How much does a Golf Cart weigh?
The average golf cart weight ranges between 800 and 1100 pounds, but this varies on several factors. Some things that can affect the weight of your golf cart include:
- Battery weight
- Golf cart size(seats)
- Electric vs gas cart
- Accessories put on the cart
How Much Extra Weight Do Batteries Add?
After seeing that battery weight is a big factor in the average weight of a golf cart you are probably wondering, how much do golf cart batteries weigh? Your golf cart’s battery weight can easily range anywhere from 10 to 300 pounds. This is because some golf carts require larger batteries and sometimes more than one. If you are trying to find out the difference of EZ-GO or club car weight with batteries, they will have around the same weight range. So how heavy is a golf cart with and without batteries? There are actually two terms that describe the weight of a golf cart in both scenarios
Dry weight: The dry weight of a golf cart measures what the cart will weigh without the installation of the battery or golf cart accessories. The reason these two different weights are taken is that parts like the battery can easily add a great amount of weight to your golf cart.
Curb weight: You will most likely need to use the curb weight as your reference because your golf cart will probably be in its completed state with the battery and upgrades installed. The curb weight is what your golf cart will weigh with the batteries installed.
Examples of Different Golf Cart Weights
It is difficult to put an exact weight on any type of golf cart because of the numerous variables that go into the calculation. The weight will depend on all the variables that were listed and possibly other factors too. The best way to determine the weight of your cart is to contact the manufacturer.
How much does an electric golf cart weigh and how much does a gas golf cart weigh? Is there a difference in the weight of each type of golf cart? Yes, there is a difference. electric golf carts are usually heavier than gas golf carts because they rely solely on battery power. electric golf carts can have between 4 to 6 battery cells, multiplying the curb weight of the cart.
Here are just a few examples of different golf cart weights to give a broad view of how much the weight of a cart can differ.
2 passenger Club Car Villager weight of golf cart: 48-volt Electric 975 lbs; Gas 675 lbs
Lifted 4 passenger Club Car Carryall weight of golf cart: 48-volt Electric 1125 lbs; Gas 875 lbs
6 passenger Club Car Precedent Stretch PTV weight of golf cart: HP Electric 1293 lbs; Gas 980 lbs
Golf Cart Weight Limit for Cargo and Passengers
It is recommended that you do not exceed the weight limit that your golf cart can carry to extend the life of your cart. If there are too many passengers on a golf cart you may notice the cart traveling at a slower speed than normal. If you do this too often, you can damage your cart’s power systems.
Most golf carts will account for having passengers in each seat up to around 200 lbs. for golf carts with more passengers, that limit will increase. To be on the safe side, just make sure that you are not carrying more passengers than there are seats. Here are a few examples of a golf cart’s carrying weight.
2 passenger: ~ 400-550 lbs
4 passenger: ~ 800 lbs
6 passenger: ~ 1500 lbs
2 passenger Utility: ~ 800-1200 lbs
How much weight can a golf cart tow?
The average golf cart can tow around 1,000 lbs of cargo, but some can tow more. Golf cart towing is a useful way to transport smaller cargo short distances without having to use a full-size vehicle. So what can you tow with a golf cart? The brand and specs of your golf cart will influence how much weight your golf cart can tow.
The horsepower of your golf cart also influences how much your golf cart can tow. So how much hp does a golf cart have? An electric cart has between 3-5hp and a gas cart has about 10-12hp, so you will be able to tow more weight with a gas golf cart as it will have more torque power. Although, there are some exceptions like a 48-volt Club Car DS, which can have up to 10hp. You will have to check how much horsepower your cart model has with a manufacturer if you want to know an exact number.
Before using your golf cart to tow, make sure you know that the cart can handle the weight before you commit to it. You will also want to make sure that tire pressure on your golf cart is at the correct psi so you do not damage your cart. Some things that you will most likely be able to tow with a golf cart include:
- Jet Ski
- Small Boat
- Small Trailer
- Another golf cart
You can find towing attachments for your golf cart online. With a towing attachment, you can connect a boat or jet ski trailer to the back of most golf carts. A small golf cart should be able to tow a small boat or jet ski without issues.
How Can You Tow A Golf Cart?
