Yes, many standard golf carts can fit in the bed of a standard full-size pickup truck, but it depends heavily on the specific golf cart dimensions and your truck bed size. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about golf cart transport to ensure a safe and successful move.
Determining Fit: Key Measurements Matter
Putting a golf cart in a truck bed is a common goal for owners who need to move them without using a trailer. Success hinges on simple math. You must compare the size of your cart to the size of your truck bed.
The Standard Golf Cart Dimensions Breakdown
Most common electric and gas golf carts fall into a similar size range. However, there are variations, especially with lifted carts or specialty models.
Typical Standard Golf Cart Measurements:
| Measurement | Standard Range (Inches) | Standard Range (Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 90 to 100 inches | 7.5 to 8.3 feet |
| Width | 44 to 48 inches | 3.7 to 4.0 feet |
| Height (Top On) | 75 to 80 inches | 6.25 to 6.7 feet |
| Height (Top Folded) | 50 to 60 inches | 4.2 to 5.0 feet |
These numbers show that length is often the biggest hurdle. Most standard beds are built around 8 feet long.
Gauging Your Truck Bed Size
Truck beds vary a lot. A short bed is much different from a long bed. You must know your truck’s specific dimensions for a good fit.
Common Truck Bed Sizes:
| Truck Size | Typical Bed Length (Inches) | Typical Bed Length (Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Compact/Mid-Size Short Bed | 67 to 70 inches | 5.6 to 5.8 feet |
| Full-Size Short Bed (Most Common) | 78 to 82 inches | 6.5 to 6.8 feet |
| Full-Size Long Bed | 96 to 98 inches | 8.0 to 8.1 feet |
If you have a short bed on a mid-size truck, fitting a full-sized golf cart will be very hard or impossible without removing the roof or using specialized methods. For a full-size truck with a long bed, it should fit well lengthwise.
The Crucial Measurement Check: Golf Cart Clearance in Truck Bed
When aiming for a compact golf cart bed fit, you need to look at two main things: length and width clearance.
- Length Check: If your cart is 96 inches long and your bed is 96 inches long, you have no room for error. This is why long beds are ideal for golf cart hauling in pickup trucks.
- Width Check: Truck beds are usually around 50 inches wide between the wheel wells. If your cart is wider than 48 inches, it might rest awkwardly on the wheel wells. This is a safety issue.
The first step in measuring golf cart for truck bed is pulling out a tape measure. Measure the longest point of your cart, usually the front bumper to the rear bumper. Then, measure the usable space in your bed, noting where the wheel wells stick out.
Preparing Your Golf Cart for Travel
If your measurements suggest a tight fit, preparation is key to safe loading golf cart into truck. You cannot just drive it in and strap it down.
Addressing Cart Height
The roof is usually the tallest part. If your cart is too tall, you risk hitting overhead structures, power lines, or even the truck’s rear window when driving onto ramps.
Ways to Lower Golf Cart Height:
- Folding Roof: Many modern carts have roofs that fold down. This is the easiest solution.
- Tire Pressure: Slightly lowering the tire pressure can offer an inch or two of drop. Be careful not to go too low.
- Removing the Roof: For very short hauls, you might temporarily remove the roof canopy and supports. This requires tools and time.
If the top remains on, ensure you have plenty of golf cart clearance in truck bed above the cab area.
Securing Batteries and Loose Parts
If you are moving an electric cart, the heavy batteries must be secure. Even if you are moving a gas model, check everything.
- Secure the battery hold-down clamps tightly.
- Remove any loose items from the canopy, dashboard, or storage bins.
- If towing a gas cart, ensure the gas cap is tight and consider disconnecting the battery if moving it a very long distance.
The Loading Process: Safe Entry into the Bed
Loading golf cart into truck safely requires proper equipment. You should never attempt to push or drive a heavy golf cart up unsecured wooden planks.
Essential Loading Equipment
You need reliable ramps. These are the lifeline for utility vehicle truck transport when using a pickup bed.
- Heavy-Duty Ramps: Look for ramps rated for at least 1,500 lbs, preferably more, to handle the cart’s weight plus any extra dynamic load when driving up.
- Ramp Material: Aluminum ramps are light and strong. Ensure they have raised edges or lips so the wheels do not slip off the side.
- Traction Aids: If the ramps are smooth, you might need traction tape or wood slats bolted across them for better grip, especially if it rains.
Step-by-Step Loading Guidance
Follow these steps carefully to minimize risk:
- Position the Truck: Park the truck on level ground. Engage the parking brake fully. If the tailgate is down, ensure it can handle the weight of the cart resting on it briefly.
