How to Move a Golf Cart

4 Top Ways To Transport a Golf Cart

You have a few solid options for moving your cart safely. Many people choose a utility trailer or a pickup truck bed for short trips. For better protection, you might use an enclosed trailer or hire a professional transport service.

Comparison of Transport Methods

1. Utility or Flatbed Trailer

A utility trailer is a convenient choice because it sits low to the ground. This makes loading and unloading simpler than using a tall truck. These trailers are open, giving you plenty of room to maneuver. Hardware stores or rental centers carry them for about $15–$30+ per day.

• Availability: Most local rental spots like Home Depot or U-Haul keep these in stock. You can often book them online in just minutes. You’ll typically find them in many dimensions, from small 4-by-7-foot models to large 6-by-12-foot ones.
• Size needed: You usually need a 5-by-8-foot trailer to fit a standard golf cart. Larger carts might need a 10-foot-long version.
• Loading requirements: You’ll have to use a sturdy ramp to drive the cart onto the deck. Some trailers have a gate that doubles as a ramp.
• Transport features: Trailers often have built-in rails or hooks. These spots are great for securing your straps to keep the cart from shifting during the drive.

Before you hit the road, check your vehicle’s towing capacity. A trailer and a golf cart can weigh over 2,000 pounds together. Make sure your car or SUV can safely pull that much weight.

2. Pickup Truck Bed

Using a truck for moving a golf cart is a great option if you don’t want to pull a trailer. This method works well for quick trips or solo moves. Most full-size pickups can handle the weight, but you have to check the bed length.

• Availability: You can rent a pickup at stores like Home Depot or through local rental companies. Expect to pay around $20 plus a mileage fee for short distances. You can also use your own truck or borrow one from a friend, if it’s the right size.
• Size needed: Trucks come with short or long beds, but since a standard 2-seat golf cart is just under 8 feet long, you need a full-size truck with an 8-foot bed.
• Loading requirements: You have to buy or rent long, heavy-duty arched ramps. These provide a safe incline so the cart doesn’t scrape the tailgate. Use strong ratchet straps at all corners of the cart to stop it from rolling.
• Payload capacity: Check your truck’s manual for the weight limit. A heavy electric cart can exceed the limits of some light-duty or mid-size pickup trucks.

Keep in mind that driving with a heavy cart in the back changes how your truck handles. Take turns slowly, leave plenty of room to stop, and check your straps after the first few miles.

3. Enclosed Trailer

An enclosed trailer offers the best protection from rain, wind, and road debris. Many people choose this option for long-distance moves or when transporting high-end carts. While it costs more than an open trailer, the peace of mind is often worth the extra expense.

• Availability: You can rent a trailer from companies like U-Haul or local equipment yards. Expect to pay around $30–$50 per day based on the dimensions.
• Size needed: Shops offer 4-by-8-foot to 6-by-12-foot models. Ideally, you should get the largest size to fit the cart safely inside.
• Loading requirements: These trailers often feature a built-in ramp door. Inside, you have to attach strong ratchet straps to the heavy-duty floor rings to hold the frame steady.

Measure the exact height of your golf cart before you drive to the rental shop. Enclosed trailers sometimes have a short rear door opening, so if your cart has a tall roof or lifted tires, it might not fit inside.

4. Professional Transport Service

Hiring experts is the best choice for very long distances or if you lack a vehicle that can tow. With this method, a transport company will manage the entire process and handle all the driving and logistics for you.

• Open transport: This is the most common and affordable professional option, starting at around $250–$400 for a local move. A driver secures your cart onto an exposed flatbed truck, which is more suitable for standard units on short trips.
• Enclosed carrier shipping: This service places your golf cart inside a fully covered truck. It costs approximately $150–$300 more than regular open transport, but it’s the best way to protect a custom or expensive cart from dust, debris, and bad weather.

If you’re unsure how to load your cart or want to find local experts, HireAHelper’s platform can help. As one of the leading moving marketplaces, we make it easy to compare companies in your area. You can quickly read honest reviews, check prices, and book reliable movers to help you get your cart ready for its journey.

How Much Does It Cost To Move a Golf Cart?

Moving costs change based on the transport method you choose. Local trips are usually affordable if you rent equipment and handle the work yourself. Hiring a professional team costs more, but it saves you time and physical strain. The total price also depends on the driving distance.

• DIY rental options: Renting a utility trailer or a pickup truck is the most budget-friendly choice. You can expect to pay between $15 and $50 per day, plus the cost of fuel and any mileage fees from the rental shop.
• Professional transport services: Hiring a company to ship your cart is more expensive but very convenient. Prices generally range from $250 to over $1,200, depending on the total distance and whether you choose a covered or open trailer.

How To Prepare Your Golf Cart Before Moving It

To help prevent damage to your cart and your tow vehicle during the trip, follow these steps:

• Measure your cart: Check the total height, width, and length to ensure your vehicle or trailer has enough clearance for a safe fit.
• Remove loose items: Take off seat cushions, mirrors, and GPS units. These parts can fly off at high speeds and cause dangerous accidents.
• Document existing damage: Take clear photos of any scratches or dents before the move. If any more damage shows up, this evidence will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim later.
• Check tires and brakes: Make sure the tires are fully inflated to the correct pressure. Test the brakes to ensure they hold when loading on a ramp.
• Disconnect the battery: Turn off the power and disconnect the cables. This prevents electrical shorts and keeps the battery from draining during a long move.

