Intro: Golf carts exposed to rain can cause damage – protect yours this season
Golf Cart Rain Covers
Custom Fit Enclosures
DIY Golf Cart Rain Protection on a Budget
Where to Buy Golf Cart Rain Protection
With strategic planning and the right protective gear, you can play on even when the skies open up. Don’t let unpredictable showers or blustery winds cut your golf outings short. Keep your prized cart shielded from the elements and you’ll be enjoying fairway views from the comfort of a dry cab all season long.
Types of golf cart rain protection – covers, enclosures and more
Rain Covers
Full Enclosures
DIY Solutions
Specialty Covers
Tips for Choosing Cart Rain Protection
Key features to look for – waterproof, durable, easy to install
Waterproofing
Durability
Secure Fit
Quick & Easy Installation
Ventilation & Accessibility
Aesthetics & Customization
Stay Dry & Play On
Golf cart enclosures and covers that check the boxes for water resistance, rugged construction, and quick DIY installation will have you riding in comfort and style rain or shine. Don’t settle for flimsy budget options or temporary disposable solutions. Invest in quality rain protection engineered to provide years of dry and carefree cruising ahead.
Golf cart rain covers – temporary protection when parked
Waterproof & Breathable Fabrics
Snug & Secure Fit
Quick & Easy Use
Wind & Weather Resistance
Warranty Protection
Keep Your Club Car Dry on a Dime
Golf cart rain covers offer inexpensive and convenient temporary protection when parked. Just be sure to choose a cover that’s waterproof, wind resistant, and installs easily in minutes. With the right cover keeping your cart high and dry, a few raindrops won’t dampen your day on the greens.
Enclosing your golf cart – ultimate rain protection but visibility reduced
Unmatched All-Weather Protection
Temperature Control
Storage & Customization
All-Day Comfort
Challenged Visibility
Higher Costs
The Best of Both Worlds?
While limiting outward visibility, fully enclosing your golf cart yields superior rain, wind, temperature, and storage protection. Just be sure to choose designs with ample clear windows. Or consider hybrid enclosures with open sides to enjoy the best of both worlds!
Clear vinyl enclosures – get enclosure benefits but maintain visibility
Unobstructed 360° Views
Complete Weather Protection
UV Protection
Aesthetic Upgrade
Easy Installation & Maintenance
Some Glare Possible
When a Clear View Matters
Clear vinyl golf cart enclosures provide complete rain and wind protection without sacrificing outward visibility. Enjoy the best of both worlds with crisp, distortion-free optics that don’t limit your playing perspectives. Your dream views are possible in any weather!
Where to buy golf cart rain gear near me – local dealers and online retailers
Local Golf Cart Dealers
Online Retailers
Amazon
Walmart, Costco, Northern Tool
Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace
Home Improvement Stores
Buy Smart for Your Cart
Quality golf cart rain covers and enclosures can be found both nearby and online if you know where to look. Leverage local dealer expertise or the huge selections of e-commerce sites. And review products carefully so you get long lasting protection that fits perfectly.
Getting a custom golf cart enclosure – pros and cons vs pre-made options
Custom Golf Cart Enclosures
Pre-Made Universal Enclosures
Getting the Right Enclosure for You
Custom golf cart enclosures deliver a perfect fit with integrated features, but cost more. Pre-made universal enclosures ship quickly and install easily, though the fit is only approximate. Weigh your priorities for accessories, fit and finish, pricing, and appearance to choose the best enclosure solution for your needs and budget.
Installation – DIY vs professional installation of golf cart rain protection
DIY Installation
Professional Installation
DIY Tips for Success
Make the Best Choice for You
With proper tools and patience, many golfers can successfully install their own rain protection DIY-style. But for an expert factory-quality job that saves time, hiring a professional installer is a good choice too. Evaluate your skills and schedule to determine the best path for you and your cart.
Caring for your golf cart rain cover or enclosure – cleaning, storage, etc
Keep It Clean
Mind the Storage
Inspect Annually
Exercise Zippers
DIY Touch Up Repairs
Keep Your Investment Looking New
Caring for your golf cart rain cover or enclosure properly involves keeping it clean, storing correctly, inspecting annually and doing minor touch-up repairs. With regular TLC your investment will pay off for many seasons of staying dry on the greens ahead.
Golf cart enclosure windows – sliding, zippered, or removable window options
Sliding Windows
Zippered Panel Windows
Interchangeable Window Panels
Choosing the Right Windows for You
Golf cart enclosures offer window and panel options from sliding acrylic to removable zippered vinyl for visibility and weatherproofing. Define your priorities for views, ventilation, and ease of use to select the ideal windows for your driving style and conditions.
Do golf cart enclosures require special maintenance? Tips to prevent mold, mildew, etc.
Allow Proper Ventilation
Clean & Protect the Vinyl
Lubricate Seals & Hardware
Clean & Protect Windows
Prevent Corrosion
Keep Your Enclosure Going Strong
Golf cart enclosures need basic maintenance like day-to-day cleaning and ventilation along with periodic vinyl and window care to prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion issues. Treat your enclosure right and it will keep you comfortable in all sorts of weather for seasons to come.
Heated enclosures – add a heating system for cold weather golfing
Electric Heater Packages
Propane/LPG Heaters
Wood & Kerosene Fueled Heaters
Installation & Operation Tips
Gear Up for Year-Round Golf
Bolt-on electric or propane heaters from enclosure manufacturers transform standard enclosures into winter-ready rides. Follow installation and operation instructions closely for safe and cozy cold weather golfing all season long.
Cooling fans – improve air circulation and prevent fogging in enclosures
Enclosures of all kinds – electronic equipment housings, plastic greenhouse domes, even the passenger compartment of your car – can easily fog up due to temperature differences and lack of air circulation. This condensation on the inside surfaces not only obscures visibility, but over time can lead to mold growth and damage sensitive components. Installing cooling fans is an effective way to keep the air moving and prevent problematic fogging and humidity buildup in enclosures.
Small DC brushed or brushless fans, ranging from 40mm up to 172mm in size, can provide surprisingly powerful airflow to combat stuffiness and condensation. Mounting fans directly in the walls of an enclosure provides direct ventilation, while free-standing fans can stir and circulate the interior air. High velocity fans generate airflow up to hundreds of feet per minute to actively purge humid air and equalize the temperature throughout the enclosure.
Strategically placing intake and exhaust fans creates directed air flow, pulling drier air in from outside and expelling moist internal air out. Enclosure cooling fans are available in 12V, 24V, 115V, and 230V models to suit different power sources. Input power ranges from just a few watts for smaller fans up to 30W or more for high-volume air movement. DC fans are commmonly used due to lower cost and ease of powering, though AC fans can provide higher airflow volumes.
Preventing fogging in electronic enclosures
Electronic devices and control systems often reside in sealed metal or plastic enclosures to protect sensitive circuits from environmental factors. However, heat produced during normal operation, combined with temperature swings in the ambient environment, can lead to humidity buildup and problematic fogging of the enclosure window or walls.
Mounting several 40-60mm low profile DC fans can maintain air circulation and positive pressure, expelling warm humid air. Installing a cooling fan or two helps maintain an even internal temperature and reduces condensation, keeping inspection windows clear. A thermostat controller turns the fans on and off automatically when needed.
For larger electronics enclosures, AC-powered 120mm or 172mm fans provide substantial airflow to combat localized hot spots. Proper exhaust ventilation is critical for maintaining a suitable operating temperature range and minimizing downtime due to overheating or moisture accumulation issues.
Preventing fogging in greenhouses and cold frames
Greenhouses allow extending the growing season by capturing and retaining warmth, but temperature swings between sunny daytime and cold nights can lead to heavy condensation on the plastic or glass walls and roof panels. Persistent moisture buildup can drip on plants and promote mold growth.
Circulation fans inside a greenhouse improve air mixing and reduce humidity at the roof level. Wall-mounted exhaust fans near the peak help flush out the warm moist air and draw in drier air from outside through vents. The continuous airflow inhibits condensation on the walls and roof.
Small “mister” fans directing a focused spray of water droplets can also help increase humidity during very dry periods. Multi-speed fans allow adjusting the airflow to suit changing weather conditions and control the interior environment.
Cold frames designed to protect seedlings and extend the harvest season also tend to accumulate moisture between the enclosed seed trays and glazed top. Here a slow-speed fan does not significantly impact the temperature but gently circulates air to minimize condensation dripping on the plants.
Defogging vehicle windows and enclosures
Nothing is more annoying than hopping into your car on a cold damp morning and having to wipe the fog off the inside of the windshield (and other windows) before setting off. Or dealing with enclosures around industrial equipment fogging up, obscuring the view and displays.
