Golf Cart Heater Basics

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If you love driving your golf cart no matter the weather, then having a golf cart heater makes those frosty days a little more comfortable. It’s an easy-to-install accessory and models are available for every budget and preference.

Golf cart heaters come in two popular styles:

  • Propane
  • Electric
  • Both come in a range of sizes and produce proportionally similar heat, but each has unique benefits. Propane golf cart heaters are the least expensive and simplest to use. They’re compact, lightweight, require no permanent installation and are designed to fit in your cart’s cup holder. They can used be used with a cart cover as long as there’s ample ventilation and some come with stands that allow you to use them in other places.

    That’s why if you add a golf cart enclosure to keep the heat in, make sure you have at least one flap open so you can ventilate while using the propane heater. The drawback to propane heaters is the ongoing cost of buying fuel. Propane Fuel Cylinders, 4 pk./16 oz. Most models use the typical pound canisters that power camp stoves and each will last about between five and eight hours. At three to five dollars each, they’re not horribly priced, but if you use your golf cart a lot in the winter, it adds up quickly.

    Electric golf cart heaters are usually permanently mounted to the dashboard or steering column and run on power from the cart’s battery. A few are generic, but some are proprietary and may not fit all brands and sizes of carts. They won’t keep you any warmer than propane heaters, but they have a few advantages. The most obvious is that there’s no fuel to buy. You’ll pay more for an electric heater, but when the cost of propane is factored in, the lifetime cost of ownership is lower.

    As opposed to propane heaters, more electric models are equipped with adjustable temperature controls. It may be as simple as high and low, but that makes it more flexible in climates where the temperature fluctuates.

    Other than the installation, the primary drawback of electric heaters is that they use battery power. If your battery is strong, that’s not an issue, but if it’s toward the end of its lifespan, you’ll need to replace it soon or you might get stuck out somewhere. 

    How do I choose the right size heater?

    Heat output for both types of heaters varies from 1500 to 6,000 BTU. How much heat does that provide? It depends. Most makers provide broad an estimate of the temperature increase you can expect, but it varies on a number of conditions including the outdoor temperature, the temperature setting if more than one is available and if you use the heater with or without a cover.

    Covered carts with a mid-size heater can expect an increase of up to twenty degrees in average conditions,and that goes up as the temperature setting is dialed up. The use of a cover is considered safe with both types of heaters as long as there is adequate ventilation. Since the cover is normally shifted to get in and out allowing fresh air into the cabin, it’s unlikely you’ll run into a problem, but ventilation also equals heat loss and on the coldest courses, a higher output model is recommended.

    Here’s a run-down of five models to get you started.

    Buying and Tips

  • Read product details and specification carefully to be sure you understand what you’re getting. Remember that not all propane heaters offer the same number of BTU despite being similar in size and not all electric models fit all carts.
  • If you need accessories, call the maker first to ensure they’re available.
  • For installation worries on electric models, call the company or visit their website. Better makers provide technical  over the phone and may even include installation videos on their site.
  • Read the manual when your heater arrives and always follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
  • Consider buying a well-known brand that provides a solid warranty and real-time customer support.
  • Make sure your battery is in tip-top shape before installing an electric heater. Most users report less than a quarter of battery capacity is drained in a day, but sudden cold and unexpected
  • detours affect performance and could leave you stranded.

    When you’re ready to make a buying decision, do your homework and choose a golf cart heater that will meet your needs in the worst conditions you might encounter on the course. Make sure you have all the accessories you need and buy the best model you can afford. Investing in your comfort on the golf course is always a good spend!

