How to Move a Golf Cart

MelanieM Written By Melanie Morris
  • Published on April 27, 2026
    • White two-seat golf cart parked on a lush green golf course fairway with flag in background

    Unlike passenger vehicles, you can’t drive a golf cart to your new home — in most states, even street-legal carts are prohibited on roads with speed limits above 30–35 mph. Thankfully, there is a safe way to move it with a flatbed utility trailer, but you might want to use professional shipping if you don’t have experience with towing. A pickup truck can also be an option if it’s big enough and built to handle the weight.

    At HireAHelper, we’ve been in the moving business for over a decade and have helped hundreds of thousands of people complete moves. We’ve seen it all, and that experience gives us the knowledge on how to move everything, including something as big and awkward as a golf cart. This guide explains everything that’s involved in moving a golf cart, including choosing the right trailer, loading and securing the cart, and dealing with dead batteries.

    Key Takeaways

    • A flatbed trailer is usually the safest way to move a golf cart, and enclosed trailers provide more protection.
    • Use ramps and heavy-duty ratchet straps to load and secure the golf cart.
    • You can use a pickup truck to move a golf cart locally as well.
    • Hire a professional shipping service for long-distance moves and high-end golf carts.

    Author

    Melanie Morris

    Melanie Morris is an editor and writer at MovingPlace, where she uses her observational skills honed from over 7 years of experience (and too much detective fiction) to demystify moving and make sure typos remain at a minimum. Moving from the southwest to head up and down the west coast and back again has also given her plenty of moving experience. Now, she makes sure that even if you’re just moving down the block, you have the accurate tips and know-how to make your relocation a breeze.

    The Best Ways to Move a Golf Cart During a Home Move

    Unless you’re moving just down the street, you’ll need to decide how to transport a golf cart to your new home. The most common ways to move a golf cart are:

    • Flatbed trailer: Most flatbed utility trailers can carry between 1,000 and 10,000 pounds, so they can typically accommodate most standard golf cart models. They’re low to the ground, which creates a safer loading angle and makes loading easier.
    • Pickup truck bed: A golf cart might be too heavy for a light-duty pickup truck, but a full-size pickup may be able to carry it, at least for short distances. Make sure your cart fits the truck bed dimensions and payload capacity.
    • Enclosed trailer: If you have a high-end or custom golf cart, an enclosed trailer is a great option. It provides protection from theft, weather, and flying debris. This is also a safer choice for long-distance moves.
    • Professional shipping: If you’re moving long-distance, or you don’t want to pull a trailer, professional shipping is a safe, convenient solution. It can also be a smarter choice for a high-value golf cart. If you’re using movers, make sure well in advance that golf carts aren’t on the list of things they can’t move.

    The table below offers a quick breakdown of the most popular methods of hauling a golf cart during a home move.

    Popular methods to haul a golf cart

    Transport Type Best For

    Flatbed trailer

    – Best all-around solution

    – Good for DIY moves

    Pickup truck

    – Best for short moves

    – Check bed dimensions and payload

    Enclosed trailer or professional shipping

    – Best for longer moves and custom carts

    – Provides weather protection

    Measure Your Golf Cart Before You Move It

    Before you decide how to move a golf cart, take time to measure it. Record the length, width, and height, making sure to include features such as:

    • Lift kits
    • Rear seats
    • Roof
    • Mirrors
    • Racks
    • Accessories

    These dimensions will tell you whether you can put the golf cart in a pickup truck or whether you need to rent a trailer.

    Once you know its dimensions, you should figure out how much your golf cart weighs. Your owner’s manual (or the manufacturer’s website) should tell you the original weight, but don’t forget to add weight for fuel and aftermarket accessories. You’ll need this information to pick the right trailer, as most trailers have a maximum load rating.

    According to U-Haul, most golf carts fit into a 6 x 12 ft. utility trailer. These trailers can hold up to 3,710 pounds. If you have a bigger golf cart or you’re nearing the upper weight limit, you might need to choose a bigger trailer or a different transport method.

    Typical Golf Cart Dimensions and Weight

    The average 2-seat golf cart is about 48 inches wide and weighs between 800 and 1,100 pounds. A 4-seat or 6-seat cart could be between 48 and 54 inches wide and weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Electric golf carts might be heavier if they use older lead-acid batteries. These are just estimates, so make sure to check your exact model’s dimensions and weight before renting a trailer or committing to other transportation.

    What Size Trailer Do You Need?

    For a smaller golf cart, you’ll typically need a 5 x 10 ft. trailer. If you have a 6-seater, a lift kit, or you’ve added attachments and accessories, consider moving up to a 6 x 12 ft. trailer. That way, you’ll have more room around the cart and better access to the tie-down points.

