Golf Car(t)s

[nomad297]

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

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I have an old electric '85 EZ-GO that I use to go back and forth to our 2nd garage down the street. Our street is private with a 15 mph speed limit, so I don't worry about being street-legal.

If I was going to get a newer cart - I'd opt for the 48-volt models. Mine is the typical 36-volt cart and is pretty anemic as far as speed goes....LOL! And I'd get a cart with a roof - most golf cart covers are designed for models with roofs. I DID discover that an XL-sized ATV cover fits my topless cart just fine. Since it runs and charges nicely for its age - I'll keep it until it dies....

[wbwood]

Golf carts are nothing more than any other toy...For a basic used cart that's around 5 yrs old or so, you can expect to spend $1500-2000, depending on condition of the cart and age of the batteries. Add a lift kit, larger wheels and tires, you are talking about another $1000 at least. This isn't including the high amount spent on a custom paint job or new body, new top, radio system and etc. Go to a golf cart shop and look at the price tag of one completely done for the most part and you are easily talking $6000 and higher....You may find some cheaper, but there is not s much detail or upgrades as some others. Just like a man and a hot rod...or a man and his guns...it's a toy...

Most campgrounds that allow them require them to be electric. Many require that they be registered within the state and street legal...many require insurance....many don't require any of that....We bought an old rental from a campground a couple years ago. Spent another $1000 putting a lift, tires and wheels on it. Haven't done anything else to it. The campground requires that you get an annual sticker from them for a small fee and have insurance. WE haven't taken it any where else. We really haven't been anywhere big enough to want to take it or feel like we need it. We use it at home to take our kid to the bus stop and take the dog for a ride (which she loves). It's great for a long night of trick or treating...lol


Our cart before...



And after...

[D___M]

nomad297 wrote:
What advantage does a gas golf cart have over an electric? Can they handle hills better? Do they have more power?

Bruce

My electric didn't have the power I wanted so to get a little more power, I bought a gas one.



:B

[westend]

nomad297 wrote:
What advantage does a gas golf cart have over an electric? Can they handle hills better? Do they have more power?

Bruce

They're generally cheaper to purchase.

[MickeyBrennan]

nomad297 wrote:
What advantage does a gas golf cart have over an electric? Can they handle hills better? Do they have more power?

Bruce

Generally the power aspect is the same. Gas carts don't need to be recharged but you do need to carry gasoline.

[mgirardo]

With the exception of Fort Wilderness, we generally seek campgrounds that do not allow Golf Carts. I don't have a problem with the cart itself, but as others have mentioned, it is usually the driver that's the problem.

-Michael

[nomad297]

What advantage does a gas golf cart have over an electric? Can they handle hills better? Do they have more power?

Bruce

[mowermech]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

It's not the carts I have a problem with, it's the person behind the wheel.

[paulcardoza]

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!