Upgrading Tow vehicle to haul a Golf Cart

[Craigmkd]

Hello Everyone, Got a couple questions but first just wanted to say that even though I am an ex FROG (sold our Roo for a Dutchmen Kodiak, guess that makes me a DOG now) this is still a great Forum. Anyway, two part question here, we want to get a golf cart and I think I need a standard bed Pickup 8' bed
cause I will have to tow with the tailgate off. Haven't picked out a golf cart yet and looking online I don't think one will fit in a short bed. Looking for input on that. Also payload capacities are a concern also. Our trailer only weighs around 7,000lbs loaded with a tongue wgt around 900. Towing capacity is covered with a F150 or 1500 series truck but payloads are light compared to a 3/4 ton truck. Problem is this is going to be the DW's daily ride and the last time I drove a 3/4 ton truck it rode like a truck. We will be test driving new vehicle just wondering if the wife will be disappointed with the ride. Size won't bother her. I have WD covered also. P.S. isn't everything behind the rear axel added to tongue weight? I guess that makes three questions. Thanks in advance for advice!

[HemiHemi19]

A friend of mine has a 2018 F 250 Diesel and it rides surprisingly well even with a front level kit. I got a 2019 Ram 2500 6.4 gas a few months ago and it also rides surprisingly well. This is my first HD truck and I only had older model HD trucks that I have been in to compare it to until i purchased mine. IMO the newer HDs ride nice. You will also have the extra towing power and in your case if you plan on putting a golf cart in the bed and towing the camper I think your going to want a HD. Just my opinion. Happy camping.

[mshenygo]

I had a chevy 2500hd short bed gasser when we had a golf cart, you are correct the tail gate will need to be removed to haul it. My 2500 had no problem hauling it with a 32 foot tow behind at all.

[dodgemark]

Agree with others, go with a 2500 with make of your choice for ride comfort. Had a Chevy 2500 that rode like a car. But didn’t have that power for me. I went with a ram 2500 , rides like a Cadillac when hooked up towing, but a bit harsher not . But nowhere near a Ford. That had plenty of power and hooked up rode pretty good, but not towing rode very stiff. Good luck in your choice

[upflying]

You will need a 2500/3500 to tow and to carry a golf cart in the bed.
My Tradesman rides firm but drives great on the highway.
https://golfcartgo.com/how-much-does-a-golf-cart-weigh/

[Semperfi24]

Look at the "cricket" golf carts. Much smaller than a "regular" golf cart. I dont have any personal experience with them, but it would be less expensive than buying a new vehicle (unless you really really want one and need an excuse, lol)

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Craigmkd

I don't think one will fit in a short bed. Looking for input on that.

Perhaps a variation of this setup would work



If the cart is narrow enough to fit down in the bed just use the front ramp and carry cart more "nose up" with tailgate closed.

[Craigmkd]

Originally Posted by Semperfi24

Look at the "cricket" golf carts. Much smaller than a "regular" golf cart. I dont have any personal experience with them, but it would be less expensive than buying a new vehicle (unless you really really want one and need an excuse, lol)

Appreciate the response and I kind of lucked out as the wife is the one that is pushing for the truck. I just need sound backup for going HD. We are towing with an Armada right now and it does pretty good but obviously won't work with a Golf cart. Unfortunately I can't use my Company truck for personal use, at this level, so it looks like we are going to be a truck family.

[Craigmkd]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Perhaps a variation of this setup would work



If the cart is narrow enough to fit down in the bed just use the front ramp and carry cart more "nose up" with tailgate closed.

Holy Crap. That's thinking out of the box, excuse the pun, but gives me some ideas about getting into a short bed for sure Thanks!

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Perhaps a variation of this setup would work



If the cart is narrow enough to fit down in the bed just use the front ramp and carry cart more "nose up" with tailgate closed.

What I don't see in that pic ? where are the ramps to get up to there ?? How long are those ramps (i'm guessing pretty damn long) and how do you carry ramps that big with you ??

[upflying]

That ATV Quad on the back of the F250(350) must be creating some serious problems with the center of gravity. I wouldn't want to take turns too abruptly.

[Hatchdog]

And what’s the overall height of that set up? In my parts that would be a “bridge banger”.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Hatchdog

And what’s the overall height of that set up? In my parts that would be a “bridge banger”.

I bet it's no higher than some 5vers I've seen.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by upflying

That ATV Quad on the back of the F250(350) must be creating some serious problems with the center of gravity. I wouldn't want to take turns too abruptly.

X2 ! Center of gravity would be so high that you could probably rock the vehicle onto it's side easily. My Ranger 400 is almost a 1000 lbs. That can't be all that much under that.

[upflying]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I bet it's no higher than some 5vers I've seen.

If it's under 13' 6", you are good to go nationwide.
https://www.heavyhaul.net/trucking-l...ht-limits-map/

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82

What I don't see in that pic ? where are the ramps to get up to there ?? How long are those ramps (i'm guessing pretty damn long) and how do you carry ramps that big with you ??

Ramps for these setups are usually stored under the rack/vehicle and hinge in the middle. Pull them out, un-fold, and ramps can be 10 feet long.