Modifying Your Golf Cart For Off-Roading

When you think of a golf cart, you might think of a slow-moving vehicle on a golf course — and why not? It’s in the name! But these versatile machines have branched out into everything from hunting trips to an easy way to cross campuses. With a sturdy frame and increasing popularity, golf carts are becoming more and more common for drivers who want to put their own spin on their ride and take it off-roading.

To help you with some basic modifications, we’ve put together this guide on some of the ways you can customize your cart. If you need one to turn into a masterpiece or you’re looking for a specific part, stop by Revel 42 of Wilmington. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, our store and staff are ready and waiting to get you what you need!

General Benefits And Starting Questions

Even if you don’t plan on mudding with your golf cart, off-roading modifications have a number of general benefits in terms of performance increases and safety. But there’s a wide variety of modifications you can make. Figuring out exactly what you’ll be using your cart for can help you narrow that list down. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does my cart currently meet my needs?
• Do I want to use it in a different way than I presently do?
• Do I plan to carry heavy items or groups of people with it?
• What terrain do I plan to traverse with it?

Once you know the answers to those questions, narrowing down your wants and goals for your modifications will be a cinch. That, in turn, will tell you what parts you’ll need and how expensive purchase and installation will be. For general upgrades, read on!

Making It A Workhorse

If you plan to use your cart to help you work, there are a few modifications you’ll want to consider to maximize utility. The first of these is adding heavy duty leaf springs. These springs improve your vehicle’s suspension and are relatively modular, meaning that if they get damaged somehow, you won’t need to replace your suspension system entirely - just the damaged springs. Leaf springs will help your cart deal with extra weight, like passengers or heavy cargo, and offer better rear suspension and stability, making your ride smoother and more pleasant.

Machinery

You might also consider an upgraded motor. With golf cart motors, you can focus either on increasing torque or increasing speed. With any cart that’s going off-roading or being used as a utility vehicle, torque will likely be your priority. To upgrade your torque, look for a motor that contains a larger field coil. The larger the coil, the greater the magnetic field it generates, the more torque it produces. 

A winch is also handy for a utility vehicle or one that’s going to be in messy or steep terrain. These can be installed at either the front or rear of the vehicle and can be used for moving heavy objects or getting your cart out of ditches or mud. Anyone who’ll be driving through damp or steep areas should consider a winch. Wiring a winch up to your power supply can be done a number of different ways, so make sure to examine winches for the best fit for you.

Aesthetics And Safety

Your cart can be more than just a tool — it can be an expression of your own tastes. Adding unique details to make your cart look the way you want can be fun, and many of these options will also increase safety for off-roading and night driving. Your first step on that path is a lift kit, which allows your cart to accommodate large tires. These can make it easier and smoother to drive over bumpy terrain, and also gives you a wider selection of styles.

Collision Safety And Visibility

Making sure your cart comes back from a bumpy ride is just as important as making sure it can go out on one, both for your safety and your wallet. Push bars are an easy way to add a bit of armor between your vehicle and any collisions it might be involved in. These can be added to the front bumper of your cart with little difficulty, preventing direct damage and allowing you to push objects with your cart without damage or scratches. 

Installing LED light bars can also keep you safe around other drivers or in dimly lit areas and can add a bit of flair. These lights help you see what’s ahead of you at night as well as make you more visible. Most LED utility bars come in a variety of styles, colors, and brightness, making it easy to find one that fits your tastes.

Interior

The inside of a golf cart can be just as important as the outside. Upgraded seating can help you impress by selecting for seat color, comfort level, and durability, or even by making a DIY cushion to add your personal touch. Safety features like seat belts can also show your passengers that their safety and yours are as important as the looks, and can be important when exploring nature.

Floor mats are another way to both protect and decorate the cart’s interior. Along with giving you yet another option to customize, floor mats can protect your floors from the weather and anything you might splash or track in. That way, no matter how messy your cart gets, it has an extra layer of stylish protection from the elements.

To learn more, stop by Revel 42 of Wilmington, proudly serving Leland and Carolina Beach, North Carolina for any parts, servicing, and financing needs.