Your golf cart is a critical investment that can make or break the quality of your golf outings and other outdoor adventures. Moving an under-equipped cart on hilly terrain isn't just slow — it can be dangerous and result in costly repairs.

Even a small hill can cause damage to a golf cart if the incline is steep and the bottom of the golf cart is too low. Deep puddles are another potential problem for regular golf cart stock. A standard, brand-new golf cart is equipped with wheels that may be too small for your needs, especially if you use it outside of the regular golf course terrain.

Fortunately, most golf carts can be customized with lift kits that raise the bottom of the cart. Owners of carts from major brands like Yamaha, Club Car and E-Z-Go have literally hundreds of options to choose from, so there's no reason not to explore the possibilities. Higher cart clearance can make the difference between a fun off-road excursion and a disastrous accident.

Investing in a lift kit makes your golf cart safer and more convenient. But it is an investment, so make sure the kit you choose suits your needs. In fact, the right lift kit can allow you to install a back seat or use the golf cart for clearing snow in the winter. It's the perfect way to make your golf cart useful all year, even when you're not heading to the links.

Basic Types of Lift Kits

Lift kits come in three sizes: 3-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch. Three-inch kits provide a small boost to your cart, allowing slightly larger wheels and accommodating the addition of a back seat. Four-inch kits allow clearance for 20-inch tires, and 6-inch kits accommodate tires up to a massive 23 inches in diameter. When installed properly, these larger tire sizes can improve golf cart safety and stability.

There is a range of lift kit options on the market, and some come bundled with new tires to make your purchase as economical as possible. Most are available for a range of brands, models, and manufacture years. Keep in mind, though, that kits for older golf cart models can be hard to find. If you're having trouble finding the lift kit you want for your older model, contact us, and we will help you find a compatible kit.

For lift kits that alter a cart's suspension, look for A-arm or long-travel lift kits, which can be expensive. They're your best bet for serious off-roading, though. Investing in a good long-travel lift kit is a much better option than wrecking your cart or injuring yourself on rough terrain.

Spindle lift kits are excellent for improving a cart's overall stability. Axle lift kits are inexpensive and allow the front axle to be lifted without disturbing the rest of the cart's mechanics, but they require significant time to install.

Recommended Brands

Jake's lift kits are made in the United States and are known for being extremely easy to install. They have a unique design that is cast from ductile iron, making them more durable than their welded competitors. Lift kits from GTW & RHOX are economical while still maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Madjax makes exceptionally tough and innovative lift kits. They are typically more expensive than the other brands listed, but they are a worthwhile investment for off-roading enthusiasts.

GTW, Madjax, and RHOX also make excellent wheels, which are available in combo sets with various lift kits.

Many quality lift kits require no drilling, cutting or welding, so don't settle for imitations that make you do work you shouldn't have to do. Reputable lift kit brands include detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware for installation.

Features and Styles

Other lift kit features to consider include adjustable heights and receiver hitches. Adjustable height lift kits are perfect for accommodating older passengers when you're not heading out over rocky terrain. Receiver hitches allow you to pull small trailers, providing even greater mobility and freedom as you navigate the great outdoors.

Lift kits allow you to install large, colorful tires that make a statement. Smaller tires combined with large wheels can give your cart a more elegant and refined look, whereas chunky tires make your cart look truly ready for off-road adventures. If you frequently drive guests in your cart, you'll want them to be confident in your cart's abilities. A lift kit can help accomplish that goal. In fact, lift kits and stylish wheels have become a popular method of customization in recent years.

Safety

Increasing tire size can raise the cart's center of gravity, which can cause rollovers if the cart is driven recklessly. Treat your investment with the care it deserves, and you'll be in for years of outdoor adventures with your family and friends.