    When choosing a trailer, ask about the ramp width. While a bigger cart might fit into a trailer that’s 5 ft. wide, the ramp may be too narrow for easy loading and unloading.

    How to Prepare a Golf Cart for Transport

    While it might be tempting to load your golf cart on the trailer as-is, it’s important to get it ready for the move first. Here’s what to do to help it travel safely:

    • Remove loose accessories: Take out anything that’s not fixed to the cart, including phone mounts and light kits.
    • Fold or remove windshield: Fold down your windshield or remove it, if possible.
    • Empty cart: Remove everything from the inside of the cart, including gloves, extra supplies, golf bags, extra tees, and sunscreen.
    • Clean cart: Using a mix of mild detergent and water, wipe down the interior and exterior of the golf cart.
    • Check tire pressure: If your tire pressure isn’t within the safe range (usually 18-22 PSI), inflate or deflate the tires accordingly.
    • Photograph condition: Document the condition of your golf cart with photos and videos. They can help you file a successful insurance claim if your cart is damaged in transit.
    • Pack charger separately: Transport your electric charger in a closed vehicle to prevent it from getting wet or damaged.
    • Secure keys and accessories: Box up your accessories, and put your keys somewhere safe where you can find them quickly after the move.

    What to Remove or Secure

    Removing loose items from your golf cart can help protect it during the move. This is especially important if you’re shipping the cart. Common items include:

    • Seat cushions
    • Seat covers
    • Coolers
    • Mirrors
    • Loose cargo
    • Cart covers
    • Personal items
    • Speakers
    • Cargo boxes
    • Golf supplies

    Once you’ve removed everything, put the items in boxes and label them clearly. This makes it easier to reinstall accessories at your new home, and they won’t get lost in transit.

    How to Load and Secure a Golf Cart on a Trailer

    A golf cart is heavy, so it’s important to load it slowly and carefully. It’s a little different from moving heavy furniture, so learn and follow these steps to create a safe, controlled loading process:

    • Find the right spot: Drive your trailer and golf cart to a level spot, such as a driveway or parking lot, to reduce the risk of tipping.
    • Set up ramps: If your trailer has adjustable ramps, set them to match the width of the golf cart’s wheels. For a trailer that comes with a full-width ramp, you can simply attach the ramp to the back of the trailer. Make sure the ramps are attached securely.
    • Load the golf cart: Drive (or push) your golf cart slowly up the ramp and onto the trailer. Pull forward until the front wheels are close to the front of the trailer. This helps create proper tongue weight and helps stabilize the trailer as you drive.
    • Secure the cart: Put the golf cart in park, lock the brake, and turn it off. Put chocks against the wheels to prevent the cart from moving.
    • Tie down the golf cart: Using 4 heavy-duty ratchet straps, tie down the 4 corners of the golf cart to anchor points on the trailer or the trailer frame.

    The cart can shift when you start driving, so after a few miles, pull over and make sure your straps are secure and your wheel chocks are still in place.

    Loading Safely

    Ramp placement is key to a safe loading experience. The tires should be centered on each ramp, and the ramps should be centered on the trailer — if they’re not, adjust them. Proper alignment reduces the risk that the cart will slip off the ramp as you drive.

    When loading, make sure to drive at a low speed and keep the steering wheel straight. It’s a good idea to have a spotter on hand to make sure the wheels are aligned. You should also center the cart on the trailer to balance the load. 

    Securing the Cart

    When you’re securing the golf cart to the trailer, use a strap on each corner, and place the end of the strap on the axle, near the wheel. Using tie-downs on the axles rather than the frame reduces stress on the straps and gives the suspension some room to move.

    The other ends of the straps go to anchor points (if you have them) or the corners of the trailer. Avoid over-tightening the straps, and make sure the wheel chocks are pushed securely under the wheels. And don’t forget to recheck the straps periodically, especially if you’re moving long-distance.

    Can You Move a Golf Cart in a Pickup Truck?

    Yes, you can sometimes move a golf cart in a pickup truck — but it’s usually only a good idea for local moves. Whether your cart will fit depends on a few factors:

    • Bed width: Measure the width of the truck bed between the wheel wells. Make sure there are a few inches of clearance on either side of your golf cart.
    • Bed length and tailgate: See if the cart can fit in the truck bed with the tailgate up. If your tailgate won’t close behind the golf cart, you might need to leave it down while you drive. In this case, you’ll need to drive slowly and pay extra attention to the tie-downs.
    • Payload capacity: Ensure that your cart’s weight is well below the truck’s maximum payload rating.
    • Ramps: Use strong ramps, and make sure they’re long enough to create a drivable slope.

