Tow-Run Switch Explained

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Regent Nathe

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Whether you are a long-time owner or a recent purchaser of a golf cart, there may be some confusion surrounding your vehicle’s tow mode. This confusion is entirely common. In fact, occasionally golf cart owners are never introduced to the vehicle’s tow mode upon purchasing their vehicle from a licensed dealer. If you received your golf cart second hand, confusion surrounding the vehicle’s ‘tow’ mode is even more common. Frequently asked questions regarding a golf cart’s tow mode include what it is, how to utilize it, and when to use it. All of these questions and more regarding a golf carts tow mode will be discussed and explored below.

Tow mode is a mode golf cart manufacturers allow users to enable in case they need to work on the electronics of their golf cart. Tow mode will deactivate the computer which cuts voltage to sensitive electronics and any roll away function that will enable the brakes for towing.

The Tow Run Switch Explained

In general, a golf cart’s tow mode is activated via a tow run switch, which occasionally is referred to as a tow/maintenance switch. This switch is common among modern golf carts and is rarely present on older models. The reason for this variance is that tow run switches are only installed on golf carts with a separately excited motor. Normally, a golf cart with this type of motor also possesses the ability for regenerative braking and roll away protection.

To properly function, a golf cart with a separately excited motor will store a very small amount of data through the use of an electronic speed controller. In order for this electronic speed controller to continue to work even when the cart is not in use, your golf cart will continue to draw a small amount of energy from the battery. The only way to disable this continued drain on the battery is by flipping the tow run switch to tow.

If you are ever performing battery maintenance or working on your solenoid, you will want to make sure your tow run stich is switched to tow to protect the electronics in case of a short.

Where is the Tow Run Switch Located

Most likely, the tow run switch for your golf cart is located in the battery compartment. As you are probably aware, this compartment is almost always under a golf cart’s seat. The tow run switch should be in plain sight. Normally the switch will include a diagram that displays which side of the toggle is designated for ‘run’ and which side is designated for ‘tow’. If you are having trouble locating the switch on your golf cart you can look for a ‘warning’ label which is occasionally printed around the tow switch by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

When to Use Your Golf Cart’s Tow Mode

Now that you know what tow mode is and where to locate the tow run switch on your golf cart, you are probably wondering when you should utilize this feature. The most obvious time to activate your golf cart’s tow mode is when you need your golf cart is being towed is important to ensure your vehicle doesn’t automatically trigger its roll away protection feature. This roll away protection feature protects the golf cart in the event a user forgets to lock their parking brake while parked downhill. However, when towing you will need to disable this roll away protection via use of your golf cart’s tow mode.

Another proper situation to utilize tour vehicle’s tow mode is when you are going to be storing or not using your golf cart for an extended period of time. Leaving your golf cart’s tow maintenance switch on ‘run’ while you store your golf cart will almost always cause your golf cart’s battery to drain. This is because of that electronic speed controller we previously discussed. Therefore, when you are leaving for vacation or otherwise starting your golf cart, you should always completely charge your vehicle and then flip the tow maintenance switch into tow mode. This will prevent your battery from receiving an unnecessary drain from the constantly active electronic speed controller. Depending upon the amount of time you are away, your golf cart’s battery could still be drained upon your return.

If you are working with your battery cables, you should ensure ow mode is activated to cut voltage to sensitive electronics. Some will refer to tow mode as storage mode.

Will a Golf Cart Charge in Tow Mode?

The simple answer is, yes, your golf cart will charge while tow mode is activated. Yes, activating tow mode will disable your cart’s computer, but it does not affect your battery or its charging capabilities. However, you can also charge your golf cart while it’s tow maintenance switch is toggled to ‘run’. The difference between charging a golf cart in ‘tow’ mode or ‘run’ mode is very minimal, but it is worth exploring.

Charging your vehicle in tow mode is the most efficient way to charge your vehicle. This is because, as we previously discussed, your vehicle will not experience any drain on its battery when tow mode is activated. Therefore, your golf cart’s battery will charge faster and more efficiently. Now, this charging difference may be very minimal between ‘tow’ and ‘run’ mode, but if you are becoming annoyed with your vehicle’s tendency to constantly need charging you may find charging in ‘tow’ mode to alleviate some frustration. In summary, your golf cart’s tow mode disables the vehicle’s electronic speed controller and its roll away protection. Disabling these features on your golf cart is necessary and important when storing your golf cart for an extended period of time, performing any type of maintenance, and when having your golf cart towed. Overall, your golf cart can be charged when either ’tow’ or ‘run’ mode is activated. However, charging your vehicle while tow mode is activated will be the most efficient.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Rating

Winters Recreation
4.9
Based on 954 reviews
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Meg TaaffeMeg Taaffe
13:37 27 Mar 24
Great selection and pricing. Excellent shipping rates. Very easy transaction over the phone from MN to AL💕 my cart Thank you Dan it was a pleasure working with you
RC McDougallRC McDougall
14:20 24 Mar 24
Excellent Product - Excellent Delivery - Excellent Service - Thanks again.
Mark NelsonMark Nelson
23:24 23 Mar 24
I ordered the 2024 Evolution Classic Pro 4. The customer service was exceptional. My only suggestion would be to offer a closed trailer shipping option, even it cost a little more. Emily’s follow up and customer service etiquette was second to none. Highly recommend ordering a golf cart from Winters Recreation.
Dave RosadoDave Rosado
16:49 22 Mar 24
Purchased a new Evolution D5 Maverick from Winters and had it delivered to Florida. Winters was nothing but helpful and professional! I had an issue with the digital screen on the cart and without hesitation, they overnighted me a new one! Buy from Winters!
Joshua ShumpertJoshua Shumpert
21:28 19 Mar 24
Shujaat SiddiquiShujaat Siddiqui
16:07 15 Mar 24
Amazing experience working with Lee and Angie on our golf cart. They were responsive and super easy to work with. We purchased our 6 passenger golf cart from 8 hours away. Would highly recommend!
D ND N
01:26 04 Jan 24
This was our second purchase from Winters Rec. Emily and the Team at Winters Recreation are AWESOME! Super knowledgeable and super friendly, was able to make my purchase seamless and they shipped out the 2024 Evolution Golf Cart in just a couple of days! It arrived like showroom condition! We will definitely utilize their products and services again. Plus I saved over 70% off compatible carts in my area that were “pre-owned”. Cart performance is amazing and very “golfer friendly”. Great Customer Service and Service After the sale.
Theresa BlaettlerTheresa Blaettler
18:34 29 Dec 23
The entire experience was wonderful when purchasing my new cart. Dan’s help was great and I ended up getting just what I wanted. I had checked the inventory of numerous dealers in my home area and non of them had the cart I was looking for. Winter’s inventory was awesome and I found the cart I was looking for immediately. Delivery 2,400 miles to California was no problem. I will recommend to everyone to buy from Winter’s.
Megann TanksleyMegann Tanksley
14:56 16 Dec 23
Dan was great to work with. He was very prompt and responsive. We received our golf cart in less than a week & we have enjoyed it ever since. If your looking for a golf cart this was the easiest and fastest way. If we are ever looking for another toy we will definitely contact Winter Recreation.Added note: When we received our golf cart one of tires was flat, they sent a new tire out that day with no questions asked. They did all they could to make it right and we are very appreciativeThank you again,Dan & Winter Recreation
Kristine YoungKristine Young
23:07 15 Oct 23
The selection was outstanding and the sales team was pleasant and attentive. While I appreciated having delivery as an option, my unit did sustain some damage. The team sent me touch up paint and couple of hundred dollars to offset it. The owner followed up with me a couple of weeks later and after that interaction, it's clear to me that he is a man of integrity who really cares about his customers. I would do business with Winters again and recommend them to others.
Becky S.Becky S.
13:33 03 Jul 23
We had a great experience at Winter Rec! Our salesperson was very knowledgeable, really friendly and not pushy! We took advantage of the free shipping deal and they changed out accessories for us! Payment was handled via wired money and they gave us an instruction sheet and the whole process was pleasant! Delivered within 2 weeks of purchase in mint condition!! Thank you Reese- you are very good at your job!! I would highly recommend if you are in the market for a golf cart to shop here!!!
Linda PageLinda Page
17:07 01 Jul 23
