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nomad297's avatar
nomad297
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014

Golf Car(t)s

Golf carts seem to be a part of camping for many -- especially seasonal campers. I also see a lot of transients who will bring them along in a toy hauler, in the bed of their truck, or on its own trailer behind a car, or sometimes their 5th wheel.

Some people are really into their golf carts to the point where they spend hundreds or thousands of dollars tricking them out with all sorts of accessories, and proudly drive around the campground to show them off. I get it -- it's a hobby to some -- a necessity to others.

What are your feelings on golf carts in campgrounds? Do they bother you? Do you enjoy checking out all of the wild stuff people do to them? Also, which do you prefer -- gas or electric? What are the advantages of one over the other?

Me? I don't mind them, but I despise the gas ones if they are continually cruising around my site with their loud engines. I like checking out what people have done to them, but I don't think I would get too much into the accessories if I had a golf cart. I would prefer to own an electric cart if I was in the market, but I don't know if they ae as practical as the gas-powered version.

What do you think?

Bruce
Seeking Advice

30 Replies

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  • nomad297's avatar
    nomad297
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    What advantage does a gas golf cart have over an electric? Can they handle hills better? Do they have more power?

    Bruce
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    I have never encountered the problem.
    Many of the campgrounds we go to have a rule that any vehicle used in the campground must be street legal. Very few golf carts can be made street legal, mostly due to the low speeds they are capable of (12 to 15 MPH).
    So, we encounter very few such vehicles.
    ATVs, however, are an entirely different breed. They are around a LOT! Yes, they CAN be made street legal in Montana and other states.
    I just joined the crowd, with a big ATV.
  • MickeyBrennan's avatar
    MickeyBrennan
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    We love our electric golf cart.

    Both of us have bad knees. Our cart enables us to move about freely and enjoy all the amenities of the campground/RV resort. The swimming pool, store and any activities are much easier and more convenient to us. We greet people as we pass and sometimes have very pleasant conversations with other campers. It's also much easier to carry chairs and cooler with snacks and beverages.

    Essentially traveling with a cart gives us more bang for our buck. We perceive having and using a golf car based vehicle as value added to each camping trip.

    There are many campgrounds that do permit carts but restrict usage of gas golf cars. Some petroleum types can be a little noisy, especially the 2 cycle models. I'll refrain from critiquing peoples actions and try to stay on topic and answer the OP.
  • nomad297's avatar
    nomad297
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    Popsie wrote:
    In my experience, it seems like golf carts and bicycles almost never stop or look at intersections - totally disregarding the red octagonal signs with the big STOP in the middle, and pay no regard to the supposed speed limits.

    Just as bad is that the campgrounds/"Resorts" do absolutely nothing about it.


    Exactly the same as my observations.

    Bruce
  • Popsie's avatar
    Popsie
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    In my experience, it seems like golf carts and bicycles almost never stop or look at intersections - totally disregarding the red octagonal signs with the big STOP in the middle, and pay no regard to the supposed speed limits.

    Just as bad is that the campgrounds/"Resorts" do absolutely nothing about it.
  • nomad297's avatar
    nomad297
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    paulcardoza wrote:
    those people who circle the CG endlessly in their F-350's!


    I've noticed this, too. What's up with this?

    Bruce
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    Dtaylor wrote:
    It's not the carts I have a problem with, it's the person behind the wheel.


    X2 Well said and accurate too.
  • Dtaylor's avatar
    Dtaylor
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    It's not the carts I have a problem with, it's the person behind the wheel.
  • paulcardoza's avatar
    paulcardoza
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2014
    Most CG's limit them to electric carts. Being much quieter, that is my preference. The only complaints I have is when fools let their kids drive around in them, unsupervised. Also typically against the rules in most CG's.

    I see no issues with them if they are properly controlled and rules enforced. It's a lot better than those people who circle the CG endlessly in their F-350's!
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Oct 02, 2014
    I think the carts are a kind of a "if ya got it flaunt it" sort of thing.

    I enjoy the shoe leather express.

    The carts don't bother me a bit unless they get into my space.

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