6 Best Ways to Transport a Go-Kart

If you are a proud owner of a go-kart and you aren’t keeping it at the race track, then you need to find good ways to transport your kart around. I prefer to keep my go-kart at home so that I don’t always have to use the same go-kart track. Instead, I like to drive to any track that I feel like to drive my beast of a kart! If you haven’t decided yet where you want to store your kart, you should check out the article on creative go-kart storage options.

If you are like me and prefer to keep your kart close to you, then you need to decide on a way to transport it from your home to the race track. The great thing about personal go-kart transport is that there are actually many options available that some people may not know about. Some options tend to be more innovative and others more cost-effective. Let’s take a look at 6 creative ways to transport a go-kart.

1. Inside a Trailer

Using a trailer to transport a go-kart is one of the most popular methods. Depending on the type of trailer you can either transport your kart by parking it inside, or on top of it, if it’s a small trailer. A smaller trailer is basically a carrier with wheels that is attached to your car via a trailer hitch. Bigger trailers function like the trunk of a van. You’ll be able to fit your kart inside along with some additional gear and equipment. 

The great thing about transporting your go-kart with a trailer is that it will protect your go-kart from rain and can double as a go-kart parking spot. It’s also a dedicated transport unit that you can interchange with any vehicle that has a hitch. Some trailers even come with a built-in loading ramp.

In Addition, they’re also customizable and come in small and large sizes, depending on your preference. Trailers can cost around a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the size and quality and can be an excellent go-kart transporter.

Pros

• Various trailer sizes available
• Can be relatively inexpensive
• Optional built-in loading ramp
• Can double as kart parking

Cons

• Requires a loading ramp
• Requires a trailer hitch

2. In the Back of Your Van

You can also transport you kart in the back of your van. This is different from transporting your kart in the trunk of your MPV or minivan. As vans have a larger width and height, you’ll easily be able to fit your go-kart inside the back area. This also doesn’t require you to remove or dismantle any bumpers for the transportation. You can leave your kart fully assembled.

You can move your go-kart into the van by either getting a friend to help carry it inside or by installing a small loading ramp and pushing your kart in. The back of a van even has enough space to install customized tire racks, workbenches and storage areas.

Make sure that you securely fasten your kart in your van by either using elastic hook straps, ratchet lashing belts or tire chocks. It’s also a good idea to get a portable loading ramp as you can bring it along for unloading your kart at the race track.

Pros

• Kart is securely fastened
• Dedicated transport option
• Lots of equipment space
• Can also be used for kart parking

Cons

• Requires a loading ramp
• Can be an expensive investment

3. On the Back of a Pickup Truck

Another popular way of transporting your go-kart is by loading it on to the back of your pickup truck. While you still need a loading ramp, it’s still a very convenient way of transportation. You can also get a partner to help you lift your go-kart on to the loading bay.

As you can make use of the space upwards, you can also install a rack that will enable you to transport two go-karts, or you can make use of the extra room to bring along some equipment and spare tires. You can securely fasten your karts by using lashing straps or D-ring straps. 

To protect your go-kart from the rain, simply cover the back of your truck with a canvas or tarpaulin sheet. It’s even better to get an aftermarket truck cover lid that has an exact fit. Some pickup truck manufacturers offer truck lids as part of an add-on package. If you are unsure, you can always ask the truck manufacturer directly.

Pros

• Can stack 2 karts high
• Storage for additional items
• Kart can be securely fastened

Cons

• Requires a loading ramp
• Requires a pickup truck

4. On a Hitch Carrier

A very creative way of transporting a kart is by using a hitch carrier. For some reason you don’t see this way of go-kart transport often, but it’s actually very budget-friendly and effective. 

What you need for this option is a trailer hitch receiver that is mounted underneath the vehicle. The hitch carrier slides right into it and all you need to do is lock it in place and get your go-kart on top of it. After that you need to tightly secure your kart to the hitch carrier. 

Of course you would need a vehicle that supports a hitch carrier that is big enough to carry the weight of a go-kart. The great thing about hitch carrier is that it’s extremely convenient and you can even fit your kart on sideways. It consumes very little space and you can simply detach the hitch carrier when you don’t need to use it. You can even use a hitch carrier that is designed for cargo or ATVs, given that the dimensions are suitable. 

Pros

• Very affordable option
• Can be removed if not required
• Easy to install and dismantle

Cons

• No rain protection
• Requires a suitable vehicle

5. In the Trunk of Your Car

Transporting your go-kart in the trunk of your car is one of the cheapest options out there, as you don’t need any special type of vehicle, attachment or modification. Bear in mind that this works only with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), a minivan or a station wagon. While you won’t need to spend extra money, given that you own a car, you may be required to dismantle parts of your go-kart. 

Depending on the size and type of your car you may need to disassemble the side and front bumpers and fold down the last row of you car seats. You’d have more space if you own an SUV. While this method would save you money, it does require some of your time to dismantle parts of your kart and reassembling it upon arrival. 

You may also face some issues carrying along any tool kits, spare tires and other equipment as the go-kart will fill up almost the entire rear section of your car. You’ll have to get creative with space management.

Pros

• Cheapest option
• Only requires an MPV / Minivan

Cons

• Requires time to dismantle kart
• Limited room for accessories

6. On Top of Your Car

Another innovative way to transport a go-kart is on top of your car. That way, you can still carry some spare tires and tool kits in your trunk. The tricky part with this option is getting your go-kart on top of you car. On average, a go-kart weighs around 170 lbs (77 kg). It’s going to be impossible to carry it by yourself, but with the help of a friend or two, this is definitely possible.

Bear in mind that you should not mount a go-kart on top of your vehicle without having roof bars installed. Without a rail or bar installed, you’ll damage the roof of your car. More importantly, not having roof bars can increase the risk of your go-kart falling off, as you can’t securely fasten it. The bar will also help to level your kart evenly. Transporting your kart on your car may not be favorable if it rains. You can opt for a high-quality go-kart cover for protection.

Once you get a friend’s help to carry your kart and mount it on top of your roof, make sure that you fasten it securely. You can easily do this by using a Velcro, buckle or elastic hook straps. Always double check to make sure it’s mounted on securely. 

Pros

• Cheap option
• Time efficient
• Securely mountable

Cons

• Requires help from a friend
• Can look weird
• Requires roof bars

Which Way of Go-Kart Transport Is the Best?

The answer to this depends on you.  There are many factors that can be considered when deciding on which go-kart transport to opt for. You should consider budget, convenience and security. If you are on a tight budget you may want to make use of your existing vehicle to transport your go-kart. If you have a car, you could use your trunk, transport it on the roof or get a small trailer.

If you own a minivan or truck, you can either load it in the trunk or install a hitch cargo carrier. If you take go-kart racing very seriously and want to allocate a larger budget to this, you should consider a van with a customized interior. You could transform your stock van into a dedicated go-kart transporter.