- Position the Ramps: Set the ramps securely against the tailgate opening. They must not slip. Some ramps have hooks that lock onto the bed edge.
- Prep the Cart: Start the cart. Ensure the brakes are off and the forward/reverse selector is in neutral briefly before engaging drive.
- The Ascent: Drive slowly and steadily up the ramps. Maintain constant, slow speed. Sudden acceleration can cause the cart to jump or the ramps to shift.
- Maneuvering in the Bed: Once the front wheels are in the bed, continue slowly until the cart is as far forward as possible. You want the weight centered over the truck’s axles, not hanging over the tailgate. This is crucial for safe driving.
Securing Your Cart for Transit
This is the most critical stage of golf cart transport. A loose golf cart can cause severe damage to your truck and potentially cause an accident.
The Importance of Tie-Down Points
Golf carts are heavy (often 500 to 1,000 lbs). They must be secured tightly at multiple points.
- Truck Bed Tie-Downs: Utilize the factory-installed tie-down hooks inside your bed. If your truck is older or lacks robust hooks, install heavy-duty D-rings or anchor points rated for serious loads.
- Golf Cart Frame: Never strap the cart only by its plastic body panels or roof supports. Always aim for the structural frame components, usually near the suspension mounting points or axle mounts.
Choosing the Right Straps
Do not use weak rope or bungee cords. You need heavy-duty ratchet straps.
Recommended Securing Strategy (Four-Point Minimum):
- Front Left & Right: Attach one strap from the front frame area of the cart, pulling forward and down to the front tie-downs in the truck bed. Tension these straps to pull the front wheels firmly against the truck bed wall or the front of the bed.
- Rear Left & Right: Attach straps from the rear frame, pulling backward and down to secure the rear end. This prevents the back from bouncing up on bumps.
Check the tension. The straps should be tight enough that the cart does not move when you rock it hard side to side or front to back. Periodically check the straps during the journey, especially after the first few miles.
When a Truck Bed Isn’t Enough: Trailer Alternatives
Sometimes, the cart is too big, or the truck bed is too small (like in a compact golf cart bed fit scenario on a small truck). In these cases, trailer alternatives for golf carts become necessary.
Benefits of Using a Trailer
Trailers offer superior security and ease of loading.
- No Height Issues: You don’t worry about the roof height relative to the cab.
- Better Weight Distribution: Trailers allow you to place the weight exactly where it balances best over the trailer axles.
- Easier Loading: Dedicated utility trailers often have low ramps or drive-on features.
Types of Suitable Trailers
If you decide against the pickup bed, consider these options for golf cart transport options:
- Small Utility Trailer (4×6 or 5×8): These are often perfect for one standard golf cart. They are low profile and easy to tow with most half-ton trucks or larger SUVs.
- ATV/UTV Trailers: These are specifically designed for off-road vehicles and usually have excellent ramp systems and secure tie-down points ideal for utility vehicle truck transport.
If you opt for a trailer, remember to use appropriate load-rated straps and check your trailer lights before leaving.
Special Considerations for Different Carts
Not all golf carts are created equal. A highly modified cart demands more scrutiny.
Lifted Carts
Lifted carts have tall suspensions and oversized tires.
- Height: The increased height often makes fitting under the roofline of most standard trucks impossible.
- Width: Some aggressive wheel setups might push the width beyond the standard 48-inch measurement, making the fit too tight or impossible between the wheel wells.
If you have a lifted cart, a trailer is almost always the safer and easier route for golf cart hauling in pickup trucks.
Street-Legal LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles)
LSVs are often heavier and built with more robust components than basic two-seater carts. They might push the weight limit of some short-bed trucks or their ramps. Always check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your truck’s payload capacity before loading.
Measuring for Success: A Practical Guide
To avoid guesswork, use this checklist for precise measuring golf cart for truck bed:
- Measure the Cart (Max Dimensions):
- Measure the absolute longest point (L1).
- Measure the widest point (W1).
- Measure the tallest point (H1) with the roof up.
- Measure the tallest point (H2) with the roof folded or removed.
- Measure the Truck Bed (Usable Space):
- Measure the length from the front bulkhead to the rear edge of the bed, excluding any potential tailgate obstructions when closed (L2).
- Measure the width between the innermost points of the wheel wells (W2).
- Measure the height from the bed floor to the bottom of the rear window/cab (H3).
The Fit Test:
- Length Check: Is L1 less than L2? (A little overhang is okay only if the tail lights are visible and legal in your area, but generally, you want L1 < L2).
- Width Check: Is W1 less than W2? (Allow at least 2 inches clearance on each side for ease of loading golf cart into truck).
- Height Check: If the roof is up, is H1 less than H3? (You need a safety buffer, ideally 6 inches minimum).