If you need to push the cart by hand, you have to put it in neutral first. Look for the “tow/run” switch under the seat or near the batteries. Flip it to the tow position to release the motor brake. This allows the wheels to spin freely so you can move it easily.

How To Transport a Golf Cart Onto a Trailer

When you’re figuring out how to move a golf cart, remember that loading it safely onto a trailer requires focus and the right equipment. Gather your supplies, and follow this simple process:

1. Park on level ground: Place your towing vehicle and trailer on a flat, even surface. This prevents the trailer from rolling or shifting while you load.
2. Attach the ramps: Secure your loading ramps to the rear edge of the trailer. Make sure they’re spaced correctly to match the width of your cart’s tires.
3. Drive up the ramps slowly: Steer the cart straight up the middle of the ramps. Keep a steady speed so the wheels don’t slip.
4. Lock the parking brake: Once the cart sits safely on the trailer deck, turn off the key and engage the parking brake tightly.
5. Secure with straps: Use heavy-duty ratchet straps to tie down the frame at four points. Tighten them until the cart doesn’t move when you shake it.

If driving up a narrow ramp feels risky, you don’t have to do it alone. You can use HireAHelper’s marketplace to quickly find and compare local moving companies. These experts can handle the hard work, ensuring your cart gets loaded safely while you focus on the rest of your move.

How To Secure a Golf Cart for Transport

A loose cart can slide, tip, or fall off during your drive. This can damage the cart itself, your trailer, or other vehicles on the road, so make sure you secure the cart properly. It should remain stable even if you have to brake suddenly or turn a sharp corner. Follow the steps below to keep you and your cart safe on the road:

1. Choose the right straps: Use heavy-duty ratchet straps rated for at least 2,000 pounds. Bungee cords or thin ropes won’t work.
2. Anchor the front frame: Loop your straps over the front suspension or the front axle. Don’t hook them to the fragile plastic body.
3. Secure the rear axle: Use another set of straps over the thick metal rear axle. This stops the heavy back end from bouncing around.
4. Tighten the straps evenly: Crank each ratchet down until the suspension presses down slightly. The cart shouldn’t rock when you push it.
5. Lock the roof: Use a bungee cord to hold down the windshield or roof if they’re loose. Wind can catch these parts and rip them off.

How To Transport a Golf Cart in a Truck Bed

Using a pickup truck bed is a great choice if you have access to a full-size truck and don’t want to rent a trailer. It’s best for short, local trips with a standard cart. Here’s how to load a golf cart onto one:

1. Get arched loading ramps: Trucks sit high, creating a steep ramp angle. Long arched ramps prevent the cart from getting stuck at the tailgate.
2. Secure the ramps tightly: Hook safety straps from the ramps to your truck bumper. This stops the ramps from slipping out while you’re loading the cart.
3. Drive up steadily: Steer the cart up the incline at a slow, even pace. Try not to stop halfway up, as it can be difficult to start moving again safely.
4. Watch the tailgate limit: Pull the cart entirely forward. Leaving the rear wheels on the tailgate can snap the thin support cables.
5. Secure the frame: Use ratchet straps to pull the cart toward the front of the bed. Tighten them to the metal tie-down points located in the truck corners.

What Size Trailer Do You Need for a Golf Cart

You need a trailer that’s at least 5 feet wide and 8 feet long for a standard cart. If you have a larger model with rear seats, you’ll have to use a 10-foot or 12-foot trailer. You should base this decision on your cart’s exact length and width.

When picking your equipment, keep these common sizes in mind:

• Standard 2-seat carts: A 5-by 8-foot trailer usually provides a snug and secure fit. This size is easy to find and light enough for most SUVs to tow.
• Lifted or 4-seat carts: These require at least a 5-by-10-foot trailer to safely handle the longer roof and the rear seats.
• Large 6-seat models: You will need a 6-by-12-foot trailer for these vehicles. This size prevents the cart from feeling cramped or unstable during the drive.

You also need to check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum weight the trailer can safely carry, including its own weight. If your cart is heavier than the GVWR, the trailer axle could break.

Trailer Size Guide for Golf Carts

Keep in mind that electric golf carts are heavier than gas models. A set of large batteries adds hundreds of pounds to the vehicle. Make sure you include this extra weight when calculating your totals to stay within your trailer limits.

Safety Tips for Transporting a Golf Cart

When you’re learning how to move a golf cart, focus on these key recommendations to prevent accidents and protect your investment:

• Reduce your speed: Drive more slowly than usual, especially on highways or during sharp turns. The extra weight of the cart changes how your vehicle handles and increases stopping distance.
• Check straps often: Pull over after the first few miles to inspect your tie-downs. Tighten any loose straps before continuing.
• Verify trailer lighting: Ensure your brake lights and turn signals work as expected before leaving. Other drivers must see your intentions clearly to avoid rear-end collisions on the road.
• Balance the weight: Place the heaviest part of the cart over the trailer axle. Proper weight distribution prevents the trailer from swaying dangerously at high speeds.
• Monitor the weather: High winds and heavy rain can make towing dangerous. Delay your trip if bad storms are coming.

Some states have strict towing rules for public roads. For example, Texas and California require specific trailer registrations and working lights. Check your local laws before you hit the road to avoid tickets.