Hauling a golf cart with a travel trailer is absolutely achievable, offering added convenience and recreation at your destination. However, success hinges on careful planning, proper equipment, and adherence to safety guidelines, ensuring a safe and legal journey for both you and your valuable cargo.
Understanding the Possibilities and Limitations
Before you even think about hooking up that golf cart, it’s crucial to understand the options and constraints involved. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Factors like your travel trailer’s weight capacity, the golf cart’s dimensions and weight, and the towing vehicle’s capabilities all play pivotal roles. Ignoring these factors can lead to dangerous situations and potentially illegal activity.
Assessing Your Travel Trailer’s Capacity
The most critical step is determining your travel trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and its Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). The GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer when fully loaded. The CCC, often found on a sticker inside a cabinet door, indicates how much weight you can safely add to the trailer after accounting for factory-installed options and full water tanks. Don’t rely on estimates; locate and verify these numbers on your specific trailer. Overloading is a serious safety hazard, impacting handling, braking, and tire wear.
Golf Cart Considerations
Similarly, know your golf cart’s dry weight and consider the weight of any accessories (batteries, lift kits, enclosures). A standard electric golf cart typically weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds, but this can vary significantly. A gas-powered cart might weigh even more. Accurately weigh your golf cart on a commercial scale if you are unsure.
Towing Vehicle Capabilities
Finally, your towing vehicle needs to be up to the task. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine its maximum towing capacity. This figure represents the heaviest trailer the vehicle is designed to tow safely. Ensure this capacity exceeds the combined weight of your fully loaded travel trailer and the golf cart. Also, consider the tongue weight, which is the downward force exerted by the trailer’s hitch on the tow vehicle’s receiver. An improperly balanced load can negatively impact handling and stability.
Hauling Methods: Choosing the Right Approach
There are several ways to haul a golf cart with a travel trailer, each with its pros and cons:
Method 1: Inside the Travel Trailer (if possible)
This is the safest option if your travel trailer is large enough and has a rear ramp door designed for loading vehicles. However, this is rare. The challenges are numerous: ensuring sufficient space, securing the golf cart properly, and staying within weight limits. This method typically requires a toy hauler travel trailer specifically designed to carry recreational vehicles.
Method 2: On a Rear Platform or Carrier
Attaching a heavy-duty platform or carrier to the rear of the travel trailer is another possibility. However, this method demands extreme caution. The added weight at the rear significantly impacts stability and can cause trailer sway. Choose a platform specifically designed for this purpose and rated to handle the golf cart’s weight. Professionally installed reinforcement to the trailer frame is highly recommended. This method often exceeds trailer tongue weight limits and can put undue stress on the trailer frame, voiding warranties.
Method 3: Separate Tow Vehicle with a Trailer
The most common and often the safest method is to tow the golf cart separately behind the tow vehicle using a dedicated trailer. This allows for better weight distribution and avoids overloading the travel trailer. Choose a trailer that is appropriately sized for your golf cart and equipped with proper tie-down points. Ensure the trailer’s GVWR and payload capacity are sufficient.
Method 4: On the Tow Vehicle Itself
While less common, it’s possible to carry the golf cart in the bed of a heavy-duty pickup truck that is also towing the travel trailer. This requires a significant payload capacity from the truck and a method for safely loading and securing the golf cart, such as ramps and tie-down straps. Verify that this configuration complies with all state and local regulations.
Securing Your Golf Cart for Transport
Regardless of the chosen method, proper securing is paramount.
Using Tie-Down Straps and Wheel Chocks
Invest in high-quality tie-down straps with a sufficient weight rating. Secure the golf cart at multiple points, typically the frame or suspension components. Avoid attaching straps to plastic body panels. Wheel chocks placed in front and behind the wheels further prevent movement. Cross the straps to create a more secure hold.
Checking and Maintaining Equipment
Regularly inspect the tie-down straps for wear and tear. Replace them if you notice fraying or damage. Periodically check the tension on the straps and tighten them as needed, especially after the first few miles of travel. Ensure the trailer’s tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
Safe Towing Practices
Towing anything requires a different approach than regular driving.