If you are short on length, you must drive the cart partially onto the tailgate, which is only safe if you use a specialized ramp system that supports the overhang and you use very strong tie-downs pulling toward the front of the bed.
Fathoming Weight Distribution and Towing Limits
Even if the cart physically fits, the weight must be safe for your truck. This is vital for safety, especially when considering golf cart transport options.
Payload Capacity
Every pickup truck has a maximum payload capacity listed on the driver’s side door jamb sticker. This includes the weight of the cart, the ramps, and any passengers or gear you are carrying.
- If your cart weighs 800 lbs, and your payload limit is 1,500 lbs, you have 700 lbs remaining for ramps, people, and luggage. If you overload the bed, the suspension bottoms out, leading to poor handling and potential damage.
Center of Gravity
When loading, weight needs to be centered. Driving a golf cart forward until its rear wheels are just past the rear axle of the truck is generally bad practice.
The ideal loading position places the heaviest part of the cart (usually the batteries/motor assembly) directly over or slightly forward of the rear axle of the truck. This keeps the steering light enough to manage but keeps enough weight on the rear tires for traction and stability.
Troubleshooting Common Transport Issues
Even with perfect measurements, things can go wrong during golf cart transport.
Problem: Ramps Keep Slipping
If your ramps slide sideways or move backward as the cart drives up, stop immediately.
* Solution: Use straps to tie the top of the ramp securely to the truck frame or hitch area before you start loading. Never rely only on gravity to hold them in place.
Problem: Cart Won’t Fit Width-Wise
If the cart is too wide for the wheel wells, it might sit too high or not sit flat.
* Solution: This is where you must pivot to trailer alternatives for golf carts. Trying to force a wide cart onto a narrow bed compromises safety by lifting the truck’s center of gravity too high. If you must use the bed, remove the wheels and place the cart body on blocks, but this is complex and generally reserved for moving stripped-down chassis.
Problem: Tailgate Sagging
If the cart overhangs the tailgate significantly, the tailgate might sag or be damaged.
* Solution: Use a tailgate support system (often metal bars that brace the tailgate from underneath) or, better yet, drive the cart far enough into the bed so that the majority of the weight rests on the bed floor, not the tailgate itself. This emphasizes why long beds are better for golf cart hauling in pickup.
Summary of Best Practices for Truck Bed Hauling
For those achieving a compact golf cart bed fit or using a larger truck, adherence to these steps ensures a smooth move:
- Measure both the cart and the bed twice.
- Always use heavy-duty aluminum ramps.
- Drive slowly and steadily onto the ramps.
- Center the weight over the truck’s rear axle.
- Use at least four high-quality ratchet straps, securing to the frame, not the plastic body.
- Check strap tension halfway through the trip.
By carefully comparing golf cart dimensions against your truck bed size and using proper loading techniques, moving your golf cart in a pickup bed is a practical and cost-effective way to handle utility vehicle truck transport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Golf Cart Transport
Q1: Can I transport a golf cart with the top up in a standard pickup truck bed?
A: You can if the total height of the cart (with the top) is less than the height clearance between the truck bed floor and the rear cab window. For many standard trucks and standard carts, the roof must be folded down or removed to ensure proper golf cart clearance in truck bed.
Q2: Do I need a special trailer for an electric golf cart?
A: While you can use a standard utility trailer for golf cart transport options, an electric cart adds the consideration of battery weight. Ensure the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) comfortably exceeds the cart’s weight (often 800-1,000 lbs) plus the weight of the trailer itself.
Q3: Is it safe to drive a golf cart onto the tailgate if the bed is too short?
A: It is risky. Driving onto the tailgate puts extreme stress on the tailgate hinges and structure. If you must, the cart should only overhang slightly, and you must use high-quality, supportive ramps that bridge the gap firmly between the tailgate and the ramps themselves. Using a trailer or a long bed is always safer than using the tailgate as an extension of the loading surface for loading golf cart into truck.
Q4: What is the average weight of a golf cart?
A: Standard two-seater electric carts typically weigh between 500 and 700 pounds. Gas-powered carts are often heavier, ranging from 650 to 900 pounds. Lifted or six-seater models can exceed 1,100 pounds. Always verify your specific model’s weight before calculating payload limits for golf cart hauling in pickup.
Q5: How do I determine the best tie-down points on my golf cart?
A: Look for the strongest metal components of the chassis or frame. Good points are often near the leaf spring mounts or where the front suspension connects to the main body rails. Avoid tying down to the plastic fender flares, the roof supports, or the steering column. Secure attachment to the frame is essential for safe golf cart clearance in truck bed management during transit.