Yes, you can transport a golf cart using several methods, including trailers, specialized trucks, or even hiring professional movers. Choosing the right way depends on the distance you need to travel and the type of cart you own. Moving your golf cart safely requires good planning and the right gear.
Why Safe Transport Matters
Golf carts are not always built for highway speeds. They can be heavy and top-heavy. Rough handling can easily damage the suspension, body, or electrical systems, especially in electric models. Protecting your investment means taking care in how you move it. Whether moving locally or transporting golf carts across country, preparation is key.
Deciphering Your Golf Cart’s Needs
Before you plan any move, you need to know what kind of cart you have. Different carts have different weights and sizes. This affects the kind of trailer or carrier you need.
Weight and Dimensions Check
Always check your owner’s manual for the exact weight. A standard electric cart weighs about 600 to 800 pounds. A larger, gas-powered cart can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Measure its length, width, and height. This ensures it fits properly on any trailer or inside an enclosed space.
Power Source Considerations
- Electric Carts: These have large batteries. You must secure them well. Keep the key out. Some people disconnect the main battery for very long hauls to prevent short circuits.
- Gas Carts: You must follow standard vehicle transport rules. This usually means draining the gas tank or ensuring the tank is less than one-quarter full. Check local rules for transporting fuel.
Best Methods for Golf Cart Transport
There are several golf cart shipping methods. Your choice depends on budget, distance, and convenience.
Using a Trailer: The Common Choice
For short to medium distances, using a trailer is often the best way to ship a golf cart. This usually involves a flatbed trailer golf cart transport or an open utility trailer.
Selecting the Right Trailer
You need a trailer rated to handle more than your cart’s weight plus the weight of ramps and tie-downs. A good rule of thumb is to allow a 25% safety margin.
- Utility Trailers: These are common and easy to find for rent. Make sure the deck height is low enough for easy loading.
- Flatbed Trailers: These offer a wide, open space. They make loading easier but expose the cart to weather.
Golf Cart Loading Ramp Use
Loading is the most critical step. Never try to push a heavy cart up a steep ramp alone. Use proper golf cart loading ramp use techniques.
- Inspect Ramps: Check that the ramps are rated for the cart’s weight. Aluminum ramps are light but need proper support on the trailer end.
- Angle Matters: A shallower angle is safer. Aim for an angle no steeper than 30 degrees if possible.
- Drive or Pull Slowly: If the cart runs, drive it up slowly. If it’s electric and you are pulling it, use a winch if available, or get helpers. Go slowly and steadily. Do not jerk the cart.
- Center the Load: Once loaded, drive the cart to the center front of the trailer bed. This keeps the trailer balanced.
Enclosed Trailer Golf Cart Moving
For high-value carts or long-distance travel where weather is a concern, consider enclosed trailer golf cart moving.
- Protection: This shields the cart from rain, road debris, and theft.
- Space: Ensure the interior height is sufficient, especially if you have a tall canopy or lift kit. Many standard enclosed trailers work well for two smaller carts or one large one.
Professional Moving Services
For long hauls or when you lack towing equipment, professional services are best.
Specialized Golf Cart Movers
Hiring specialized golf cart movers is a premium option. These companies focus only on moving powersports vehicles. They have the right equipment, like specialized lift gates and secure tie-down systems. They handle all the logistics.
Standard Auto Transport Companies
Many standard auto shippers will take golf carts, often as an added service on a multi-car carrier. Always confirm they treat the cart as a delicate item, not just loose cargo.
Towing Your Cart: Know the Requirements
If you plan to tow the cart yourself, you must meet certain golf cart towing requirements. This is true whether you use a trailer or a vehicle carrier designed specifically for carts.
Vehicle Towing Capacity
Your tow vehicle must have the right capacity. Check your vehicle’s manual for the maximum towing weight. Remember to include the weight of the trailer, the cart, and all your gear.
