2017 Club Car

[Hilton2017]

I am in the middle of having a dealer build a custom 2017 for me. Instead of HD springs he is wanting to put a Jounce Bumper on the cart to handle the extra weight of 4 people. Never heard of this before. Should I demand the HD springs?

[golfcartg]

Jounce bumpers and heavy duty springs both have their own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to handling extra weight. I've seen my fair share of both, so let me break it down for you in a way that might help you decide.

For those who don't know, jounce bumpers are like extra cushions made of rubber or foam that you add to your suspension. They're designed to kick in only when your cart's suspension is heavily compressed, like when you're carrying a full load of passengers. Installation wise, they’re pretty straightforward. You don’t need to take apart your suspension system, so it’s a job you might manage yourself with a bit of patience and the right tools.

Since they only come into play when the suspension is under a lot of stress, your ride remains as smooth as it was originally for most of your driving. They’re kind of like a safety net, there when you need them but out of the way when you don’t. However, they don’t actually increase the load carrying capacity of your cart's suspension; they just prevent it from bottoming out. Over time, they can wear out, especially if you frequently load your cart to the max.

On the other hand, heavy duty springs are a bit of a different type of thing. These springs replace your standard ones and are built to handle more weight. With HD springs, your cart can carry heavier loads without sagging as much, which is great if you're always hauling around extra passengers or gear. They do provide better stability and handling under load.

However, installing HD springs is more complex than just adding jounce bumpers. You’ll likely need to disassemble parts of your suspension, which could be tricky for those doing it yourself and not familiar with the process. Plus, the ride will be stiffer with HD springs, even when you’re not loaded up. It’s a trade-off, better load capacity and stability, but at the cost of some everyday comfort.

If your cart is often loaded to the brim, HD springs might be the way to go despite the tougher installation and firmer ride. But if you’re looking to keep the ride smooth and only need a bit of extra support now and then, jounce bumpers could be a simpler and more comfortable option. Just remember, jounce bumpers will need more regular checks and possible replacements down the line. Either way, it sounds like you've really put a lot of thought into your build and it’s clear you’ve considered good options to handle the extra weight. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!