Getting your go-kart to and from the race track is no small matter.
The best way to get your kart from home to the track is to decide how you will transport it. You may not be aware that there are many options available for personal go-kart transport.
If you’re going to spend time and money getting your kart there, it needs to be safe and secure—like, say, on a trailer.
Alternatives vary in terms of cost-effectiveness and innovation. These six creative ways of moving a go-kart will inspire every professional racer.
Trailer
A popular method of transporting a go-kart is using a trailer. Depending on its type and size, you can park it inside or top of it, if it’s a small one.
Attach a small trailer to your car with a trailer hitch if your vehicle has a carrier with wheels. The van trunk functions as a trailer. Besides the kart, some equipment and gear can also fit inside.
When you transport your go-kart in a trailer, it will protect it from rain and serve as a parking spot. In addition, this is a dedicated unit that is interchangeable with any vehicle that has a hitch. In some trailers, there is even an integrated loading ramp.
You can also customize the size and type of trailer, regardless of your preference. Trailers with a few hundred to a few thousand dollars price tag can be an excellent vehicle for transporting go-karts.
Benefits of a go-kart transport trailer:
- Covered trailers will keep your go-kart protected from extreme weather.
- Trailer hitch lets you transport your go-kart between vehicles. As a result, loading and unloading the kart is easier.
- A locked, enclosed go-kart trailer is the most reliable protection.
Hitch Carrier
The hitch carrier is an affordable option of transporting a kart. This method of go-kart transportation isn’t common, but it’s actually very cost-effective.
You will need a receiver that mounts underneath the vehicle. You hook up the hitch carrier, lock it in place, and load your go-kart onto it. You must then secure your kart tightly to the hitch carrier.
A vehicle must support a hitch carrier that is heavy enough to carry a go-kart. It’s highly convenient to use hitch carriers, and you can even mount the kart sideways.
The hitch carrier is very compact, and you can detach it when it’s not needed. Even if it is a hitch carrier built for ATVs or cargo, you can still use it if the dimensions are appropriate.
Back of Your Van
The kart can also fit in the back of a van. In this case, you do not need to transport your kart in your MPV or minivan. You can easily fit your go-kart inside the back of a van since vans have a larger width and height.
For transport, you don’t have to take off or disassemble any bumpers. Leaving your kart assembled is not a problem.
If you get a friend to help you move your go-kart, or if you put it in a small ramp, you can push your kart in. It has enough room in the back to install tire racks, workbenches, and storage areas.
If you have an elastic hook strap, ratchet lashing belt, or tire chocks, you must secure your kart in your van. You can also bring a portable ramp to the track to unload your kart.
Securing a Go-Kart;
- Use ratchets to tighten the belts and restrict movement when securing a go-kart inside a car.
- It’s best to install multiple and heavy-duty cords with hooks.
- Set up wheel chocks to hold tires firmly and prevent their movement.
The Trunk of Your Car
You can transport your go-kart in your car trunk without the need for any attachments, modifications, or special vehicles.
If you plan to use this service, make sure that you have a multipurpose vehicle (MPV), a minivan, or a station wagon on hand. Even though you own a car, you may need to disassemble elements of your go-kart.
To fold down the last row of your car seats, you may need to remove your side and front bumpers. An SUV would give you more space. It may save you money, but you would have to disassemble the parts of your kart and reassemble them upon your arrival.
The go-kart will also fill the back section of your car almost completely, making it challenging to carry spare tires, tool kits, and other equipment.
Car Roof
A go-kart on top of your car is another innovative way to transport it. As a result, you’ll be able to keep some spare tires and tools in your trunk. Achieving this would require you to get your go-kart atop the car.
An average go-kart weighs about 170 pounds (77 kilograms). Taking it by yourself is highly unlikely, but you can accomplish this by enlisting the help of one or two friends.
It is essential to have roof bars installed before mounting a kart on your vehicle. You will damage your car’s roof without a rail or bar.
In addition, since you cannot secure your go-kart to the roof, you run the risk of it falling off. You can also level your kart with the bar. Wet weather may not make transporting your kart feasible. Go-kart covers help protect your vehicle.
Once you secure your kart on your roof with your friend’s help, make sure that you secure it properly. Velcro, buckles, or elastic hook straps are easy to use for this.
Don’t forget to double-check the mounting. Its ease of use and quickness are its significant advantages. With the assistance of a friend, you can quickly put it on and take it off.
Requirements:
- Install a roof bar or railing to protect your car from scratches or dents.
- Securing the vehicle properly by attaching heavy-duty straps to its rails and bars.
Back of a Pickup Truck
A pickup truck is another popular method of transporting your go-kart. Despite its limitations, it is still a very convenient way to transport freight. Also, you can bring a friend along to help you lift the go-kart.
Alternatively, you can install a rack that allows you to transport two go-karts, or you can bring along some spare tires and equipment on top. Using D-rings or lashing straps, you can secure your kart securely.
Cover your go-kart with a canvas or tarpaulin sheet to protect it from the rain. Getting a go-kart truck cover lid that fits exactly is even better.
Manufacturers of pickups may include truck lids in add-on packages. It is always best to ask the truck manufacturer directly if you have questions.
Safety Tips
There are plenty of options available for race day transportation – we’ve looked at every significant choice available to you.
As you move your pride and joy on the kart track, safety measures are always a crucial topic to consider. Several safety rules to remember are as follows;
Tie-down the go-kart. A loose kart can damage your trailer and throw off your vehicle’s balance, creating an unpredictable situation.
Remove any old tie-downs. In addition to being level, this point will help prevent damage to the tie-downs by keeping them in place. New straps are surprisingly affordable.
Purchase the right insurance. Ensure that your insurance covers your trailer’s contents in case of damage in transit. It’s never too late to add trailer cover to your insurance policy, even if you are not yet due for renewal.
Invest in a good, solid lock for your trailer. A trailer will cost you a pretty penny, so make sure it stays in place.
Secure your toolboxes and equipment. Secure all of your race gear and tires in bags before you strap them down or secure them in any other way. Get padlocks for your toolboxes.
Which is the Best Way to Transport Your Go-Kart?
It’s up to you to decide. Consider your budget, comfort, and security.
You may want to consider using your current vehicle for transportation if you are on a tight budget. With a car, you could transport it in the trunk, on the roof, or in a small trailer.
You can install a cargo carrier on the hitch of your minivan or truck or load it in the trunk. Using a stock van, you could turn it into a dedicated go-kart transporter!
You may consider a van with a custom interior if you take go-karting seriously and want to allocate a large budget to this!
