Do you have customers looking for custom camping golf carts? This is one of the most fun custom golf carts to design alongside a customer. There are a lot of elements to play around with, and you can delve into a number of add-ons that make roughing it a little bit easier and more accessible.
There are two different types of golf carts for camping – carts built for campgrounds and carts build for out in the wild. You’ll customize carts very differently for these two spaces. Using an app like Build Your Golf Cart allows you to create the design side-by-side with a customer, instead of sitting across the desk from them. It’s the only app that’s a subscription, which means updates with all the latest parts every month. It’s getting a customization tool as-a-service, which means it stays current and makes you a lot more flexible in terms of what you can build with your customer. Now, let’s get into the elements of building a great custom camping golf cart.
Campgrounds: Electric or Gasoline?
This choice really depends on a few key factors. Is the customer camping at a campground? For this, electric seems to have the edge. Many campgrounds won’t allow gas powered golf carts. This is especially true of any campground near to a reservoir. Otherwise pristine waterways can get polluted by use of gas powered carts. Even campgrounds that allow cars may disallow gas powered golf carts – this is because they haven’t been through the same emissions tests. Others will allow gas powered carts during the day but not at night.
Gas requires bringing fuel along instead of batteries, so the trade-off in terms of weight and space is about equal between the two.
If you’re not going to the campground, but camping out in the wild, then it does depend on terrain. Gas powered carts are usually more powerful for the investment, so if there’s a lot of hilly terrain in your area, you may want to stick with the gas power.
Electric can be more rugged in certain ways, though. This goes against what a lot of people think. Electric engines are typically more reliable and will give you fewer unexpected issues. This makes a big difference when your cart’s out in the woods. They can also match many gas-powered carts in power if the controller is upgraded.
Batteries tend to be more expensive, but proper maintenance can ensure their lifespan makes them a cost-saver in the long run.
If you want to do your customer a huge favor and look like a hero in their eyes, ask their favorite campgrounds and then call them about restrictions. This will take two or three minutes, but you’ll know immediately whether there are gas powered cart restrictions.
Out in the Wild: What Do You Need for Roughing It?
If the cart’s going through wild areas, then the first customizations to consider after the engine and controller are the lift kit and tires. We particularly like EZ GO’s range of all-terrain tires, but Club Car’s got a good selection, too.
Carrying capacity makes a lot of difference when using a golf cart for camping. Elements like flip-down rear seats can help customers adjust for size of party or for carrying capacity.
If you’re in an area with a lot of overgrowth and bramble, make sure they have a front rack to clear the path. Extra racks and holders are also a good idea.
Above all, don’t forget good headlights. A customer may tell you they don’t need them, but it can make a huge difference when the weather sets in and they’re caught out in it.
There are a number of camo patterns that are also available. It’s funny that after everything else you put into it, it’s the camo pattern that can often sell a custom camping golf cart. All these touches customers put into a golf cart for camping make them feel like the cart is personal.