Golf cart enclosures are needed to keep your precious golf trolley clean, free from damage and in perfect working condition. Just like you cover your food with a lid to keep it clean and free from flies, a special cover for your golf cart keeps your trolley safe.
Nonetheless, if you really want to buy a suitable enclosure for your golf buggy, you need to first know what it really is. This is what I (LeanAndFit review staff) have tried to answer through the means of my write-up.
So, read on!
Golf Cart Enclosures Article Contents
1) What are Golf Cart Enclosures?
2) What are the Most Popular Types of Golf Cart Enclosures?
3) Are Golf Cart Enclosures with Hard Doors Good for You?
4) What are Sunbrella Golf Cart Enclosures?
4) Golf Cart Roll Up Side Curtains – Are They Really Handy?
5) How to Install a Golf Cart Enclosure?
6) Should You Go for a Retractable Golf Cart Cover?
7) Should You Go for a Retractable Golf Cart Roof?
8) How to Make a Golf Cart Towel Seat Cover?
9) How are Golf Cart Covers Measured?
10) Is it Really Worth Buying a Golf Cart Enclosure?
11) What all Precautions You Need to Take with Golf Cart Enclosures?
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What are Golf Cart Enclosures?
Golf cart enclosures are canopies that cover your precious golf cart and keep it safe from wear and tear. These covers can be made of canvas or even vinyl. Nowadays, even Sunbrella is used. They cover your golf cart from either three or all four sides.
Now, if you thought that a golf cart enclosure is same as a car cover then, you need to think twice. A car cover is placed onto your precious vehicle when you keep it stationary.
On the other hand, an enclosure for your golf cart is affixed into your golf cart and can be used even when your vehicle is mobile. Weather hazards including hail, snow, rain, sun and wind is kept at bay with the help of this enclosure.
What are the Most Popular Types of Golf Cart Enclosures?
Here is a quick sneak-peak into the most common golf cart enclosures that are used nowadays:
Quick Installing Over the Top Enclosures
These enclosures can be installed and even dismantled within minutes. The material used here is vinyl and the design is over the top style. So, they are draped from the top.
Here are some of its main features:
@ These can be installed in minutes and are draped from the top end of the golf cart.
@ The doors of this golf enclosure are fortified with zippers. So, the ‘in’ and ‘out’ access is super easy.
@ The windows of this enclosure are transparent. So, you have a clear view outside.
@ Your golf kit as well as accessories is kept completely safe.
@ You do not need any special equipment to dismantle or for installing this vinyl cover.
@ Even a 6 seater golf cart can use this enclosure type.
Framed Doors Enclosure
@ This is yet another enclosure that uses rigid frames. These doors are made from steel and are very sturdy.
@ This is ideally suited for people who prefer a 3 side enclosure. There are two curtains for doors and one at the rear.
@ The doors have a special lock located at the top end of the cart. These mounts are easy to operate.
@ You are also provided with a golf club cover to keep them safe and secure.
@ There is no requirement of any special tools to dismantle or install these doors onto your golf cart.
@ There are no hooks used here. So, no lose ends!
Sliding Door Golf Enclosures
This is a system wherein you have the ability to have easy access to your golf kit. Owing to the slipping rear curtains onto the back rest/seat, this feat is made possible.
@ They have a track system that needs to be affixed onto the mounts located on the top end portion.
@ The windows here have a tendency to slide into the track that is affixed to the roof.
@ Sunbrella as well as vinyl is the material used for such enclosures. Colorful options make the golf enclosure seem pretty.
@ To get in and out of the vehicle easily, you have doors with attached zippers.
@ This enclosure is usually suited for 2 seater and sometimes even a 4 seater golf cart.
@ The basic tools that almost every household has are enough to dismantle the sliding door golf enclosure. You can even set it up using the same tools.
Two Sided Golf Enclosure
This is yet another golf enclosure that has a 2-sided design mechanism. It can be customized and is best suited for 2-seater or even 4-seater gold carts. Mostly available in vinyl, here are some of its highlights:
@ It contains a curtain at the front, one at the rear along with two side curtains.
@ Installation is easy and does not require tools. ‘Over the top’ design makes dismantling an easy task.
@ The windows are see-through so you get a clear view outside.
@ You can keep your golf clubs protected from adverse weather conditions.
Are Golf Cart Enclosures with Hard Doors Good for You?
