Most standard golf carts won’t fully fit in a pickup truck bed due to dimensional mismatches. A typical 2-seat golf cart measures ~244 cm long x 122 cm wide x 190 cm tall, while full-size pickup beds generally max out at 244 cm length x 183 cm width x 55 cm height. While length/width might accommodate compact carts, the 190cm height exceeds bed walls—requiring specialized trailers or tilt-load methods for transport.
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What’s the critical dimensional mismatch?
The vertical clearance poses the biggest challenge—golf carts stand 165-190cm tall versus pickup bed walls averaging 40-55cm. Even collapsed convertible tops still require 135cm+ vertical space, forcing either open-bed transport with tie-downs or trailer use.
Practically speaking, pickup beds are designed for cargo under 1m height. Golf carts’ wheelbases (142-162cm) also risk overhang on shorter 183cm truck beds. Pro Tip: Use bed extenders for carts up to 274cm long, but confirm GVWR limits—a 500kg cart plus passengers may exceed payload capacity. For example, a Yamaha Drive2 (290cm L) would protrude 46cm from an 8′ bed, requiring red-flag marking per DOT regulations.
Can modified pickups carry golf carts?
Yes, with flatbed conversions or hydraulic tilt mechanisms. Commercial flatbeds provide 300+cm load areas and eliminate height restrictions, while tilt beds use 15°-25° angles for drive-on loading. However, these modifications cost $3,500-$12,000 and require frame reinforcement.
Beyond physical modifications, payload capacity matters—a 680kg electric cart needs a truck with at least 900kg payload rating. Diesel HD pickups (e.g., Ford F-450) handle this easily, but half-ton models like Chevy Silverado 1500 (<680kg payload) risk axle overload. Warning: Exceeding GAWR voids warranties and may cause suspension failure.
Solution | Cost | Capacity |
---|---|---|
Bed Extender | $200-$600 | +91cm length |
Flatbed Conversion | $3,500+ | Unlimited height |
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FAQs
Only with dual-axle trailers—6-seaters average 366cm length and 680kg weight, exceeding standard pickup capabilities. Use gooseneck trailers rated for 2,270kg+.
Is partial disassembly feasible?
Removing roofs/windshields saves ~30cm height but requires 2+ hours labor. Only attempt if comfortable with cart’s electrical/structural systems.