If you love your golf cart as much as I adore mine, properly storing it is important. A range of golf cart storage options are available depending on the type of golf cart you own, how much space you have available, and where you live. With the increasing prevalence of personal golf carts, owners seek innovative and practical ways to store them. Whether through a custom-built golf cart storage shed, creatively used space, weatherproof golf cart cover, or a corner of your garage, the goal remains the same: to maintain the golf cart in top condition while not in use.
Factors such as security, weather protection, and ease of access are pivotal in ensuring that the storage solutions safeguard the golf cart and support your lifestyle. It’s essential to choose a storage method that prevents clutter, protects against the elements, and extends the life and performance of the golf cart.
Assessing Your Storage Needs
Before deciding on a storage solution for a golf cart, evaluate the space required and consider the golf cart’s dimensions and any additional accessories and extras that need accommodation. The ideal storage location will consider several factors.
Evaluating Space Requirements
The storage area size should accommodate the golf cart with extra space for ease of movement and maintenance. Extra space is crucial to avoid scratches or dents when parking or removing the golf cart. It’s also important to consider future needs or the possibility of storing another vehicle.
Considering Golf Cart Dimensions
The golf cart dimensions should directly inform storage designs. Whether the cart is standard-sized or customized with lift kits, golf cart rear seats, or extended golf cart roof, the shed dimensions must account for these alterations to ensure a proper fit. Use precise measurements, factoring in height, width, and length, for a complete measurement of the exterior of the golf cart to guide construction or purchase of a storage solution. I once sold a golf cart to a customer who was shocked that the 10″ lift kit on the golf cart made it too tall to fit in his garage. He was NOT happy.
Accounting for Accessories and Extras
Additional storage space is necessary for those with golf cart accessories and personal items accompanying their cart. Golf cart accessories like windshields, custom golf cart wheels, and custom seats often require extra protected storage solutions.
Related: Luxury Golf Cart Seats: Best Custom Replacement Cushions
Choosing the Right Storage Solution
When storing a golf cart, the selected storage solution should balance accessibility with protection from the elements.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Options
Deciding between indoor and outdoor options depends on available space and climate control needs. While an indoor storage unit or garden shed protects against weather and temperature fluctuations, especially during the winter season, outdoor options may be more accessible and cost-effective for those with limited indoor space.
Golf Cart Garages and Sheds
For a permanent and secure solution, golf cart owners can consider constructing a golf cart shed, golf car garage, or even a complete golf cart storage building. These structures typically offer ample space and can be equipped with organizational solutions for accessories and even a charging station for your electric golf cart. Planning the construction of a permanent storage shed can be a more detailed process, but it will provide increased protection and security for your golf cart. Here are some options for constructing a golf cart garage.
Patiowell 10X10 Foot Metal Storage Shed
Available in a variety of colors, this spacious metal shed has plenty of room for your golf cart. It has a sloped roof and locking door to provide safe and secure protection from the elements. It ships in pieces and all parts are pre-cut and pre-drilled to make assembly easier.
Lovtimber 10×8 Foot Metal Storage Shed
This metal storage shed is large enough to accommodate most golf carts. The double door is secure and easy to use and this shed has 32 vents designed to keep the shed aired out.
If you construct your golf cart garage on a raised foundation, which is recommended, remember that you may need ramps to help drive your golf cart inside.
Portable and Temporary Shelters
For flexible options, portable and temporary shelters can offer a quick setup and takedown. These versatile shelters can be relocated as needed, providing a balance of convenience and protection. These shelters are also a great idea for RVers who travel with their golf cart and don’t want to leave it unprotected at their campsite. Here are some options for storing and protecting your golf cart using a portable shelter.
Advance Outoor 7×12 Foot Portable Storage
With doors at the front and rear of the storage structure, pulling your golf cart in will be a breeze. Durable vinyl, venting, and roll up doors are a few of the features that make this portable golf cart storage a popular option. It includes everything you need to build it and also includes accessories like bungees, anchors, connectors, etc.
Vevor 10×20 Foot Portable Carport
Portable carports make for excellent golf cart storage, especially if you have a four or six-passenger golf cart that requires extra space. This heavy-duty portable carport has roll-up ventilated windows and is UV-protected and weather-resistant. There are a couple of different installation and anchoring methods, depending on how portable or permanent you want it and the weather conditions.