Yes, they are good for you if you have a taste for sturdy doors. Over here, the trick is to ensure that your personal preferences are well looked after. These are ‘custom fit’ enclosures that are capable to cover golf carts seating 2 to 8 passengers.
The doors and windows of hard door enclosures are fortified with zippers. These enable moving in and out of the golf cart an easy job indeed. Good solid construction helps your golf kit and the passengers inside to remain safe and cosy. A cost-effective electric golf cart battery shall make things easier.
How are Hard Door Golf Enclosures Good for You?
@ Well, these doors open and shut conveniently. They have a special latching mechanism that can be unhooked easily.
@ Usually, these types of enclosures have windows that can be zipped and unzipped. So, visibility and entry/exit is an easy task.
@ The frame is solid and made from aluminum. It is also rust proof.
@ The fabric used is super sturdy and weatherproof in nature. Sunbrella and vinyl are the two main fabrics used here.
@ Usually, hard door enclosures used in golf carts come with a warranty. Usually, it is 2 years or 3 years in duration.
@ There is no involvement of unnecessary holes or drilling. All that is required is two to three hours to get the job done.
@ Such enclosures keep the wind out. So, if you are playing in colder seasons then, opting for hard door enclosures keeps you warm.
What are Sunbrella Golf Cart Enclosures?
Long Lasting: Sunbrella is a special fabric that is used for covering the golf cart with. It has a special material that is sun dried and then painted. It is completely weather proof and remains shiny for years to come.
Never Cracks Under Pressure: You never have to worry about replacing Sunbrella because it lasts a very long time. As it is made from acrylic, Sunbrella fabric does not tear or develop fissures over time. So, it is long lasting in nature.
Breathable: Manufactured under the Glen Raven Mills trademark, Sunbrella is a soft and breathable fabric. So, you would definitely not suffocate while sitting inside the golf cart with the windows rolled up.
Variety of Color Options: You can choose from a myriad of color combinations. Some of the most common ones include red, black, tan, marine blue, forest green, navy blue and many more.
Stain Free Material: As Sunbrella is dried under the sun and made from acrylic, it does not get stained. It does not fade and has a good natural fragrance.
Easy to Clean: If by any chance your Sunbrella fabric does get dirty, you can easily clean it up. All you need is soap and water. As it is waterproof, Sunbrella is super easy to maintain.
Golf Cart Roll Up Side Curtains – Are they Really Handy?
Well, these are really handy. If you are fond of your golf cart and would like to ensure that you keep it looking great, side curtains are definitely a boon. They should be rolled up to your sides and ‘put to place’ in a jiffy.
So, it is based on over-the-top design mechanism. Roll up side curtains contain snaps – a couple of these. Usually when rolled up, they get strapped to the top end via Velcro strips. So, they hold tight and do not slip down even when you ride the cart on rough tracks.
In my opinion (LeanandFit Reviewer), these curtains are really handy and in sync with the latest fashion. You can really relish the usefulness of the roll-up side curtains.
How to Install a Golf Cart Enclosure?
Installing a golf cart enclosure is not tough but you need to be careful while doing so. Here are a few expert tips to make your job easier:
>>> In the first step, you need to find the front portion. There is a tag indicating the same. After having identified the tag, simply place the zipper side outwards and drape the enclosure from the top of the cart.
>>> Align the edges of the roof with the seams of the enclosure, Thereafter, pull down the cover from the top – front first and then the latter.
>>> The rear end as well as the side panels of the enclosure can be then zipped shut.
>>> Your enclosure should contain grip straps that can be ripped and then stuck via Velcro. Use these to roll up the window as per your discretion.
>>> In case the doors of your golf enclosure can be removed then, simply roll the windows up. After fastening them, hold onto the door and pull it apart – in a horizontal manner.
>>> Usually, the rear panel of your golf enclosure contains a special compartment. This can be used for storing your golf accessories in.
>>> Some enclosures have a removable windshield. All you need to do is simply remove it by unzipping it. You can zip it back in place.
Should You Go for a Retractable Golf Cart Cover?
A retractable golf cart cover is one that permits you to roll up the windows and doors with the aid of a string. So, you no longer need to use your hands for folding the window or doors. It is similar to the blinds you use at home.
@ Well, you can opt for a retractable cover as it stops the cover from getting crumpled. When you roll it using your hands, crumpling is obvious. The strains of the crinkle clearly display themselves.