Golf Cart Trailer Hitch Setup
A proper golf cart trailer hitch setup is essential for safety.
- Hitch Class: Small utility trailers often only need a Class I hitch. Bigger, heavier carts might need a Class II.
- Ball Size: Ensure the hitch ball matches the coupler on your trailer. Using the wrong size can lead to the trailer detaching.
- Brakes: If your trailer weighs over 1,500 pounds (including the cart), most regions require trailer brakes. Check your local laws.
Wiring and Lights
The trailer must have working lights—brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. You need a compatible wiring harness connected to your tow vehicle. Visibility is crucial, especially when transporting golf carts across country.
Securing the Cart: The Art of Tie-Downs
The most common damage during transport happens because the cart shifts or vibrates loose. Securement is non-negotiable.
Where to Tie Down
Use strong, non-stretching straps, like high-quality ratchet straps. Never use bungee cords for primary securing.
- Anchor Points: Use the frame components for tie-downs, not plastic body panels or struts. Look for solid metal areas underneath the seat base or around the main chassis rails.
- The Four-Point System: A minimum of four tie-down points is standard. Two straps forward and two straps backward create a secure X pattern.
- Tension: Pull the straps tight enough so the cart cannot move side-to-side or front-to-back. However, do not overtighten if you are carrying an electric cart, as this can damage the suspension if it is weak.
Dealing with Suspension Travel
When driving over bumps, the trailer suspension moves. The cart’s suspension also moves.
- Cranking Down: Tighten the straps until you feel initial resistance.
- The Bounce Test: Push down hard on the roof or body of the cart. If it moves down and springs back up with slack in the strap, tighten the strap until the movement is significantly reduced.
Securing Accessories
Remove loose items. Take off golf bags, coolers, cups, and loose cushions. Secure the roof canopy tightly or fold it down if possible. A loose canopy can catch wind and cause strain on the mounting points.
Long Distance Transport: Transporting Golf Carts Across Country
Moving a golf cart across state lines brings extra concerns regarding road safety and legal compliance.
Pre-Trip Maintenance Check
Before a long journey, give the cart a thorough check:
- Tires: Check air pressure. Low pressure can cause blowouts at highway speeds.
- Brakes: Test the brakes thoroughly.
- Battery: For electric carts, ensure the batteries are fully charged before transport, even though they won’t be running. A dead battery adds unnecessary weight and reduces payload flexibility.
Legal and Documentation Steps
When transporting golf carts across country, documentation is important.
| Document | Purpose | Who Needs It? |
|---|---|---|
| Title/Proof of Ownership | Verifies you own the cart. | Required if stopped by law enforcement in certain states. |
| Bill of Lading | Contract for shipping services. | Essential if using specialized golf cart movers. |
| Insurance Proof | Coverage for transit incidents. | Protects against damage or loss. |
Speed and Route Selection
Never attempt to tow a golf cart at highway speeds consistently, especially if using a light utility trailer. Keep speeds moderate (usually 55–65 mph). Plan your route to avoid roads with known rough surfaces or extremely steep grades if possible.
Insurance and Liability
Even with the best preparation, accidents happen. You need to address golf cart transport insurance.
When Using Your Own Vehicle
Standard auto insurance policies rarely cover damage to towed items unless you have specific trailer coverage or an umbrella policy. Check with your agent. You may need a separate rider for the duration of the move.
When Using Professional Movers
If you use a carrier, the golf cart shipping methods they use will include some level of liability coverage, often based on weight (e.g., $0.60 per pound).
- Declared Value Coverage: For expensive, custom carts, always pay extra for “Declared Value” coverage. This ensures the cart is insured for its true replacement cost if lost or totaled.
- Inspect Before and After: Document the cart’s condition with time-stamped photos before loading. Do not sign the release papers from the shipper until you have thoroughly inspected the cart upon arrival.
Special Scenarios: Moving Specific Types of Carts
Not all carts are the same. Lifted carts or street-legal neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) need extra care.
