If you're trying to figure out how to tow a golf cart for a weekend getaway or a trip to the repair shop, you probably realized pretty quickly that it's not as simple as just hooking it up and driving away. Whether you're moving an electric E-Z-GO or a gas-powered Club Car, there are a few quirks you need to know about to make sure you don't end up with a broken windshield or a fried motor.
I've seen plenty of people make the mistake of treating a golf cart like a small car, but these things are a bit more fragile than they look—especially when they're hitting 65 mph on the back of a trailer. Here is everything you need to know to get your cart from point A to point B in one piece.
Pick Your Method: Trailer vs. Flat Towing
Before you do anything, you have to decide how you're actually going to move the thing. Most people go with a utility trailer, and honestly, that's usually the best way to go. It keeps the wear and tear off the cart's tires and suspension, and it's generally much safer.
However, some folks prefer "flat towing," which is when you use a tow bar to pull the cart behind a vehicle while its own wheels stay on the ground. If you go this route, you have to be extra careful. Most electric golf carts aren't designed to have their wheels spinning at high speeds while the motor is off. If you don't flip the right switches, you could literally cook the electronics. For most of us, a simple 5x10 utility trailer is the way to go.
Getting the Cart onto the Trailer
If you've got a trailer with a ramp, you're halfway there. But don't just fly up the ramp like you're in an action movie. Slow and steady wins here.
One thing people often forget is the weight distribution. You want the heaviest part of the golf cart—which is usually the back where the batteries or the engine sit—to be positioned so that the trailer is balanced. Usually, this means pulling the cart onto the trailer forward-facing, but if your trailer feels a bit "fishtaily" once you hit the road, you might need to back it on next time to put more weight toward the front of the trailer (the tongue).
The "Tow/Run" Switch: Don't Forget It
This is arguably the most important step if you have an electric cart. If you look under the seat or near the batteries, you'll find a switch labeled Tow/Run.
When you're driving the cart around the course, it stays on "Run." But the second you start moving that cart with another vehicle, you must flip it to "Tow." This effectively "unplugs" the motor from the regenerative braking system. If you leave it in "Run" and tow it, the motor will try to generate electricity as the wheels spin, which can overheat the wires and destroy your controller. That's a multi-hundred-dollar mistake you definitely want to avoid.
Securing the Cart Like a Pro
Once the cart is on the trailer, you can't just throw one bungee cord over the seat and call it a day. You need heavy-duty ratchet straps.
Where to Anchor
Avoid hooking your straps to the roof supports or the plastic bodywork. Those parts are meant to look good, not to hold 800 pounds of vibrating machinery. Instead, look for the metal frame. The axles are usually a safe bet, or the main steel chassis.
The "X" Pattern
A pro tip is to cross your straps in an "X" pattern. Use two straps in the front and two in the back. By crossing them, you prevent the cart from shifting side-to-side while you're taking turns. Tighten them down until the cart's suspension compresses just a little bit. You want the cart to move with the trailer, not bounce around on top of it.
Dealing with the Windshield and Roof
This is where things usually go wrong for beginners. Golf cart windshields are designed to block a breeze at 15 mph, not a gale-force wind at 70 mph on the highway.
If your windshield is the folding type, it's basically a giant sail. If you leave it up, the wind will eventually catch it and snap the plastic hinges or, worse, rip the whole thing off. The best move is to remove the windshield entirely and put it in the back of your truck or the floor of the cart. If you can't remove it, make sure it is folded down and strapped securely with a bungee cord or some strong tape so it can't catch the air.
The same goes for the roof. While most roofs are bolted on pretty well, the constant buffeting of highway speeds can loosen the bolts. It's always a good idea to give the roof a quick shake before you leave. If it feels wobbly, you might want to run a strap over the top of the roof to keep it pressed down.
Checking the Tires and Fluids
Before you head out, check the air pressure in your golf cart tires. If they're low, the cart will wiggle more on the trailer. Also, if you have a gas cart, make sure the fuel valve is turned off. The bouncing motion of a trailer can sometimes force needles and seats in the carburetor to stay open, which might flood your engine with gas by the time you arrive at your destination.
And don't forget the trailer itself! Check the hitch, the safety chains, and the lights. It's a huge pain to get pulled over halfway through your trip because a blinker bulb burned out.
Driving Tips While Towing
Once you're on the road, remember that you're much longer and heavier than usual. Give yourself extra braking distance. Golf carts are surprisingly heavy—often weighing between 600 and 1,000 pounds—so that extra weight is going to push your tow vehicle when you try to stop.
Take your turns wide. It's easy to forget that the trailer wheels follow a tighter path than your truck wheels. The last thing you want is to curb a trailer tire and pop it while you're navigating a tight gas station parking lot.
Every time you stop for gas or a snack, walk to the back and check your straps. Straps can stretch or settle after the first few miles of vibration. If a strap feels even a little loose, tighten it back up. It only takes thirty seconds, and it provides a lot of peace of mind.
What About Flat Towing?
If you absolutely have to tow the cart with its wheels on the ground (flat towing), you need a proper tow bar hitch that mounts to the front of the cart's frame.
I'll be honest: I'm not a big fan of this method for long distances. Most golf carts have "sleeve bearings" in the wheels that aren't designed for high-speed heat. If you're just pulling it down the street at 10 mph, you're fine. But if you're planning on going any faster, you're better off renting a trailer.
If you do go the flat-tow route, remember to put the cart in neutral. For gas carts, this is easy. For electric carts, again, make sure that "Tow/Run" switch is set to "Tow." If you feel any resistance when you start pulling, stop immediately and check your settings.
Wrapping Things Up
Learning how to tow a golf cart isn't rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention to detail. It's all about protecting the cart from the elements and making sure it stays put.
To recap the "must-dos": 1. Use a sturdy trailer whenever possible. 2. Flip the Tow/Run switch to the "Tow" position on electric carts. 3. Secure the windshield or take it off completely so it doesn't shatter. 4. Use ratchet straps on the frame, not the plastic parts. 5. Check your straps every time you stop.
If you follow these steps, you'll arrive at the campground or the course with a cart that's ready to ride, rather than one that needs a trip to the mechanic. Just take it slow, stay mindful of your trailer, and enjoy the ride!