So happy with the the club car we ordered online. It was so much nicer than we even thought it could be. Love all the bells and whistles. The delivery driver was so nice and very informative. We have already recommended to our neighbors and friends to look into into purchasing online. Delivery was quick as was the whole buying process. Wonderful staff to work with. Thank you to Winters Recreation.
Jeff TaylorJeff Taylor
17:19 30 Jun 23
Winters Rec is a great place to buy from. From initial contact to setting up financing to getting my golf cart delivered was a very smooth transaction. Customer service is all top notch. After getting my cart I called a few weeks later with a question/issue. Received a phone call back from service department within an hour and issue was solved quickly.
AngelaAngela
23:45 25 Jun 23
We couldn't be happier with the sales process, the quality of products, and the out of state delivery. Our sales person, Angela, was amazing and worked through every detail. The out of state delivery was better than buying it next door. And we love our golf cart. Voted best looking on the golf course and so fun to drive around town as the staff also helped us make sure it was all street legal and able to obtain a license plate. Would buy again from Winters a hundred times over.
Natasha DaleNatasha Dale
03:06 19 Jun 23
We purchased our club car from Winters Recreation & had the best experience! We live in Indiana and they made purchasing the club car & shipping it to our home super easy! Also, very, very, very quick! Club car arrived in perfect condition! Everyone was knowledgeable & friendly! Overall highly recommend! Already gave their business card to a neighbor ❤️
Timothy HuttTimothy Hutt
18:15 22 May 23
My wife and I traveled from Saint cloud to Sauk center and didn’t realize that Winters recreation was closed on Saturdays at 12 o’clock noon. We arrived at 12 o’clock noon and talk to a salesman and his name was Lee Vogt Not realizing that the store is closed. Lee mentioned that doesn’t matter that the store is closed take your time and look around. We were there for one and a half hours looking at golf carts. I would have to mention that Lee was one of the best sales persons I’ve ever met with his knowledge, expertise and his professionalism. Both my wife and I were very happy with Lee and we purchased a golf cart. I would highly recommend Winters recreation for your purchase of a golf cart.
matthew johnsonmatthew johnson
20:52 15 Apr 23
Online shopping for a golf cart. Dealers in my area only have a couple of carts to choose from. The choices at Winters are endless. Found the cart I wanted, gave Lee the options I wanted and they put them on and shipped it to me. Shipping was fast and communication was great. I’ll be back for another in the future! Enjoying my new golf cart! Thanks Lee!
Abby DietzeAbby Dietze
16:01 24 Jun 22
As my son said, "This is one of my top 3 favorite places, because everyone is so nice!!" The customer service was top-notch. We found the perfect cart for our family amongst the vast selection, and Angie was wonderful to work with as we made the purchase. Post-purchase we had a mechanical malfunction, but the Company went ABOVE & BEYOND to make things right. John did everything he could to ensure our family had our cart back and ready to enjoy for Memorial Day. I would buy from Winters Recreation again in a heartbeat!!
Dana JesnowskiDana Jesnowski
16:18 14 May 22
ASK for BROOKLYNN!!!!We've only had the cart (we named her Gussi) for a few days but she's already hard at work. Brooklynn was absolutely amazing and answered about a million questions we had over the span of 2 weeks as we know nothing about golf carts except that we needed one.The crew did an exceptional job of making the changes I requested to the seats & wheels as well as added a hitch for all of our hauling needs. Delivery was a great price.I highly recommend to shop here to find the cart that is perfect for you! We selected the 2016 Yamaha Drive with Lithium Battery... I think ;)
Mark SavalaMark Savala
19:01 08 Apr 22
Winters Recreation is a pleasure to do business with. Being over 300 miles from their sales location I purchased a new 2022 Club Car Onward golf cart from them completely sight unseen. They arranged enclosed delivery and were able to add some upgrades prior to delivery. All matters were handles prompt & professionally. Shout Out to: Jordan & Dan! Thank you for a Great experience. Mark D Savala
Sean JohnsonSean Johnson
19:26 01 Apr 22
Jordan was incredible to work with. She made the purchase of our custom golf cart very very easy. John was friendly and delivered our cart to our home with no problems!!If your in the market for a golf cart don't go anywhere else!!
Nicole BorstadNicole Borstad
02:01 29 Mar 22
Loved working with Jordan. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and very responsive. Fair prices from good people who work hard. This cart probably won’t see a golf course but the kids and I will have a blast with the light kit on cruising the lake and neighborhood! — Note: side rails added after purchase due to personal mobility issues and my short height—
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