Adjusting Driving Habits
Reduce your speed and increase following distance. Allow more time for braking and turns. Be aware of the trailer’s increased length and width when maneuvering.
Monitoring Trailer Sway
Trailer sway can be dangerous and even lead to accidents. If you experience sway, gently apply the trailer brakes (if equipped) and gradually reduce speed. Avoid making sudden steering corrections. A sway control system can help mitigate sway.
Regular Stops and Inspections
Take frequent breaks during long trips to inspect the load, straps, and tires. Look for any signs of shifting or damage. Adjust the load or straps as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Is it legal to haul a golf cart on the back of my travel trailer?
The legality of hauling a golf cart on a platform or carrier on the back of a travel trailer varies by state and province. Some jurisdictions prohibit this practice due to concerns about stability and weight distribution. Always check the specific regulations in each state you will be traveling through. Violations can result in fines or being forced to unload the golf cart.
FAQ 2: What is the maximum tongue weight I should allow?
Ideally, tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of the trailer’s Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Exceeding the maximum tongue weight of your tow vehicle can damage the suspension and negatively impact handling. Use a tongue weight scale to accurately measure the tongue weight.
FAQ 3: Do I need special permits to haul a golf cart and a travel trailer?
You generally do not need special permits to haul a golf cart unless your combined length exceeds state regulations or the golf cart itself is considered an oversized load. Check the specific regulations in each state you will be traveling through, paying particular attention to length limits.
FAQ 4: What type of trailer is best for hauling a golf cart separately?
A utility trailer with a ramp gate or a dedicated golf cart trailer are both suitable options. Ensure the trailer has a sturdy frame, a sufficient weight capacity, and secure tie-down points. Single-axle trailers are often sufficient for standard golf carts, but dual-axle trailers offer greater stability.
FAQ 5: How can I prevent trailer sway?
Proper weight distribution is key. Keep the trailer’s heavier items centered over the axles. Consider installing a sway control system, which can help dampen sway. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your suspension is in good condition. Drive at a safe speed.
FAQ 6: What type of tie-down straps are recommended?
Ratchet straps are generally recommended over cam buckle straps, as they provide greater tension and security. Choose straps with a high working load limit (WLL) and a breaking strength well above the weight of your golf cart. Inspect straps regularly for wear and tear.
FAQ 7: How often should I check the tire pressure on my trailer?
Check your trailer’s tire pressure before each trip and regularly during long journeys, especially in hot weather. Consult the tire sidewall or the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct pressure. Underinflated tires can lead to blowouts and accidents.
FAQ 8: What if I exceed my travel trailer’s weight capacity?
Exceeding your travel trailer’s weight capacity is dangerous and illegal. You have several options: reduce the weight of the items you are carrying in the trailer, upgrade to a trailer with a higher GVWR, or tow the golf cart separately. Do not compromise safety.
FAQ 9: Can I use the golf cart battery to supplement the travel trailer’s power?
While technically possible with an inverter, it’s generally not recommended. Golf cart batteries are designed for high-draw applications and can be quickly depleted if used to power appliances. It’s more efficient to use a dedicated generator or shore power.
FAQ 10: What are the best practices for backing up a travel trailer with a golf cart?
Practice backing up in an open area before your trip. Use a spotter to guide you. Make slow, deliberate movements. Remember that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of the steering wheel.
FAQ 11: Will hauling a golf cart void my travel trailer’s warranty?
Potentially. Adding weight to the rear of the trailer, especially via a platform, can put undue stress on the frame and potentially void the warranty, particularly if the manufacturer explicitly prohibits such modifications. Consult your trailer’s warranty documentation and contact the manufacturer directly to confirm.
FAQ 12: Where can I find reliable information about towing regulations?
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation (DOT) websites are the best sources for information on towing regulations. Additionally, online forums and communities dedicated to RVing and towing can provide valuable insights and experiences. Always verify information with official sources.