@ These covers also have special straps to keep a ‘half rolled up window’ in place. So, it does not fly around in the wind when you drive your cart.
@ You also do not have to get out of the golf cart to roll up the window or doors. This process can be done from the inside of the cart as well. This is definitely a convenient way.
So, in my opinion, it is a wise option to go in for one.
Should You Go for a Retractable Golf Cart Roof?
Well, these are simple to operate and super handy for busy golfers. All you need to do is pull a chain and the roof of your golf enclosure shall slide backwards or forwards.
These are usually double stitched and made from Sunbrella. This is a stain proof and long lasting fabric. The advantage here is that your roof shall never get wrinkled. So, it remains smooth and looks new even after years of usage.
The roof adjustment also permits you and your golf gear to be saved from the harsh sun rays. So yes, in my opinion, it is a wise option to go in for one.
How to Make a Golf Cart Towel Seat Cover?
Making a towel seat cover is very simple indeed. Here are the steps.
@ You need 4 towels. These should be ideally new and of good quality.
@ Sew two towels vertically first. Then, the other two need to be sewn vertically as well.
@ Take the measurement of your golf seats and then snip the towels accordingly.
@ Once you have the specifications of your golf seats and have cut the towels accordingly, simply drape them over the seat.
@ The bottom end of the towel that meets the seat’s bottom should now be secured with elastic.
@ Simply sew the bottom edge of the towel leaving half inch space for the elastic to seep through.
@ You can stretch the elastic to attach and remove the towel seat.
How are Golf Cart Covers Measured?
Now, I shall not recommend that you start to make your own covers. Nonetheless, if you are really a serious DIY guy then, go right ahead. Just get the dimensions right.
Here is how you do so – three easy steps:
Step # 1:
First, you need to measure the length of your golf cart. Avoid all contours while taking the measurement. Measure either from the right to left or left to right (I preferred the latter).
Make sure you take into consideration the longest part of your golf cart. Use a tape that you are comfortable handling. Use your buddy’s assistance if your cart is long.
Step # 2:
Second, you need to measure the width of the golf cart. After all, the cover you make should fit the sides of your cart well enough. Take the measurement from either right to left or left to right.
While doing so, involve the widest portion of your vehicle. Avoid including the side mirrors in your measurement process.
Step # 3:
The last and final step is to measure the height of the golf cart. For this very purpose, you need to take the highest part of your golf cart into consideration. Always start the measurement from the ground level before moving upwards.
Is it Really Worth Buying a Golf Cart Enclosure?
Yes, of course it is worth buying a golf cart enclosure. It not only keeps your cart safe from the weather but it also keeps its passengers (that is you and your golf buddies) cosy.
You also have numerous options available in the form of the enclosure types. You can choose from amidst vinyl or Sunbrella fabrics. You can also opt for retractable covers or manually operated ones.
So, you have ample options at hand. With so many brands competing against each other, if you look around carefully, you also end up saving money.
What all Precautions do You Need to Take with Golf Cart Enclosures?
Golf cart enclosures are completely safe and reliable. They prove to be harmless. Nonetheless, you need to be extra careful to avoid an unfortunate incident.
Here are a few tips:
@ Even before you start driving your golf cart, do check the enclosure. Make sure it is fixed properly and that, there are no lose ends.
@ In case you have stopped for a snack break with the golf cart ‘in idle’ with engines running then, make sure that the enclosure’s windows are rolled up. If you do not roll up the window then, gas based golf carts can emit toxic gasses within the enclosed vehicle.
@ Golf cart enclosures cannot protect you against an accident. They cannot keep outside noise at bay.
@ Enclosures do not keep harmful gasses from seeping inside the golf cart.
@ Clean the fabric of your golf cart enclosure using warm water and a soft brush.
@ Do not use everyday soap or soapy solution to clean the vinyl fabric of your enclosure. You can however clean the windows and doors of the enclosure using mild soapy solution.
@ To remove dust particles embedded onto your enclosure, you can blast air from an air blower.
@ Avoid opting for cheap fabrics. Always go in for vinyl or Sunbrella fabrics.
@ Take good care of your enclosure. This helps prolong the life of your enclosure.
If you follow the above mentioned steps then, your chosen golf cart enclosure would certainly bring a smile on your face.