mudhole; it will handle that. Where it could be a real problem is in places where you have road that is a mile of mud, the kind of places where a truck would have to be in 4wd to have any hope of getting through. I've hunted places in the Black Belt that are like this and a 2 wd electric cart would be more trouble than it's worth in such a place. I have no access to places like that, so not an issue for me.

I would put a rear end like Snuffy has on mine if I needed, but I get stuck so seldom that it just wouldn't be worth it to me. And the few times I've gotten stuck, the winch had me out quickly.

Another place where an electric might not be a good choice is if you are in a club that's really big, like 5000 acres or more. If you regularly drive more than 10 miles while hunting, I'd stick with a gasoline vehicle. All the tracts I hunt are under 700 acres. Running out of a charge won't be an issue if you charge it every night, and you are supposed to do that anyway. Good luck deciding.