Golf carts may be synonymous with big green fields, golf clubs and balls, but they are also useful outside the golf course.
These environmentally friendly buggies are easy to use and fun to drive around (for instance from your house to the golf course).The open design allows air to flow right through so you can enjoy the soft breeze hitting your face whilst going to the next hole. Also, golf carts can be equipped with all kinds of accessories to suit your needs such as a cooler, a radio, plush carpeting, headlights and so on.
But unlike other types of transportation, getting your golf cart from one place to another needs to be done with a golf cart trailer. This is because Australian laws forbid golf carts to be driven in open traffic.
Open vs Enclosed
Open
One major advantage of an open golf buggy trailer is the ability to see what’s going on behind you at all times. The open design of golf cart trailers also allows you to easily notice a loose strap which can help prevent any accidents. There is no limit to what you can put in an open trailer – other than your cart, you can also add extra gear too. Open golf cart trailers make it easier to load and unload your buggy whilst being lighter, which means that you can save on fuel and will be able to maneuver it more easily. Protection is something you won’t get with open design trailers.
Enclosed
With an enclosed golf buggy trailer you get better protection from the elements and a more secure solution too. Whilst enclosed trailers may not be as versatile when it comes to storage capacity, they can be used as a shelter for your cart due to their shed-like design. Keep in mind that they are not going to be easy on fuel consumption and handling. Don’t expect loading your cart on this type of trailer to be an easy task due to its limited entrance.
How Big of a Trailer Do I Need For a Golf Cart?
Length
The length of most golf buggy trailers is about 3 meters but sometimes there are trailers that come in non-standard sizes. If you are not able to find a trailer that is long enough to accommodate your cart, you can try loading it backwards with the rear overhanging at the front of the trailer. This needs to be secured with straps and you should also remove the windshield if possible.
Width
Golf buggy trailers are usually 1.5 meters wide which is enough to both accommodate your golf cart and avoid getting it scratched on the way home. This cannot be guaranteed with an enclosed trailer which is why it’s always a good idea to go with 30 cm extra width.
Other Factors to Consider
Material
The most common materials used are steel, aluminium and aluminium alloy.
Steel trailers are going to last you for a long time and they are also the strongest type of trailers on the market. In recent years, steel golf buggy trailers have been made rust-resistant too. One downside of steel is its weight – you’ll need to verify that your vehicle is capable of towing a steel golf cart trailer.
Aluminium trailers are both lightweight and visually appealing, but not as strong as steel ones. Rust-resistance is something you can count on with an aluminium trailer which makes it ideal if you live near the coast. Whilst not the most durable, aluminium golf buggy trailers are still a solid alternative.
Aluminium alloy trailers offer a plethora of options that are both lightweight and strong. Manufacturers use different types of aluminium alloys to make the perfect combination of durability, strength and lightweightness. The more alloys are used, the higher the cost of the trailer.
Capacity & Safety
What is known as GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) determines the amount of weight the trailer can carry safely. Some manufacturers add the trailer’s weight to this rating, while others consider the GVWR of the trailer’s lowest component rating. This can be confusing which is why you need to make sure what a certain manufacturer refers to when specifying a trailer’s GVWR rating.
For a safe trailer, you’ll need to look for one that has the back hatch as a ramp to get your golf cart up on it. This means that you won’t have to carry additional ramps. Safety chains and tail light wiring harnesses are mandatory too, not only for your safety, but the safety of the drivers around you as well. If you go for a non-custom trailer, make sure to check if it has a safety rating.