Building An Off-Road Golf Cart

Driving your golf cart around the fairway is all well and good, but sometimes you want something a little more extreme and a little more rugged. Fortunately, it’s not too much of a challenge to build a golf cart that’s capable of going off-road. You’ll need to have some basic mechanical skills and tools, of course, but it’s a task that is doable if you can power through it. And then you’ll be able to hunt or go on recreational rides in your golf car without worrying about whether it can handle all that tough terrain!

Dever Golf Car Sales, serving all of Kentucky, is your local golf cart dealership. We’re aware of how much people enjoy riding golf carts and other low-speed vehicles (LSVs) off the beaten path, so we’ve provided this guide to help you build your own off-road golf cart.

Locate A Cart

First things first: you need a cart to build onto! For off-roading, aluminum is probably better than steel because it resists corrosion, and you’re bound to get your golf cart wet when going off-roading. You may wish to look into used models that could use a good overhaul already, rather than trying to convert a brand-new one.

Analyze The Motor

Now you’ll need to make sure that your golf cart’s engine has enough power to get the vehicle over more difficult terrain. The low-horsepower engines that come with most carts are designed for fairly flat and even ground, so you’ll need something that can offer you more torque for surmounting steep hills and higher speeds for traversing longer distances.

Invest In A Lift Kit

The suspension on your golf cart probably isn’t sturdy enough for off-roading. An upgrade will lift up the body of your cart to help you gain more clearance over rocky and uneven ground. This in turn will help your cart haul cargo and passengers more easily. You can choose between kits that are 3”, 6”, 9” or even 12” depending on your needs. Make sure your new suspension is capable of providing enough support.

Change Out The Tires

The factory tires on your golf cart are simply not designed for rugged terrain. You’re going to need to change them out for all-terrain vehicle tires, which have much better traction to allow you to get a better grip on slippery or muddy ground. Seek out tires that will fit your vehicle well and check the tread to make sure it’s sufficiently deep enough for off-roading.

Add A Steering Wheel

If you want more control for an improved driving experience, add a steering wheel to your vehicle. Your hands will be less fatigued and it will be easier to handle your golf cart if you have a steering wheel that’s at least 13” in diameter.

Install A Windshield

Your average golf car lacks a windshield, but if you’re riding off the fairway, it’s going to become a necessity. A windshield can protect you and your passengers from becoming covered in mud, water or dirt as you ride over tough terrain. It can also shield you from flying debris and loose branches. The cost will vary depending on how thick the acrylic is and whether or not they’re able to fold down.

Swap Out The Battery

The standard battery in your golf car probably isn’t the strongest or longest-running battery in the world. If you’re going to go on longer journeys over tougher ground, you’ll need a stronger battery. Seek out batteries that will maximize your cart’s run time and keep them in good shape; they could last you as long as five or six years!

While it’s labor-intensive to build your own off-road golf cart, it can be extremely rewarding when you see the results! Want to find a base to build off of, or locate a cart for riding around the fairway? Come see us at one of our Kentucky locations today to take a tour of our wide selection of new and used golf carts for sale or for rent. We provide golf cart parts and repair services, should you need them! Dever Golf Car Sales proudly serves the cities of Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky.