Unique Golf Cart Question

[Barney Fife]

We have our own golf cart but for this upcoming trip, the cart and the truck have changed since our last Fort trip. The truck is an F350 instead of the former F250 (now sits higher in the rear) and the cart has a high speed motor which hurts the low end power.

Well, we just returned from Willow Tree in SC and this was the first trip for this new cart/truck combo. I don't mind telling you getting that cart in the back of the truck was rediculously scary. I ended up buying an extra set of ramps since the cart wouldn't climb the one set alone. I placed one set of ramps on the tailgate, then placed the other set about halfway up the first set, and then we still had to get sort of a running start and also push the cart up the ramps. Needless to say, doing this over and over each trip is just asking for trouble.

When we arrived at Willow Tree, the guy who escorted us to our campsite showed us one of those "common sense" things that I just never thought of regarding a campground. At the back of the campground is a rounded ditch everyone uses for unloading carts from their pick-up beds. I backed the F350 down to the bottom and it was maybe a 2' drop at most from tailgate to ground. Backing off the cart was so easy (and safe) using just one set of 7' ramps. Loading it up when we left was just as easy.

So, now that I've dragged this post out way too long, does anyone know of a similar spot at the Fort for doing this very thing? I have 4WD but prefer not backing the truck up into a real ditch since that'll probably get the truck quite nasty. But just a shallow dip or drop sure would make things easy for us all.

Thanks

 

[Tnbob]

If you go into the 1400 loop there is a basketball hoop with a asphalt pad and it's dropped down from the loop road. I once parked on there and backed up to the loop road and it gave me some extra angle, not a lot but it may be enough. I have also seen people drive off the side of the road across from the entrance to the 1500 loop. I doubt you would even need ramps there it's a good drop. I wouldn't do that one unless I was desperate. I'm sure there are other places you could find to give you some drop.
I put a winch on the front of my cart because I am chicken to drive it up and down, once was enough.

 

[Gatordad]

There is a spot when you first go past the horse barn, on the right that I've seen people use.

 

[I'mDownWithDisney]

Do you secure the ramps so they can't kick out from under the cart? If not, it is a good idea. I saw a guy break his femur loading a quad when the ramp shot out from under the rear tires.

 

[Barney Fife]

Yes, we always secure the ramps with a tie down strap on each one.

But still, the steep angle and the new motor make the cart extremely weak when it comes to climbing.

 

[mrzrich]

I agree with the winch idea. Much less scary

 

[stacktester]

Jamie, once you get past the outpost bus stop the first road to the right is the maintenance building road. Turn in there and on the left there is the old railroad bed and behind that is a much bigger (about the same size you were using this weekend) hill. I'm going by there this weekend and I will get you a pic.

When I use the golf cart/pop up combo this is where I unload. I've had a cm stop and look and I've had one ask what I was doing, like what does it look like? Anyway, it will be a good place. I know Tungpo1 has used this hill as well. Not sure if it was to unload his cart or jump.

 

[Gatordad]

Jamie, once you get past the outpost bus stop the first road to the right is the maintenance building road. Turn in there and on the left there is the old railroad bed and behind that is a much bigger (about the same size you were using this weekend) hill. I'm going by there this weekend and I will get you a pic.

When I use the golf cart/pop up combo this is where I unload. I've had a cm stop and look and I've had one ask what I was doing, like what does it look like? Anyway, it will be a good place. I know Tungpo1 has used this hill as well. Not sure if it was to unload his cart or jump.

yeah, but you have to keep changing tires.

 

[Barney Fife]

Jamie, once you get past the outpost bus stop the first road to the right is the maintenance building road. Turn in there and on the left there is the old railroad bed and behind that is a much bigger (about the same size you were using this weekend) hill. I'm going by there this weekend and I will get you a pic.

When I use the golf cart/pop up combo this is where I unload. I've had a cm stop and look and I've had one ask what I was doing, like what does it look like? Anyway, it will be a good place. I know Tungpo1 has used this hill as well. Not sure if it was to unload his cart or jump.

Thanks Donnie.

That sounds perfect. I look forward to the pics.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Good thing one of the full time RV'ers was able to help.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

In addition to the location mentioned by Gatordad and Stacktester, I have seen folks use the area across from the 2000 loop bus stop for loading golf carts. There is a circular drive there, and a bit of a bowl depression in the middle. Just drive the truck down into the lower area, and your tailgate will almost be even with the cart on the pavement. The ramps will be more of a bridge than a sharp incline. One benefit of this area is that you are not likely to have any castmembers bother you.

Oh, and congrats on the new truck!

TCD

 

[DisCamper]

Donnie is right we all use that spot I have even seen some of the rental companies us it

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

I just put the ramps on the truck, slam the cart in reverse and floor it till I see smoke and smell stink.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

In the far corner of the overflow parking lot, the corner that is nearest to where you turn off Vista Blvd to the overflow lot, there is a pretty good hump there on one of the islands where a tree is. You can back up your truck, drop your ramps on the hump, then load your cart. It is not as big as a hill, but my friend, who has a Nissan Titan 4X4 Off Road version, is able to use it to load his cart.

 

[tungpo1]

You need to upgrade the controller on your cart let me know