Towing a Dead Golf Cart: Helpful Tips

Introduction

We’ve all been there – you’re out enjoying a leisurely round of golf or cruising through your community when suddenly, your trusty golf cart decides it’s quitting time. And as luck would have it, these breakdowns rarely happen in convenient locations like your garage or the cart barn. More often than not, you’ll find yourself stranded on the back nine or while the grandkids have taken the cart to the community pool. So, what do you do when your golf cart gives up the ghost far from home? How do you safely tow your dead golf cart back to civilization without causing more damage? Don’t worry, fellow golf cart enthusiasts – ExtremeKartz.com has got you covered with this comprehensive guide to towing a dead golf cart.

Understanding the Risks of Improper Towing

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of safe towing practices, it’s crucial to understand why proper towing is so important. You might be tempted to simply hook up your cart to the nearest vehicle and drag it home, but this can lead to catastrophic and expensive damage.

Here’s a sobering thought: the last customer who towed his golf cart out of the woods without taking proper precautions ended up buying a new motor and controller, on top of fixing the original problem that caused the breakdown. Ouch!

The reason for this potential damage lies in the nature of electric motors. When an electric motor is spun without power (like when being towed), it essentially becomes a generator, producing current that can fry your cart’s sensitive electronics. It’s a bit like trying to force-feed electricity back into your home’s power lines – nothing good can come of it!

Essential Steps for Safe Towing

Now that we understand the risks, let’s walk through the critical steps you need to take before towing your dead golf cart:

1. Disconnect the Battery

First things first – you need to disconnect the main negative battery cable. I know, I know – most of us don’t carry a toolbox when we’re out golfing. But even if you can manage it with a pair of pocket pliers, disconnecting the electrical connection between the batteries and the golf cart is absolutely crucial. This step is especially important for series carts (those with a bulky shifter knob located in front of the bottom seat).

2. Shift into Neutral

Next, you’ll want to place the shifter in the neutral position. If your cart has a rocker switch for forward and reverse, put it in the middle position. For carts with the bulky knob in front of the bottom seat, position it straight up for neutral.

3. Engage the Tow/Run Switch

Lift the seat and locate the tow/run switch. Put it in the “tow” position. The location of this switch varies by model:

• E-Z-GO models: Usually on the black controller cover under the seat on the passenger’s side.
• Older Club Cars: At the top of the battery compartment, toward the front under the seat.
• Newer Precedent models: In the lower middle of the rear battery compartment.

If you’re unsure whether your cart has a tow/run switch, it’s essential to find out before you need it. As a general rule, if your cart has a rocker switch for forward/neutral/reverse, it likely has a tow/run switch.

The Consequences of Improper Towing

Let me paint you a picture of what can happen when these steps aren’t followed. We recently had a golf cart come into our dealership that needed a new controller, power solenoid, and motor. The motor had burned out to the point of locking up completely. Our poor technician had to winch the cart onto the trailer at the customer’s house because it wouldn’t even roll!

Here’s what happens: When you tow an improperly prepared electric golf cart, the spinning motor acts like a massive generator. This generated current travels through the battery cables, seeking a destination. Without the proper precautions, this current can wreak havoc on your cart’s electronics.

The faster you tow, the higher the motor’s RPMs, and the hotter it gets. This extreme heat can melt the brush holder, burn out the field coils, and ultimately cause the armature windings to explode. The result? A completely fried motor that eventually locks up.

Trust me, the smell of a burned-out golf cart electrical system is not something you want to experience. It’s enough to take your breath away – and not in a good way!

Towing Speed and Distance Considerations

Most golf cart manufacturers recommend not exceeding speeds of 5-8 miles per hour when towing. Higher speeds lead to higher motor RPMs, which in turn generate more heat. It’s not just about speed, though – the longer the towing distance, the more heat can build up.

If you’re unsure about the temperature, you can always perform a quick touch test on the motor. It’s accessible from the bottom of the golf cart. If it feels hot to the touch, it’s time to take a break and let things cool down.

What to Do If You’re Stranded

Now, let’s talk about what to do if you find yourself stranded with a dead golf cart:

1. Don’t panic: Remember, this happens to the best of us.
2. Assess the situation: Is it safe to leave the cart where it is while you get help? If not, can you push it to a safer location?
3. Call for assistance: Many golf courses and communities have staff who can help with dead carts. If you’re on your own property, consider calling a friend or neighbor with a suitable towing vehicle.
4. Prepare for towing: Follow the steps outlined earlier to disconnect the battery, shift to neutral, and engage the tow/run switch.
5. Use proper towing equipment: A tow strap designed for golf carts is ideal. Never use a chain, as it can cause damage to both vehicles.
6. Tow carefully: Remember to keep your speed under 8 mph and take breaks if you’re towing a long distance.

Preventative Maintenance: Avoiding Future Breakdowns

While knowing how to safely tow your golf cart is important, it’s even better to avoid breakdowns in the first place. Here are some tips for keeping your cart running smoothly:

• Regular battery maintenance: Check water levels monthly and keep terminals clean and corrosion-free.
• Tire care: Maintain proper tire pressure and check for wear regularly.
• Brake inspection: Have your brakes checked annually or if you notice any changes in performance.
• Electrical system check: Have a professional inspect your cart’s electrical system yearly.
• Keep it clean: Regular cleaning can help you spot potential issues before they become major problems.

Conclusion

Being stranded with a dead golf cart can put a damper on your day, but it doesn’t have to lead to costly repairs. By following these safe towing practices, you can get your cart back home or to the repair shop without causing additional damage.

Remember, the key steps are:

1. Disconnect the battery
2. Shift to neutral
3. Engage the tow/run switch
4. Tow slowly and carefully

And don’t forget – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular maintenance can help keep your golf cart running smoothly and reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns.

Happy golfing, and safe travels!

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