Safely Loading and Driving Your Golf Cart with Heavy Loads

Safely Loading Your Golf Cart

Golf carts are a convenient way to get around the course and your community. With enough space, you can load up your golf cart with plenty of people, clubs, coolers and more to take along for the ride. But before heading out, it's important to load your golf cart safely.

Weight Capacity

All golf carts have a maximum weight capacity, usually ranging from 800 to 1000 lbs. This total capacity includes the weight of passengers and any cargo you're loading. Exceeding the weight capacity can damage your golf cart and make it unsafe to operate.

Before loading up your cart, check the owner's manual or capacity label to find the weight limit. Make sure you don't go over this number. A common mistake is exceeding capacity with a lot of adult passengers. Keep in mind that the average adult weighs 150-200 lbs. Just a few adults can quickly limit remaining cargo capacity.

Load Placement

How you distribute weight on your golf cart also affects safety and handling. Here are some tips for placing loads:

• Center heavy cargo over the rear axle or toward the front next to the steering column. Avoid loading too much weight behind the rear axle.
• Distribute weight evenly from side-to-side to avoid imbalances.
• Keep loads low and centered. High, off-centered loads can increase risk of tipping.
• Try to secure items so they don't shift around while driving.

Securing Your Load

Taking steps to secure your golf cart load is also important. Loose items can blow away or fall out on bumpy terrain. Here are some securing methods to try:

• Bungee cords are handy for strapping items down.
• Netting and cargo nets keep loose objects contained.
• Ropes or ratchet straps can tie larger objects tightly.
• Weights/sandbags help keep cargo stable.
• Cargo boxes provide containment for smaller items.

Be sure to check your load frequently to make sure items haven't come loose. It's also a good idea to avoid sudden stops or starts, sharp turns and excessive speeds when loaded down.

Passengers

Safely carrying passengers on your golf cart requires some extra precautions. Follow these tips when giving rides:

• Only allow passengers to ride in designated seating positions. No sitting on the back, sides or front edges.
• Everyone should remain seated while the cart is moving.
• Maximum passenger load may be less than total weight capacity.
• Young children should be seated with an adult and never left unattended.
• Remind passengers to keep arms and legs inside at all times.

Modifying Your Cart for Loading

You may be able to modify your golf cart to make loading cargo and passengers easier. Some options include:

Rear-Facing Backseat

Many carts only have forward-facing seats. Adding a rear-facing backseat allows you to carry passengers while keeping cargo upfront. Reverse seating also balances the cart's weight distribution.

Flatbed Attachments

Flatbed platforms can attach to the back of golf carts to create more cargo space. They provide a large open surface for hauling oversized items. Some even have railings to contain loads.

Custom Baskets and Racks

Installing custom rear cargo baskets or utility racks give you more ways to hold items in place. Baskets are great for loose items like golf bags and coolers. Utility racks help strap down larger objects or provide hooks for tying items down.

Extended Roof

A golf cart cabana, hard roof or bimini top extension provides more shelter from sun and rain. Extending your roof also allows you to stack items higher without them poking above the roofline.

Tailgate

Adding a tailgate to the rear of your cart can help contain loads. A locking tailgate also provides more secure storage. Make sure any added tailgate is designed properly to support cargo loads.

Hitches

Front or rear hitches allow you to pull small trailers for even more loading capacity. Properly rated golf cart hitches are designed to transfer weight safely while driving.

Larger Tires and Wheels

Upgrading to larger diameter golf cart tires and wheels increases ground clearance for loading bulky items. Larger tires also help provide a smoother ride over bumpy terrain with heavy loads.

Suspension Upgrades

Beefing up your suspension with heavy duty springs, shocks and struts allows your cart to support and handle more weight. Upgraded suspension components keep your cart level when loaded down.

Driving Safely with Loads

Once your golf cart is loaded up, you can head out for adventure. But keep these safety tips in mind when driving with cargo and passengers:

• Make smooth acceleration and braking motions to avoid shifting loads.
• Maintain slower speeds to increase control around turns.
• Watch for low tree branches that could hit passengers.
• Avoid steep hills or uneven terrain that may destabilize loads.
• Do not overload the cart beyond capacity.

Loading up your golf cart safely and driving with care will ensure maximum fun out on the course or around town. Just be sure not to bite off more than you can chew when packing the cart. Happy and responsible driving!

FAQs

How much weight can my golf cart hold?

Weight capacities typically range from 800-1000 lbs for golf carts. Check your owner's manual or look for a capacity label on the cart to find the maximum load.

Where is the best place to put heavy items on my cart?

Heavy cargo should be centered over the rear axle or placed up front near the steering column. Avoid loading too much weight behind the rear axle.

What are some good ways to secure loads on my golf cart?

Use bungee cords, cargo nets, ropes, ratchet straps, weights, sandbags, and enclosed cargo boxes to keep items tightly secured on your cart during transport.

Can I carry passengers and cargo together on my golf cart?

Yes, you can carry both passengers and cargo as long as you follow weight limits and load items appropriately. Just be sure cargo is stable and passengers are seated safely.

How can I modify my golf cart to carry more cargo?

Add a rear-facing backseat, flatbed, custom racks, extended roof, tailgate, hitch, bigger tires and upgraded suspension to get more loading capacity from your golf cart.