Can you tow a golf cart? Yes, you absolutely can tow a golf cart. Towing a golf cart requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and adherence to safety rules. This golf cart towing guide will help you move your cart safely, whether you are towing a golf cart behind an RV or using a truck. We will cover the best methods for safe golf cart transport, including using a trailer or a tow bar.
Deciphering Golf Cart Towing Methods
There are a few main ways to move your golf cart from one place to another. Each method has pros and cons regarding cost, speed, and complexity. Knowing your options is the first step in safe transport.
Flat-Towing a Golf Cart Directly Behind a Vehicle
Flat-towing a golf cart means pulling the cart directly behind your tow vehicle without using a separate trailer. This often involves using a specialized hitch or tow bar system.
Requirements for Flat-Towing
Flat-towing is common, especially for short distances or when space is limited. However, it is vital to check if your golf cart model allows it. Not all carts are built to be towed this way.
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Always start here. Your manual tells you the maximum speed and if flat towing is okay.
- Neutral Gear: You must put the cart in neutral. For electric carts, this often involves disabling the electric motor brake. For gas carts, put it in neutral.
- Steering Lock: If the steering locks when the key is off, flat-towing can damage the steering components or the tires. Many modern carts have systems that prevent this lock-up during towing.
Using a Golf Cart Tow Bar
A golf cart tow bar is the key piece of equipment for safe flat towing. This device connects the front of the golf cart directly to the tow hitch of your vehicle.
- Secure Attachment: The tow bar must connect securely to both the tow vehicle and the golf cart frame. Loose connections lead to dangerous swaying or detachment.
- Lighting: Since the golf cart’s lights won’t work when towed flat, you must add temporary towing lights to the cart. This ensures other drivers see you braking and turning. This is often a golf cart towing regulation requirement.
Using a Trailer for Towing Golf Cart
Using a trailer for towing golf cart is often the safest and most versatile method, especially for long distances or when towing a golf cart behind an RV.
Trailer Types
Trailers come in various sizes. You need one large enough for your cart, plus a little extra space for gear.
- Utility Trailers: Simple, open trailers work well. They are easy to load and unload.
- Flatbed Trailers: These offer a stable, flat surface, which is excellent for heavy carts.
Loading and Securing on a Trailer
Proper loading is crucial for stability while moving.
- Ramps: Use sturdy loading ramps. Drive the cart slowly up the ramps.
- Positioning: Center the golf cart on the trailer. Weight distribution is key. Too much weight on the rear or front of the trailer causes sway.
- Tie-Downs: Use heavy-duty ratchet straps. Secure all four wheels to the trailer frame. Pull the straps tight so the cart cannot bounce or shift.
Factors to Consider Before You Tow
Before connecting anything, you need to check several important details about your vehicle and your cart.
Gauging Towing Capacity for Golf Cart
Every tow vehicle has a maximum weight limit it can safely pull. This is the towing capacity for golf cart. You must know this number.
- Weigh Your Cart: Find out exactly how much your golf cart weighs. An electric cart usually weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. A gas cart might be slightly lighter or heavier depending on the engine.
- Total Trailer Weight: Add the cart weight, the trailer weight, and any gear you put on the trailer. This total must be less than your vehicle’s towing capacity. If it exceeds the limit, you risk brake failure, engine strain, and accidents.
Electric Cart Towing Tips and Special Needs
Electric carts need special attention because of their batteries and drive systems.
- Motor Safety: Always put the cart in neutral. If you cannot find the neutral setting, you might need to disconnect the drive belt or motor connection, depending on the cart model. Moving an electric cart without releasing the drive mechanism puts immense stress on the electric motor, causing costly damage.
- Battery Charge: Ensure the batteries are fully charged before a long tow. If the cart is dead, the wheels might lock if the parking brake engages automatically.
- Braking Systems: Many electric carts use regenerative braking or electromagnetic brakes that engage when the power is off. You must override these systems for towing.
Gas Cart Towing Considerations
Gas golf carts are generally easier to flat-tow than electric ones, but they still need checks.
- Fuel Shut-Off: For very long tows, some experts suggest turning the fuel supply off. This prevents fuel system wear from vibration, though it is not always required for short trips.
- Transmission: Ensure the transmission is fully in neutral. Check that the parking brake is disengaged.
Setting Up for Safe Golf Cart Transport
Safety is the most important part of any towing job. Follow these steps for secure travel.
Pre-Trip Safety Checklist
Use this checklist before every trip to ensure safe golf cart transport.
| Component | Check Action | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Bar/Hitch | Is it securely bolted and latched? | |
| Straps/Chains | Are they tight? Are there safety chains? | |
| Tire Pressure | Are the cart tires (and trailer tires) correctly inflated? | |
| Lights | Are brake lights and turn signals working on the towed unit? | |
| Steering | Is the steering unlocked for flat-towing? | |
| Weight Limits | Is the total weight under the vehicle’s towing capacity? |
Addressing Golf Cart Towing Regulations
Golf cart towing regulations vary greatly by state, county, and even local municipality. Some areas have strict rules about towing anything on public roads, especially without proper registration or lights.
- Lights and Signals: This is the most common issue. If you are flat-towing, the towed unit must signal braking and turning. Magnetic light bars or auxiliary light kits are often necessary.
- Speed Limits: Many local laws restrict the speed of towed golf carts, even on trailers. Do not exceed the speed limit posted for towing vehicles.
