6 Ideas for Customizing an Off-Road Golf Cart

Avid hunters, campers, or outdoor explorers — This one is for you. 

If you’re looking to tackle the wild in comfort and style, a custom golf cart could be the perfect solution. While traditionally associated with golf courses, golf carts have evolved beyond their original purpose. The good news is that some strategic modifications can transform “traditional golf carts” into rugged off-road vehicles capable of handling tough trails and challenging terrains. 

Customizing your golf cart for the outdoors can open up all kinds of new adventuring possibilities. Here are six top ways to create the ultimate tough and trail-ready golf cart.

Custom Golf Cart Modifications for Outdoor Enthusiasts

1. Achieve Higher Ground Clearance

When it comes to golf cart customization for off-road use, lift kits are at the top of the list. Essentially, lift kits allow golf cart owners to raise the vehicle 3-6 inches off the ground, which makes it easier to navigate rough terrains, brush, and debris. This higher ground clearance offers three main benefits. For starters, it protects the vehicle from potential damage to the underside of the cart. Secondly, it allows the installation of larger tires, enhancing ground traction for better performance on mud, sand, loose gravel, and other uneven surfaces. Lastly, it provides passengers with a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Drivers can choose from various lift kit types, with the drop spindle lift kit being a popular option. However, it’s important to note that lift kits vary, and selection should consider factors such as driving style, price, and mechanical expertise.

2. Install Larger Tires and Wheels

As mentioned, installing a lift kit allows you to upgrade to larger tires with diameters of 20 inches and above for increased ground clearance. But larger off-road tires provide more than just higher ride height — they add another level of protection and driving experience.

Off-road golf cart tires are purpose-built to handle difficult, bumpy terrains. Their increased thickness, width, and deeper tread patterns give off-road tires superior traction and stability when traversing challenging environments. Furthermore, off-road wheels and tires are engineered to withstand much more abuse and wear than regular golf cart tires, making them a more durable and reliable all-terrain vehicle. As a bonus, larger-diameter tires will also provide a little extra golf cart speed for some added fun.

3. Boost Your Suspension System

The suspension system is crucial for a golf cart’s durability, driving experience, and passenger safety, making it an essential aspect to consider when customizing golf carts for off-road use. Specifically, the suspension system’s primary function is to ensure stability by minimizing rattling over rugged terrains or road hazards. However, due to its critical role, suspension system parts can wear out over time.

Suspension system upgrades in custom golf carts include:

• Leaf Springs — Made of steel or composites, leaf springs support and evenly distribute the cart’s weight for stability and a smooth ride. 
• Suspension Bushings — Rubber bushings act as absorbers, preventing harsh metal-on-metal friction. Softer bushings isolate more vibrations and noise.
• Shock Absorbers — These dampen spring and wheel motion by dissipating kinetic energy as heat. Heavy-duty shocks increase damping capabilities for better control over uneven terrain.

4. Upgrade to a Lithium-Ion Battery

While golf cart battery upgrades can be costlier than other golf cart customizations, they are actually an extremely worthwhile modification for off-road golf cart usage. Lithium batteries are used to power electric golf carts, which offers health and environmental benefits. 

Most notably, for off-road applications, upgrading to a lithium-ion battery brings key practical advantages such as fewer maintenance requirements, lighter weight, and faster charging times. These benefits allow you to maximize your off-road golf cart’s usage without frequently stopping for battery maintenance. E-Z-GO’s ELiTE Lithium batteries even come with an 8-year warranty for added peace of mind, especially when exploring the wilds with the golf cart.

5. Improve Protection, Enhance the Look

Brush guards serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose when customizing an off-road golf cart. Functionality-wise, these sturdy guards protect the front end of the cart from damage caused by debris strikes, branches, tall grass, and other obstacles, also preventing expensive body repairs. At the same time, brush guards give the cart a rugged, “aggressive off-road” look, appealing to hunting, camping, and off-road enthusiasts.

No less important, installing a brush guard is an easy DIY project that doesn’t require special tools or skills. Most brush guards use a no-drill installation, simply attaching to the existing holes on the cart’s front frame using basic tools like a socket wrench. This allows you to add functional protection and achieve that off-road styling in no time.

6. Protect Yourself

Customizing an off-road golf cart is not just about style and performance; it’s also about personal safety, especially for rough terrains. Neglecting proper safety precautions could lead to serious injuries or accidents when exploring less-traveled routes.

Here are some protective modifications to consider:

• Seat Belts — Installing seat belts is a crucial safety measure to protect yourself and your passengers from potential accidents and impacts.
• Windshield — A sturdy windshield will protect you from flying debris, branches, and small rocks that could potentially cause injury while driving off-road.
• Extended Roof — Opt for a hard-top extended roof made from materials like plastic or fiberglass to provide added protection from weather elements and overhead hazards.
• Upgraded Braking System — Larger brake calipers, rotors, and hydraulic lines increase stopping power on steep descents.

Ready to Hit the Road?

If tackling your next outdoor excursion in a custom off-road golf cart sounds appealing, the experts at Garrett’s Golf Cars can help make it a reality. With a rich golf cart and parts and accessories inventory, you’ll find everything needed to build the ultimate adventure vehicle. Our knowledgeable and friendly team can guide you through the customization process every step of the way to ensure you end up with a trail-ready golf cart optimized for your specific needs.