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Golf Cart Buying Guide for RV Owners

Sep. 24 2020 Buying guide By Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports

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If you’re a full-time RV dweller, you may be looking for a means of transportation around the campground. Walking across long distances can be challenging for those with chronic health conditions and limited mobility, and it’s even a drag for able-bodied people who have a great deal of cargo to carry.

One of the most convenient means of transportation at an RV park or campground is a golf cart. These compact vehicles are less expensive than cars or trucks and they can be towed in a small trailer so they’re ready for your use whenever you arrive at your camping destination. Golf carts make trips around the campground easy and fun, too.

Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports, with locations in Wilmington and Raleigh, is your North Carolina golf cart dealer. Below, you’ll find a guide to help you purchase the perfect golf cart for use while traveling in your RV.

Gas or Electric?

Your two choices when it comes to purchasing a golf cart are gas or electric. Gas golf carts are powered by a traditional gasoline engine, while electric golf carts utilize a rechargeable battery. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks and the style you choose is generally up to personal preference.

Gas Golf Carts

Gas golf carts are very easy to power up because you only have to refill the gas tank and you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. Your gas tank should last you a while, too, since your golf cart should get pretty good mileage for its size. Gas models are more powerful and can easily climb up hills and travel over rugged terrain, so they’re great for off-road riding and more challenging conditions.

However, gas golf carts are not very environmentally friendly and they produce a lot of emissions and fumes which can be problematic for sensitive passengers. Gas models are noisier as well. You’ll need to perform more maintenance to ensure they work properly, including oil changes, and the cost of gas can be a major deterrent.

Electric Golf Carts

Electric golf carts offer a plethora of benefits, not least of which is how environmentally friendly they are! Because these carts run off a rechargeable battery, they produce zero emissions, so you won’t be polluting the atmosphere no matter how often you ride. A well-maintained electric golf cart battery can last up to ten years, and you won’t ever have to worry about rising gas prices. Also, there isn’t any smelly exhaust to worry about that could trigger someone’s asthma.

Electric golf carts operate more quietly, so they’re better suited to residential areas. Replacing their parts is often cheaper than it would be for a gas model, too. Powering up your electric golf cart is as simple as plugging it into an outlet and waiting for it to charge up.

There are a few drawbacks to electric golf carts. Charging does take a while and it must be done frequently. The more you ride, the more you’ll have to recharge, and you won’t be able to use your vehicle at all while it’s plugged in. Batteries require maintenance in order to prevent replacement, which is expensive. Additional features like stereo systems can run down the battery more quickly, so you may be limited when it comes to amenities. Electric golf carts are also less suitable for difficult terrain because they’re not as powerful and they don’t go as fast as their gas counterparts.

New or Used?

Another choice you’ll have to make is between new and used golf carts. Your choice depends primarily on your budget. Used models are suitable for those who are willing to put in some work to maintain or fix them up, but you’ll need to be cautious about the shopping process to ensure you don’t end up with a lemon. Make sure to get the vehicle history from the seller. Used golf carts are the most budget-friendly option as they’ve already undergone the process of depreciation.

New golf carts allow you access to the latest technological advancements, which is great if you love gadgetry. You’ll also be able to select your own customizations, like color schemes and add-on features. A new golf cart will also be certain to function properly and if any parts fail you, then you’ll be under warranty coverage so you won’t be on the hook for repair costs.

Of course, new golf carts are going to be significantly more expensive, and this is a major drawback for many buyers. Also, if you really like the look of a vintage golf cart, you certainly won’t get that when you buy new!

Features & Upgrades

Finally, you'll want to consider the types of features or upgrades you may wish to make on your golf cart to make it a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. Some options include:

  • Increased carrying capacity for cargo storage
  • Canopy to shelter you and your passengers from sun and precipitation
  • Stereo system for playing music while you ride
  • Drink holders for passengers’ beverages
  • Air conditioning
  • LED lights for dim riding conditions
  • Custom paint jobs to personalize your vehicle to your liking
  • Windshields to shield you from debris
  • Seatbelts for safety

We hope this guide helps you to select a golf cart that is perfect for all of your RV adventures. Ready to see some models? Check out our website to see the fine selection of new and used golf carts for sale at our dealerships in Raleigh and Wilmington. Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports proudly serves the cities of Clayton and Cary, NC.