    How to Move a Golf Cart With Dead Batteries

    To move a golf cart with dead batteries, you can usually activate “tow” mode and push the cart up a ramp. However, the right process depends on the model, so check your owner’s manual first.

    Here’s an overview of how to move a golf cart with dead batteries:

    • Activate “tow” or “neutral” mode: Look for the switch under the back seat or next to the battery. This allows you to move the cart without damaging the motor or controller.
    • Disengage the brake: If your golf cart’s brakes are still engaged, you’ll need to release them before the cart moves. Some carts have a manual switch, but certain models with electric brakes, such as the EZGO RXV, might require you to reposition wiring plugs. Check your manual for specifics.
    • Roll the cart into the trailer: With the help of a friend, push the cart up the ramp and onto your trailer. You can also use a winch if needed.

    A word of caution: if your golf cart won’t roll, or if you can’t release the brake, don’t try to force it to move. Doing so could damage the drivetrain.

    You should stop and get professional help if your golf cart won’t roll, the brakes won’t release, or you’re unclear on the tow mode or brake-release procedure.

    Should You DIY the Move or Hire a Golf Cart Transport Service?

    A DIY move can be a great way to save money if you’re moving locally and you have the right equipment. You can rent a trailer or use your own pickup truck, but you will need a friend or two to spot you during loading and unloading.

    On the other hand, it’s better to hire a professional to move your golf cart if:

    • You’re planning a long-distance move
    • You don’t have a trailer, ramps, or ratchet straps
    • You don’t have experience towing a trailer
    • Your golf cart is valuable

    When you go with a pro, you can often choose between open and enclosed trailers. The right option depends on the distance of the move and the value of your golf cart. For long trips and high-value vehicles, enclosed shipping is a safer option. For shorter moves and standard carts, an open trailer can be a good way to save money.

    Costs to Expect When Moving a Golf Cart

    The cost of moving a golf cart depends on what equipment you already have and how you plan to move. Here are some cost estimates:

    • Trailer rental: You can typically rent a utility trailer for $15 to $50 per day, depending on the size.
    • Ratchet straps: Heavy-duty straps usually cost between $25 and $80 each.
    • Ramps: Plan to spend between $150 and $300 on ramps, depending on the length and weight limit you need. Rental trailers often come with ramps.
    • Fuel: Fuel costs vary based on the distance of the move. For longer moves, expect the trailer to reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy by 20% to 40%, depending on the trailer size, load, and tow vehicle.

    If you’re thinking about shipping your golf cart, that can cost between $250 and $1,200, depending on the method and trailer type. And if the delivery timelines don’t line up with your move-in date, you might pay between $50 and $200 for temporary storage.

    What to Do After the Golf Cart Arrives

    Once you’re at your new home, you need to unload the cart. Never do this step alone—unloading a golf cart requires at least 2 people to do safely. Here’s how:

    • Park on a level spot: Make sure your parking space and the area behind it are level.
    • Inspect the cart: Check for damage that might prevent the cart from moving safely, such as damaged panels or flat tires.
    • Reconnect the battery: If it’s dead, you might need to charge it first.
    • Drive slowly: Put the cart in reverse, and back slowly down the ramps. Use a spotter to help you stay on track. If you’re not comfortable, get someone to help you roll the cart instead.

    Once your golf cart is back on solid ground, you can reinstall everything you removed — seat cushions, phone mounts, and other accessories. Then, store it in a covered location if possible to protect it from the elements.

    If you’re new to trailering and towing heavy equipment, learning how to move a golf cart can be intimidating the first time you do it. But with the right gear and a friend to help, however, you can transport your golf cart safely to your new home. If you’d rather not handle the loading or towing yourself, MovingPlace can help you find reliable pros that will safely and easily get your cart to your new home. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The safest way to move a golf cart is usually to load it on a flatbed trailer, as long as its weight capacity is sufficient. You can tie it down with ratchet straps and tow it locally or long-distance.

    Towing can damage a golf cart if you don’t make sure it’s in tow or neutral mode and release the brakes if necessary. It could also cause damage if you over-tighten the ratchet straps or attach the straps to a delicate component instead of the axle.

    Shipping a golf cart is usually safer than moving it yourself, especially for long-distance moves. However, if you have experience with towing and you already own a trailer, ramps, and ratchet straps, you can save money with a DIY move.

    Yes, lifted golf carts often need a larger trailer because the tires can add extra width. You might also need a bigger trailer to accommodate the heavier weight.