How to Transport a Golf Cart? Here’s How We Do It!

Transporting a golf cart might seem like a simple task, but if you’ve never done it before, you can easily get caught off guard. From picking the right trailer to securing the cart properly, it takes more than just throwing it on the back of a truck.

We’ve moved our golf carts many times, and we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. So, let’s break it down in simple terms so that your next golf cart transport goes smoothly.

Step 1 – Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Golf Cart

. When transporting a golf cart, the first and most crucial decision you’ll make is choosing the right trailer. We’ve used different kinds of trailers over the years, and each type comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Utility Trailers – Simple and Effective

We often go with a utility trailer, which is an open trailer that fits most standard golf carts. For us, a 5×9 or 5×10 utility trailer is ideal because it’s affordable and widely available. We also like that it’s easy to load and unload the cart. We’ve found that this trailer size provides just enough room to fit the cart comfortably without being oversized.

Why Do We Prefer?

It’s a more budget-friendly option.

You can rent it for as little as $18.95 a day from places like U-Haul.
Open trailers are lightweight, meaning better gas mileage during towing.

However, open trailers have their downsides. Since they’re exposed to the elements, the cart can get dirty, and you have to be mindful of wind and road debris.

Enclosed Trailers – Extra Protection

When we need to transport a golf cart over long distances, we prefer an enclosed trailer. These trailers provide full protection from the weather and keep your cart safe from road debris. It’s great peace of mind, especially when you’re dealing with interstate driving or rough weather.

Why Do We Love It?

Keeps the cart clean and dry, no matter the road or weather conditions.

Extra security — you can lock the cart in the trailer, making it harder for thieves.

Of course, enclosed trailers are heavier and larger, so they use up more fuel. But for the added protection, we think it’s worth the trade-off.

Picking the Right Size

Size matters when picking a trailer. We recommend a 5×10 trailer for standard golf carts, especially if your cart has any modifications like rear seats or wider tires. If you have a bigger cart or extras like a lift kit, then you might need a 6×12 trailer.

The biggest mistake people make is getting a trailer that’s too small. Trust us, we’ve been there — you don’t want to squeeze your cart into a trailer with barely any room to tie it down.

Step 2 – Loading and Securing the Golf Cart

Once you’ve got the right trailer, it’s time to load and secure the cart properly. This step is where things can go wrong if you’re not careful.

Prepping the Cart for Transport

Before loading the cart, there are a few simple things we always do:

Remove or secure any accessories – We always take off things like coolers and golf bags. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s better than having them fly off mid-drive.
Fold down the windshield – If your cart has a windshield, fold it down or remove it altogether. Not only does this reduce wind drag, but it also saves you on fuel. One time, we left the windshield up, and it acted like a parachute. The extra wind resistance was no joke!
Secure the seats – Believe it or not, seat cushions can fly off when you’re on the highway. We always strap them down or remove them just to be safe.

Securing the Cart on the Trailer

Once the cart is on the trailer, it’s time to strap it down. This is where a lot of people make mistakes, and we’ve learned from experience that ratchet straps are the way to go. Here’s how we do it:

Strap the front and back of the cart to keep it from shifting. We also throw in an extra strap across the middle for good measure. Also, it’s recommended to chock the wheels. It sounds basic, but using wheel chocks prevents the cart from rolling, even if the trailer tilts a bit.

Always double-check your straps before hitting the road. Trust us, nothing ruins a trip faster than watching your cart wobble behind you because you didn’t strap it right.

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Step 3 – Driving with a Towed Golf Cart

Towing a golf cart changes the way your vehicle handles. There are some key things to keep in mind when driving with a golf cart in tow.

We’ve learned from experience that keeping your speed under 55 mph is a good rule of thumb, especially when driving on highways. Wind resistance can make towing tricky, and higher speeds increase the risk of something going wrong — like straps loosening or wind ripping off your windshield or roof.

A side road might add a bit of time to your trip, but it will be safer if it lets you avoid speeding on the interstate. When possible, we like to avoid highways altogether and stick to back roads.

Sure, it might take longer, but it’s a smoother ride for the cart, and we don’t have to worry about high-speed wind throwing things off. Plus, if you’re using an open trailer, the cart is exposed to less road debris.

Alternatives to DIY Transport

Sometimes, towing the cart yourself isn’t the best option. If you’re moving cross-country or you simply don’t want the hassle of hauling, there are other ways to transport your golf cart.

Hiring a Professional Transport Service

We’ve used professional transport services before when moving carts across longer distances. Prices can vary depending on the distance, but $500 to $600 is a typical range for shipping a golf cart across states. If you’re transporting your cart for a big move, this might be your best bet.

One big advantage of professional services is they offer insurance, so if anything happens during transit, you’re covered. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of trailers, straps, or road conditions.

Local Golf Cart Shops Can Help

Another great option is checking with your local golf cart dealer or repair shop. Many places offer transportation services at a much lower rate than commercial movers. We’ve used this option for shorter trips, like taking the cart in for repairs or upgrades. It’s cost-effective and convenient, especially if you don’t have a trailer handy.

Maintenance Tips During Transport

Whether you’re hauling your golf cart yourself or using a professional service, maintenance during transport is essential to avoid damage.

If you’re using an open trailer, it’s important to cover the cart with a tarp. We’ve found that even a short drive can kick up a lot of dust and debris, and without protection, your cart will need a good cleaning (or worse, repairs) when it arrives.

Folding down the windshield or removing it completely isn’t just about wind resistance; it’s also about preventing cracks and chips from flying debris. We learned this the hard way — replacing a cracked windshield after a trip was an unnecessary expense.

If you’re using an enclosed trailer and plan to store the cart in it for a while, make sure to turn off the power or disconnect the battery to avoid draining it. We also like to block the tires to prevent the cart from rolling around in the trailer, especially during long-term storage.

Our Experiences – What We’ve Learned?

After moving countless golf carts, we’ve gathered a few nuggets of wisdom we wish we’d known sooner.

Double-Check Everything – This might sound obvious, but we always double-check the straps, trailer connections, and the golf cart’s brakes before driving. One time, we rushed the process and ended up re-strapping the cart mid-trip. Lesson learned.

Take Your Time – Towing a golf cart isn’t a race. We’ve seen people speed past us on the highway, only to pull over with problems down the road. Stick to a safe speed, use extra caution on turns, and plan your route to avoid any surprises.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help – If you’re feeling unsure about transporting your cart yourself, ask for help. Whether it’s hiring a professional service or borrowing a trailer from a friend, there’s no shame in making the process easier for yourself.

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Khawar Iqbal

I’m Khawar Iqbal, Founder of Golfsportal. I’m excited to be your guide in the world of Golf. At Golfsportal, I will keep you updated with insightful information that will help you improve your golfing experience and knowledge about what’s currently happening in the industry.

How to Transport a Golf Cart? Here’s How We Do It!