While running the heat and defrost settings will help clear the windows eventually, small battery-powered fans can speed up the defogging process. Mini clip-on fans attach to the dash vents to blow air directly onto the glass. Small 12V fans can be mounted in industrial enclosures to keep the air circulating and minimize fog buildup.
Portable desktop fans, up to 5 inches in diameter, run off your car’s 12V power outlet. Secure with clamps or stands to direct the airflow where you need it most. High-velocity airflow accelerates evaporating moisture on the glass by several times compared to just the defroster alone.
Misting fans are also handy for clearing condensation in a hurry. These have a bar of fine nozzles to deliver a concentrated spray when pressed against the glass. The mist helps equalize the temperature between the cold window and the warm humid air.
Enclosure cooling and circulation fans provide an effective solution to managing humidity and preventing problematic fogging and condensation. Keeping the air moving is key. With a little airflow, your equipment stays dry, your plants stay healthy, and you stay fog-free.
Costs – price range for golf cart rain protection and key factors affecting costs
Investing in quality rain protection for your golf cart can pay for itself in the long run by extending the life of your cart and allowing you to golf rain or shine. But what can you expect to pay for golf cart enclosures, rain gear, and other wet weather accessories? Costs vary quite a bit based on the type, size, features, and quality of the solutions you choose.
Basic vinyl or polyester cart enclosures can run anywhere from $150 up to $500 or more. High-end aluminum and acrylic enclosures with tinted windows typically cost $800-$2,500. Custom sizes and options can add even more to the price tag. Beyond just enclosures, individual rain covers for the driver, passenger, and club bags generally range from $50-150 each.
Key factors affecting golf cart rain protection costs
Here are some of the main considerations that determine the price you’ll pay for golf cart rain protection:
- Type of material – Vinyl and polyester are affordable options. Acrylic and aluminum cost more but are very durable.
- Size/customization – Stock enclosures start around $200-300 but custom sizing adds cost.
- Features – Windows, tinting, ventilation, and accessories increase price.
- Quality and durability – Better materials and sturdier construction result in higher cost.
- Brand reputation – Leading brands and American-made products command a premium.
- New vs. used – Buying secondhand enclosures can offer major savings.
- DIY vs. professional install – Paying for expert fitting adds labor fees.
Vinyl and polyester enclosures
Basic vinyl or polyester golf cart enclosures start around $150-300 depending on the size and features. They may last 2-4 years with proper care before needing replacement. These flexible “soft” enclosures attach with Velcro, snaps, or zippers for easy on/off. They provide good rain protection but can sag over time.
Clear acrylic or plastic polycarbonate
Acrylic plastic or polycarbonate enclosures provide excellent optics and durability, maintaining their shape without yellowing or becoming brittle. Expect to pay $600-1,000 or more for a rigid molded enclosure. Zippered vinyl panels allow entry/exit while keeping rain out. Some even have slide-down windows.
Aluminum framed enclosures
High-end aluminum golf cart enclosures offer a sleek, aerodynamic profile that holds up well in windy conditions. Framed in lightweight aluminum with durable acrylic or polycarbonate panels, these range from $800 up to $2,500 or more for large custom sizes with tinting and other options. The rigid construction and sealed seams provide the best rain protection.
Individual rain covers and gear
Besides full enclosures, individual rain covers help keep you and your equipment dry:
- Driver rain covers – $75-150
- Passenger rain covers – $75-150
- Club/bag covers – $50-100
- Seat cushions/towels – $25-60
- Rain suits and jackets – $50-150
Handy zippered openings allow access and visibility while covering your head and lap. Water-resistant seat cushions and moisture-wicking golf jackets round out your wet weather golf attire.
DIY enclosures
Ambitious DIY’ers can find plans and kits online to build their own golf cart enclosures for under $500 in materials. This involves purchasing sheets of acrylic or polycarbonate plastic, aluminum framing pieces, and other hardware to assemble a fully-enclosed cart cover. Expect this to take 10-30 hours for the average handyperson.
Buying used enclosures
Secondhand golf cart enclosures purchased from individuals or dealers can offer major savings, often 40-60% less than new. Carefully inspect any used covers for damage, brittleness, and missing hardware prior to purchase. Replacing vinyl panels, windows and worn closures can extend their usefulness at minimal cost.
With regular cleaning and proper storage when not in use, quality golf cart rain protection can last for many years. Paying a bit more upfront for durable, custom-fitted enclosures is a wise investment that pays off every time you tee off in the rain without getting soaked.