Lifted Carts
Carts with lift kits are much taller and have a higher center of gravity.
- Center of Gravity: They sway more. Use extra straps, perhaps six instead of four.
- Clearance: Measure the height carefully. Many enclosed trailers have low door openings that a lifted cart will not fit through.
Street-Legal NEVs
If your cart is street-legal, it may have required additions like turn signals or safety glass. These items are often fragile. Make sure they are protected or removed if they can easily break off during the journey.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Transport (Summary)
This section summarizes the essential actions for any transport job, whether using flatbed trailer golf cart transport or hiring help.
Phase 1: Preparation
- Measure and Weigh: Know the exact dimensions and weight.
- Clean Out: Remove all loose items from the cart body and roof.
- Power Down: Disconnect the battery on electric carts or drain fuel on gas carts if required by the shipper or route regulations.
- Secure Suspension: If possible, use blocks or straps to limit major suspension movement for very long hauls, preventing excessive bouncing.
Phase 2: Loading
- Position Ramps: Set ramps at a safe, shallow angle. Ensure the ramps are securely fastened to the trailer bed.
- Load Slowly: Drive or winch the cart onto the trailer, keeping it perfectly centered.
- Position on Deck: Move the cart to the front-most safe position on the trailer to balance the load, respecting axle weight limits of the trailer.
Phase 3: Securing
- Attach Straps: Use at least four heavy-duty ratchet straps connected to solid frame points.
- Tension Check: Cinch straps tight. Perform the push-down test to ensure movement is minimized.
- Double Check: Walk around the cart and check every strap connection point.
Phase 4: Transit and Arrival
- Initial Check: Drive a short distance (one mile). Pull over safely and re-check all straps for tightness—they often loosen slightly after initial vibration.
- Mid-Trip Check: Stop every few hours on long trips to verify security.
- Arrival Inspection: Before unstrapping, inspect the cart for visible damage. Note any issues on the paperwork immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Moving Golf Carts
Can I tow a golf cart behind my RV without a trailer?
Yes, some smaller, lighter golf carts can be towed “four wheels down” behind an RV, similar to a small car. However, this is only recommended for very short, low-speed trips. For sustained travel, especially transporting golf carts across country, using a trailer is safer. You must verify if your cart’s transmission can handle being towed this way (especially gas models) to avoid internal damage. Electric carts are generally safer to flat-tow, but you should still check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Do I need a special license to tow a golf cart trailer?
Generally, no, you do not need a special license (like a CDL) to tow a typical utility trailer carrying a golf cart, provided the total combined weight (tow vehicle + trailer + cargo) stays below the threshold set by your state for standard passenger vehicle licensing (usually around 10,000 to 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Always check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules regarding trailer weight limits for a standard driver’s license.
Is it cheaper to hire specialized movers or tow it myself?
Towing it yourself is almost always cheaper for short distances because you only pay for trailer rental (if applicable) and gas. However, for transporting golf carts across country, hiring specialized golf cart movers might be comparable or even cost-effective if you factor in the cost of dedicated insurance, wear and tear on your tow vehicle, time, and potential lodging costs associated with a long DIY tow. Always get several quotes from golf cart shipping methods providers.
What is the risk of battery damage when transporting electric carts?
The main risk is not the movement itself, but the possibility of short-circuiting if terminals touch metal components or if the cart receives a sharp impact that damages the battery casing. Disconnecting the main negative terminal is the safest practice for long hauls to prevent any electrical issues or drain during transit.
How do I ensure my golf cart won’t tip over on a high-sided trailer?
Tipping risk is highest with flatbed trailer golf cart transport due to wind shear. To minimize this:
1. Keep the cart centered side-to-side on the trailer.
2. Load the cart toward the front (the tongue weight) of the trailer.
3. Use extra straps for high-profile carts (lifted models).
4. Keep your towing speed moderate.