How to Install LED Lights on Your Golf Cart Wheels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Golf cart owners love to customize their prized possessions. From Christmas lights to lift kits and custom seats, there are countless ways to make your golf cart truly unique. One eye-catching customization option that’s gaining popularity is installing LED lights onto the cart’s wheel

Step 1: Choose the Right LED Lights

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to select the right LED lights. LED lights come in various types, including white, RGB (red-blue-green), and dream color strip LED lights. Additionally, ensure that the LED lights you choose are waterproof, as golf carts often encounter different weather conditions. If you purchase non-waterproof LED lights, you can use clear heat shrink wrap to make them waterproof. Remember, the nominal voltage of the LED lights should match that of your golf cart battery. If they don’t match, you may need to invest in a voltage converter.

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Step 2: Create Rings to Anchor the Lights

To start the installation, you’ll need rings to anchor the LED lights behind your golf cart wheels. One simple method is to cut rings out of a hard plastic bucket. Mark five lines on the bucket, spaced about 1″ to 1.5″ apart, and cut along these lines with a saw. After cutting out the rings, sand the edges to ensure they’re smooth and safe. The rings should be approximately 1″ to 1.5″ wide after sanding.

Step 3: Prepare and Modify the LED Strips

Next, you’ll need to prepare and modify the LED strips. Measure the LED strips to match the length of the rings you created in the previous step. Cut the LED strips into four equal pieces, ensuring that each piece can wrap around a ring. Peel off a small section of the clear waterproof insulation on one end of each strip, exposing the contacts. Attach wiring to the LED lights using connectors or a soldering kit, ensuring that any exposed metal is properly insulated.

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Step 4: Wrap the LED Lights Around the Rings

Once the LED strips are ready, wrap them around the rings. If the LED strips have adhesive backing, remove the protective covering and stick the strips onto the rings. If there’s no adhesive backing, secure the LED strips using glue or fixtures. To ensure a secure fit, use zip ties at regular intervals around the rings. Make sure to leave enough wiring connected to each LED ring, allowing them to reach the power source without strain.

Step 5: Fix LED Rings to the Front Wheels

To install the LED rings on the front wheels, you’ll need aluminum flatstock to create fixtures. Use thin flatstock that can be easily bent with pliers but still provides sufficient stiffness. Place a hose clamp around each spindle of the front wheels, leaving them loose for now. Bend the flatstock aluminum into S-shaped tabs and fix them to the inside of each front ring. Once the S-shaped tabs are in place, slide them inside the hose clamps and tighten the clamps. Repeat this process for both front wheels.

Step 6: Mount LED Rings on the Rear Wheels

Installing LED rings on the rear wheels follows a similar process to the previous step. Create four tabs from aluminum flatstock, shaping them to hold the rear LED rings in place. Insert the tabs into the hose clamps, ensuring that the rings are suspended above the ground. Tighten the hose clamps around the axle to secure the rings. Make any necessary adjustments to the shape of the flatstock aluminum to avoid interference with the golf cart’s mechanics.

Step 7: Connect the LED Lights to Power

In this step, connect the LED lights to a power source. Ensure that there is sufficient wiring to reach the power source on your golf cart. Install a switch to control the power flow to the LED light rings. Consider using an LED light controller for added functionality, allowing you to change colors, adjust brightness, and control the speed of color changes. Connect the red, green, and white wires from the LED rings to the corresponding wires on the controller, ensuring that the controller receives both power and ground.

Step 8: Test and Inspect

Before taking your newly installed LED lights for a spin, thoroughly inspect the installation to ensure there are no safety concerns or interference with moving parts on the golf cart. Look out for any exposed metal contacts and insulate them properly. Once everything is deemed safe, turn on the golf cart and test the lights. Take the cart for a slow test drive, making sure the installation doesn’t interfere with the wheels’ movement. If everything looks and functions as expected, congratulations! You now have a golf cart with stunning LED lights.

FAQs

1. Why would I want to install LED lights on my golf cart wheels?

Adding LED lights to your golf cart wheels enhances visibility, adds a stylish and personalized touch, and increases safety, especially when driving in low-light conditions.

2. What type of LED lights are suitable for golf cart wheels?

Choose waterproof or weather-resistant LED strip lights designed for outdoor use. Flexible and adhesive-backed strips work well for wrapping around the wheel rims.

3. Can I install LED lights on any type of golf cart?

LED lights can be installed on most golf carts, regardless of make or model. Ensure the chosen lights are suitable for the size and style of your cart.

4. What tools do I need for installing LED lights on golf cart wheels?

You’ll likely need LED strip lights, a power source, a wire stripper, electrical tape, zip ties, and basic hand tools. Depending on your setup, additional connectors or soldering equipment may be required.

5. How do I measure the length of LED lights for my golf cart wheels?

Measure the circumference of the wheel rims you want to illuminate. Add a few extra inches to account for curves and ensure you have enough length to go around each wheel.

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to install LED lights onto your golf cart wheels. The vibrant LED lights will undoubtedly make your golf cart the center of attention on the course. Get ready for conversations sparked by questions about your lit-up wheels. So, what color will you choose for your LED lights? Let us know in the comments below!

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