Advice: ATV, Golf Cart or Kawasaki Mule

deadbeatle · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:31 AM

I'm going to be purchasing a trailer to go to track events and shows. Want to see what everyone else uses at these events to get to place to place. A full size ATV could fit in the pickup or in the trailer. A golf cart would be easy for the wife to drive, has a roof and can just sit in. The Kawasaki Mule or like vehicle would be another choice. From everyone's experience, are these types of vehicles welcome at events to get around in? I would hate to purchase a trailer large enough for this kind of toy and then find out that I can not use it. This would be primarily used at the track/show events.

ENTDOC · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:46 AM

a used golf cart will be plenty and less expensive than the others, 1500 dollars will get you a nice electric one, a little more for gas.

trs900 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 03:25 PM

It might be difficult to use any of these at most car shows, etc.. due to sponsors liability, but if you can I would suspect a golf cart would be the most generally accepted.. I have a golf cart, atv and only use them around my property but sure would like to take them to swap meets, etc..

Cracker · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 04:44 PM

I'm with ENTDOC on the limited use at meets and such but if you do entertain the ATV route I have one I'd sell. A 2000 Yamaha Grizzly 600 with only 225 miles that I paid nearly $8000 for new - I'd give you a great deal on it and I bought it loaded. Best wishes in whatever you do.

DavidinDurango · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 05:16 PM

Gatorac · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 05:24 PM

a bike works well. No restrictions, inexpensive if it doesn't work out and no gas required.

HI Cobra · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 05:55 PM

For ease of use and price, you can't beat an electric golf cart. I had one
in Kalaupapa, Molokai to get around in for 4 years. I just plugged it in when
I was done and it always worked - can't beat the price for fuel - N.P.S.
provided the electricity. Also, they may be more accepted at shows on
grass because they are turf friendly - no knobbies. Here in Hawaii I got
mine at a golf cart place for $1,000 because it had newer batteries. It
costs about $450 for new batteries but they should be good for at least
4 years if you keep it charged and WATCH the water level. Simplicity is good.

xracerbob · #8 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 08:04 PM

On one of the teams I drove for we used this to carry tires, tool boxes, nitrogen bottle, spares etc. worked great. Its made by Club Car the golf cart people.
[IMG]

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hey,littlecobra · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 08:10 PM

make sure you have a generator/electricity to charge the thing up! Would be tough to take it in the trailer and not be able to find an electricity source. Gasoline carts can be bothersome with the noise, etc. Same with ATV's, etc. I would go with electric, if you felt you had to have one.
I trailer my car all over the place and have never thought about a 'tween transportation situation. We just walk around the paddock's, etc., and around the big parking lots.
Now if somebody was older, or elderly, or had health issues I guess a cart of some sort would be necessary.
Let's get some golf carts on the track at run n gun! fun!!!!

fsstnotch · #10 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 03:18 AM

I couldn't help but post this pic I found in the gallery!

If I were to choose anythign it'd be the golf cart.

marcocsx3121 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 04:22 AM

Slight change of direction on this topic: our home is on Lake Lanier outside of Atlanta, and we have a very steep incline down to the shore. For thirteen years we made do with timber steps (110 of them!) down to our dock, but we are now ready to downsize a bit and move on. Several potential buyers who looked at our property viewed the slope/stairs as a deal breaker, so we added a path to allow the use of some kind of a motorized conveyance. My question: there are still a couple of fairly steep spots in the new path. Is it likely that a gof cart will have adequate climbing ability, or do I need a 4x4 side by side like a mule?

fsstnotch · #12 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 05:20 AM

If this is the case, and it sounds like the hill may be too steep in some places for a golf cart, I'd go with a 4x4 side by side. In my experience though, the mule isn't a very good choice. I've used both the mule 4x4 and the polaris ranger 4x4 and 6x6's for work. The polaris not only runs better but also goes many places the mule can not. We've actually started replacing all the mules with the polaris 4x4's. We actually have 4x2 rangers that can go where the 4x4 mules have trouble going. The new polaris RZR looks to be a good option as well, I haven't seen one yet but it looks more sporty and less top heavy than a ranger. If a 4x4 side by side is your choice. The ranger is, IMHO, the best option.

Josh

CSCHWER · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 05:23 AM

A electric golf cart would work on a steep slope. You might slow down, but it will never stall.

Chet

trs900 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 07:59 AM

My electric cart will actually stall on steep hill in Georgia, what a pain it is to have to pull it to a more level location I use my Kawasaki 650 Prairie, granted my batteries are not new, they have been replaced at least once though and the cart is a 1985 model not as fast as some of the newer ones= 20mph mine 10mph. I would think a gas cart might be better on hills, I am not sure though..

CSCHWER · #15 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 09:09 AM

trs900,

I'll race you with my electric, but I get to pick the hill!!

Chet