Golf Cart Storage Covers
If building a storage structure for your golf cart is not possible, there are several golf cart storage accessories available to maintain your golf cart in optimal condition and prevent potential damage that can occur from keeping it outdoors unprotected in inclement weather. Lead acid golf cart batteries can freeze during cold winter, so consider your climate before storing your golf cart outdoors.
Explore Land Waterproof Golf Cart Cover
If your golf cart will remain outdoors, purchase a cover constructed from thick polyester with a thick waterproof coating (600D or 900D). This cover will protect your golf cart from sand, snow, dust, and UV rays. The air vents make sure that air circulates and mold and mildew don’t grow.
Renting a Golf Cart Storage Unit
If you plan to store your golf cart for a significant period of time and do not have indoor storage available in your home, consider renting a golf cart storage unit. When considering golf cart storage units, evaluate based on space availability, budget constraints, and desired amenities. You will want a unit with access to an electrical outlet so that a battery maintainer can be used. Factors like ventilation, weather resistance, and security should influence the decision.
Maintaining Your Golf Cart in Storage
When storing golf carts, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance, protect the vehicle from extreme temperatures, and prevent battery and tire damage to keep it in good condition.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the golf cart remains operational after storage. It includes checking and maintaining proper tire pressure to prevent flat spots or deterioration. Battery maintenance is another key component; it involves regularly checking and topping off battery fluid levels and ensuring a full charge every month to keep the golf cart’s battery from losing its capacity or suffering from sulfation.
- Check tire pressure: Maintain the recommended PSI.
- Battery care: Keep the batteries fully charged and check fluid levels.
Protecting from Extreme Temperatures
Golf carts need protection from extreme temperatures, as both hot and cold conditions can lead to damage. In colder climates, storing the cart in a temperature-controlled environment is advised to prevent battery freezing. Insulating the space or using a thermal blanket can provide additional protection against the cold.
- Store in a temperature-controlled area if possible.
- Use insulation or thermal blankets to shield against the cold temperatures.
Preventing Battery and Tire Damage
Preventing battery and tire damage goes hand in hand with the above information. The best way to avoid excessive battery discharge, disconnect the battery if the golf cart is not used for an extended period. Consider placing the cart on jack stands for the tires to relieve pressure and avoid long-term damage.
- Disconnect the battery: Prevent excessive power drain if storing for long periods.
- Elevate the golf cart: Use jacks to alleviate pressure on the tires.
Related: How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last on One Charge
Security Measures for Stored Golf Carts
When storing golf carts, owners should prioritize security measures to prevent theft, and protect against environmental damage. These strategies not only safeguard the cart but also offer peace of mind.
Theft Prevention Strategies
- Physical Locks: Utilize heavy-duty locks as a deterrent. Wheel or pedal locks are effective, mounting directly onto the wheels or pedals, making movement impossible without the key. Consider locks designed to handle a golf cart’s tire width and wheel thickness, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
- Storage Shed: It’s a good idea to have a golf cart shed at least 5 feet wide by 10 feet long for a standard golf cart. This provides enough space for the cart and extra storage while keeping it out of sight. Heavy-duty locks will prevent break-ins.
- Key Management: Always remove keys from the ignition and store them in a secure location. Do not leave them in a lockbox attached to the golf cart, as it might be compromised. Also, if you have a golf cart model that uses common keys, consider replacing the key switch with an uncommon one.
Safeguarding Against Environmental Threats
- Ventilation: Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew, which is detrimental to the seats and electrical components.
- Rodent Prevention: Place mothballs or a rodent repellent around the cart to deter pests that can chew through wires and upholstery.
- Long-Term Storage Precautions: If storing a golf cart for extended periods, it is advisable to elevate the cart on jack stands to avoid tire decay and to cover it with a breathable fabric cover to keep dust and debris at bay.
Organization and Accessibility
The paramount goal is to create a space that is both well-organized and facilitates effortless access to the cart. The right organization solutions can transform a cluttered storage area into a streamlined space.
Implementing Smart Organization Solutions
Investing in stackable storage bins is a strategic move to declutter the space around your golf cart and store golf cart tools, golf cart parts, and accessories. These bins can be labeled and sorted, ensuring that items such as maintenance equipment, cleaning supplies, and golf accessories are neatly organized and easy to find. The modularity of stackable bins also allows for vertical storage, efficiently using space without occupying the cart area.
Ensuring Easy Access to Your Golf Cart
For easy access, the golf cart’s parking spot should be clear of obstructions with a wide berth for hassle-free movement. Ensuring a thoughtful layout enhances the functionality of the space, making it straightforward to maneuver the golf cart in and out without any hindrances.