Golf Cart Shipping Secrets: Eight Things to Do Before It Ships

A golf cart is small and simple, which is exactly why people forget the few things that keep one safe on a car carrier at highway speed. These are the steps worth doing before pickup. For the service itself, see golf cart shipping.

1. Flip the Run/Tow Switch

Many electric carts have a Run/Tow switch, often under the seat near the batteries. Set it to Tow before the cart is loaded. It shuts off the drive system so the cart doesn’t fight the driver as it’s pushed or winched, and it protects the electronics. Check your owner’s manual for your model.

2. Deal With the Batteries

Charge an electric cart fully so it can drive on and off the trailer. If it has lead-acid batteries, check for corrosion and leaks first, and tell us if they’re weak. Lithium packs may have their own storage or transport setting. On a gas cart, leave just a little fuel in the tank.

3. Latch or Remove the Windshield

A folding windshield that pops open at highway speed can crack or break its hinges. Latch it down, tape the latch, or take it off and pack it separately.

4. Check the Roof

Wind at highway speed pulls hard on a canopy. Make sure every bolt on the roof struts is tight. A loose roof is an easy thing to miss and an expensive thing to replace.

5. Take Off Anything That Can Fly

Rain enclosures, bag covers, sand bottles, coolers, ball washers, phone mounts, and rear-seat cushions that aren’t locked down. If it’s held on with snaps or Velcro, it comes off.

6. Measure It

Give us the length, the width and the height with the roof on. Lift kits, big tires and six-seat frames change which spot on the carrier will fit. Weight matters too: a cart with a full lead-acid pack is heavier than it looks.

7. Sort Out the Paperwork

A standard golf cart usually ships on a bill of sale. A street-legal LSV has a title and registration, and you’ll need them again to register the cart in a new state.

8. Take Photos

Dated photos of every side, the seats, the roof and the body panels make the delivery inspection simple. Make sure any existing scuffs go on the inspection report at pickup.

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