If you are looking for the weight of a golf cart to find out if you can transport your golf cart, you came to the right place. Before loading a golf cart onto a flatbed truck or onto a trailer, you should know the weight of your golf cart so you can safely transport it. If you are transporting your cart using a pickup truck, check out our guide on golf cart dimensions for loading and transporting. This guide also gives advice on what kind of trailer you can tow a golf cart with and suggestions for which golf cart hauling trailers to use.
How Does Golf Cart Weight Affect Performance?
The weight of your golf cart plays a significant role in its overall performance. A heavier cart will require more energy to move, which can lead to slower speeds and reduced efficiency, especially in electric models. Conversely, lighter carts may offer better acceleration and handling. Let’s explore how different aspects of your golf cart’s weight can impact its performance in key areas:
1. Speed and Acceleration
A golf cart’s weight directly affects how fast it can go and how quickly it can accelerate. Heavier carts, especially those loaded with accessories or large batteries, may have slower top speeds. If you’re driving your cart on hilly terrain or over long distances, this can make a noticeable difference. Gas-powered carts often perform better in terms of speed and acceleration compared to electric ones, especially when the load is heavy.
2. Battery Life and Energy Efficiency
The weight of a golf cart can also impact its battery life, especially for electric models. Heavier carts with larger batteries require more energy to move, which can drain the battery faster. If your cart is on the heavier side, you may notice that you need to recharge it more often, especially if you regularly carry passengers or cargo.
If you’re concerned about maintaining battery life, consider limiting the amount of extra weight you add to your cart, such as heavy accessories or multiple passengers. Additionally, opting for a cart with more efficient, lighter lithium batteries instead of traditional lead-acid batteries can help preserve energy and extend range.
3. Handling and Maneuverability
Another factor influenced by golf cart weight is how well the cart handles, especially in tight spaces or on uneven terrain. Lighter carts tend to be easier to maneuver, allowing for smoother turns and better control. On the other hand, a heavier cart, especially one loaded with cargo or extra features, can feel more sluggish and harder to steer.
If you often drive your cart in areas with sharp turns or narrow pathways, a lighter cart may be preferable. This could improve your ability to navigate tight spots and make the overall driving experience more enjoyable.
4. Braking Distance
The braking distance of a golf cart is also affected by its weight. Heavier carts will take longer to come to a complete stop, which can pose safety risks, especially if you are driving on slopes or need to stop quickly. If your cart is carrying a lot of extra weight, it’s important to account for this when driving, especially if your cart doesn’t have upgraded braking systems.
5. Tire Wear and Maintenance
The more weight your golf cart carries, the more pressure is put on the tires. Overloading your cart can cause tires to wear out faster, leading to increased maintenance costs. You may also notice that your cart’s suspension has to work harder to support the extra weight, which can lead to a rougher ride.
To avoid unnecessary tire wear and suspension issues, be mindful of your cart’s weight limit, and don’t overload it with passengers or cargo beyond its capacity.
Towing and Weight Distribution
When towing with your golf cart, it’s not just the weight of the cart that matters—it’s also the distribution of that weight. A cart that’s too heavy in the back can be harder to control when towing a trailer or another vehicle. Always ensure that the weight is evenly distributed across your cart to avoid tipping or damaging the cart’s frame.
Modifications and Add-Ons
Adding accessories like roof racks, storage bins, or larger wheels to your golf cart can increase its weight significantly. While these modifications may enhance your cart’s functionality or appearance, they can also put more strain on its engine or battery. When adding modifications, always consider how much weight they will add and how they might affect your cart’s overall performance.
Conclusion
In summary, the weight of your golf cart affects everything from speed and battery life to handling and braking distance. Being mindful of the total weight, including passengers, cargo, and accessories, can help you maintain optimal performance and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your cart. If you’re towing or adding modifications, always consider how these changes will impact the cart’s performance and safety. By understanding how weight influences your golf cart, you can make more informed decisions about how to use and maintain it.
J’s Golf Carts
Looking for an economic and convenient way to tow and haul things around your property? Gone are the days when golf carts were only used on golf courses. At J’s Golf Carts, a common question we get from our customers is “How much weight can a golf cart tow?”. Golf carts can be extremely handy vehicles, used to carry all sorts of equipment and accessories to help around your home or business. Towing capacities differ on select models, and we are proud to have powerful golf carts that can tow up to 2,000 pounds!