- Registration: Check if your state requires a trailer to be registered, even if it’s just hauling a small cart.
Towing a Golf Cart Behind an RV
Towing a golf cart behind an RV is popular for campers who want local transportation at their destination. RV towing presents unique challenges due to the size and weight of the RV setup.
Choosing the Right Tow System for RVs
RVs often have higher towing capacities, making trailer use easier. However, space on the hitch rack can be limited.
- Hitch-Mounted Carriers: Some heavy-duty carriers bolt onto the RV hitch receiver. These are designed for ATVs or heavy cargo and can sometimes support a golf cart, but you must verify the weight rating carefully. These often require careful balancing to avoid overloading the RV’s rear suspension.
- Small Utility Trailer: Most often, RV owners use a small, dedicated utility trailer. This keeps the cart separate and allows the RV driver to better judge clearance.
Backing Up with a Towed Cart
Backing up an RV with any trailer attached takes practice. Adding a towed golf cart adds length and complexity.
- Wider Turns: Remember the entire assembly is longer. Take wider turns when backing up.
- Practice in an Open Area: Before hitting the highway or a busy campground, practice backing up in an empty parking lot. Get a feel for how the extra length affects the swing.
Advanced Towing Techniques and Emergency Measures
Sometimes, you might need to move a golf cart when a standard trailer or tow bar isn’t available.
Winch Towing a Golf Cart
Winch towing a golf cart is generally reserved for recovery situations, like pulling a stuck cart out of mud or onto a trailer. It is not a recommended method for road travel.
- Frame Attachment: If using a winch, attach the hook only to the solid structural frame points of the golf cart. Never attach it to plastic body panels, bumpers, or suspension components not designed for heavy pulling.
- Slow and Steady: Winching should be done slowly. Rapid jerking motions can damage the frame or the winch cable.
Alternative: Transporting an Electric Cart without Towing
If your electric cart battery is dead and you cannot safely put it in neutral, towing it flat can cause severe motor damage. In this case, loading it onto a flatbed or trailer is the only safe choice.
Maintaining Your Equipment
Good maintenance ensures your towing setup is ready when you need it. This is a core part of your golf cart towing guide.
Trailer and Hitch Maintenance
If you use a trailer, treat it like any other piece of towed equipment.
- Wheel Bearings: Grease trailer wheel bearings regularly, especially after trips in the rain.
- Brake Checks: If the trailer has its own brakes, test them frequently.
- Hitch Pin Security: Always double-check that the hitch pin or locking mechanism is fully inserted and secured with a clip or lock.
Golf Cart Tow Bar Care
A golf cart tow bar must be inspected before every use.
- Rust and Bending: Check for any signs of stress, rust, or bending on the metal arms.
- Joint Lubrication: If the tow bar has pivot points, keep them lightly greased to ensure smooth movement when turning.
Fathoming Speed Limits and Distances
Speed and distance greatly affect the safety of moving your cart.
Short vs. Long Distance Towing
- Short Distances (Under 10 Miles): Flat towing is generally okay for short hops across a campground or a short move in a neighborhood, provided the steering lock is managed and lights are visible.
- Long Distances (Over 10 Miles): A trailer offers far superior stability and safety for long highway hauls. Excessive highway speeds generate heat and stress on components when flat-towing.
Impact of Cart Speed Limits
Most golf carts are not designed for prolonged speeds above 15-20 mph. When towing, try to keep highway speeds moderate. High speeds put unnecessary wear on the differential, wheel bearings, and the towing apparatus itself.
| Towing Method | Recommended Max Speed (Road Travel) | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Towing (Tow Bar) | 35 mph (Check Manual) | Short trips; local movement |
| Trailer Towing | Highway speeds (match tow vehicle) | Long distances; highway travel |
| Winch Towing | N/A (Recovery only) | Moving a broken cart short distances |
Summary of Safe Golf Cart Transport Practices
Safe towing relies on preparation, proper setup, and respect for speed limits. By following these guidelines, you minimize risk. Remember, a golf cart is heavy and can affect how your tow vehicle handles corners and stops.
- Always know your towing capacity for golf cart setups.
- Use proper connection gear like a golf cart tow bar or a suitable trailer for towing golf cart.
- Adhere strictly to all golf cart towing regulations regarding lights and registration.
- Pay special attention to electric cart towing tips to protect the motor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a trailer license to tow a golf cart?
A: Generally, no. If the combined weight of the trailer and the golf cart stays below your state’s specific unbraked trailer weight limit (often 1,500 to 3,000 lbs), you usually do not need a special trailer endorsement on your driver’s license. Always check your local golf cart towing regulations.
Q: Can I tow an electric golf cart backwards?
A: It is highly discouraged. Towing any cart backwards can cause the wheels to spin in the wrong direction for the drivetrain components, potentially damaging the differential or transmission, especially if the transmission is not fully disengaged. Pull it forward.
Q: How do I stop the steering wheel from locking when flat-towing?
A: If your cart has a steering lock, you must either leave the key in the “Accessory” or “Off” position while keeping the steering wheel unlocked (if possible) or find the specific release mechanism mentioned in your owner’s manual. If the steering locks solid, you should use a trailer instead of flat-towing a golf cart.
Q: What is the best way to secure a golf cart on a trailer?
A: Use four heavy-duty ratchet straps. Attach one strap to each corner of the frame, pulling down firmly towards the trailer deck anchors. The cart should not move at all when you shake it. Use at least two straps on the front axle area and two on the rear.