    What Our Customers Are Saying

    Rating

    Winters Recreation
    4.9
    Based on 954 reviews
    powered by Google
    Meg TaaffeMeg Taaffe
    13:37 27 Mar 24
    Great selection and pricing. Excellent shipping rates. Very easy transaction over the phone from MN to AL💕 my cart Thank you Dan it was a pleasure working with you
    RC McDougallRC McDougall
    14:20 24 Mar 24
    Excellent Product - Excellent Delivery - Excellent Service - Thanks again.
    Mark NelsonMark Nelson
    23:24 23 Mar 24
    I ordered the 2024 Evolution Classic Pro 4. The customer service was exceptional. My only suggestion would be to offer a closed trailer shipping option, even it cost a little more. Emily’s follow up and customer service etiquette was second to none. Highly recommend ordering a golf cart from Winters Recreation.
    Dave RosadoDave Rosado
    16:49 22 Mar 24
    Purchased a new Evolution D5 Maverick from Winters and had it delivered to Florida. Winters was nothing but helpful and professional! I had an issue with the digital screen on the cart and without hesitation, they overnighted me a new one! Buy from Winters!
    Joshua ShumpertJoshua Shumpert
    21:28 19 Mar 24
    Shujaat SiddiquiShujaat Siddiqui
    16:07 15 Mar 24
    Amazing experience working with Lee and Angie on our golf cart. They were responsive and super easy to work with. We purchased our 6 passenger golf cart from 8 hours away. Would highly recommend!
    D ND N
    01:26 04 Jan 24
    This was our second purchase from Winters Rec. Emily and the Team at Winters Recreation are AWESOME! Super knowledgeable and super friendly, was able to make my purchase seamless and they shipped out the 2024 Evolution Golf Cart in just a couple of days! It arrived like showroom condition! We will definitely utilize their products and services again. Plus I saved over 70% off compatible carts in my area that were “pre-owned”. Cart performance is amazing and very “golfer friendly”. Great Customer Service and Service After the sale.
    Theresa BlaettlerTheresa Blaettler
    18:34 29 Dec 23
    The entire experience was wonderful when purchasing my new cart. Dan’s help was great and I ended up getting just what I wanted. I had checked the inventory of numerous dealers in my home area and non of them had the cart I was looking for. Winter’s inventory was awesome and I found the cart I was looking for immediately. Delivery 2,400 miles to California was no problem. I will recommend to everyone to buy from Winter’s.
    Megann TanksleyMegann Tanksley
    14:56 16 Dec 23
    Dan was great to work with. He was very prompt and responsive. We received our golf cart in less than a week & we have enjoyed it ever since. If your looking for a golf cart this was the easiest and fastest way. If we are ever looking for another toy we will definitely contact Winter Recreation.Added note: When we received our golf cart one of tires was flat, they sent a new tire out that day with no questions asked. They did all they could to make it right and we are very appreciativeThank you again,Dan & Winter Recreation
    Kristine YoungKristine Young
    23:07 15 Oct 23
    The selection was outstanding and the sales team was pleasant and attentive. While I appreciated having delivery as an option, my unit did sustain some damage. The team sent me touch up paint and couple of hundred dollars to offset it. The owner followed up with me a couple of weeks later and after that interaction, it's clear to me that he is a man of integrity who really cares about his customers. I would do business with Winters again and recommend them to others.
    Becky S.Becky S.
    13:33 03 Jul 23
    We had a great experience at Winter Rec! Our salesperson was very knowledgeable, really friendly and not pushy! We took advantage of the free shipping deal and they changed out accessories for us! Payment was handled via wired money and they gave us an instruction sheet and the whole process was pleasant! Delivered within 2 weeks of purchase in mint condition!! Thank you Reese- you are very good at your job!! I would highly recommend if you are in the market for a golf cart to shop here!!!
    Linda PageLinda Page
    17:07 01 Jul 23
    So happy with the the club car we ordered online. It was so much nicer than we even thought it could be. Love all the bells and whistles. The delivery driver was so nice and very informative. We have already recommended to our neighbors and friends to look into into purchasing online. Delivery was quick as was the whole buying process. Wonderful staff to work with. Thank you to Winters Recreation.
    Jeff TaylorJeff Taylor
    17:19 30 Jun 23
    Winters Rec is a great place to buy from. From initial contact to setting up financing to getting my golf cart delivered was a very smooth transaction. Customer service is all top notch. After getting my cart I called a few weeks later with a question/issue. Received a phone call back from service department within an hour and issue was solved quickly.
    AngelaAngela
    23:45 25 Jun 23
    We couldn't be happier with the sales process, the quality of products, and the out of state delivery. Our sales person, Angela, was amazing and worked through every detail. The out of state delivery was better than buying it next door. And we love our golf cart. Voted best looking on the golf course and so fun to drive around town as the staff also helped us make sure it was all street legal and able to obtain a license plate. Would buy again from Winters a hundred times over.
    Natasha DaleNatasha Dale
    03:06 19 Jun 23
    We purchased our club car from Winters Recreation & had the best experience! We live in Indiana and they made purchasing the club car & shipping it to our home super easy! Also, very, very, very quick! Club car arrived in perfect condition! Everyone was knowledgeable & friendly! Overall highly recommend! Already gave their business card to a neighbor ❤️
    Timothy HuttTimothy Hutt
    18:15 22 May 23
    My wife and I traveled from Saint cloud to Sauk center and didn’t realize that Winters recreation was closed on Saturdays at 12 o’clock noon. We arrived at 12 o’clock noon and talk to a salesman and his name was Lee Vogt Not realizing that the store is closed. Lee mentioned that doesn’t matter that the store is closed take your time and look around. We were there for one and a half hours looking at golf carts. I would have to mention that Lee was one of the best sales persons I’ve ever met with his knowledge, expertise and his professionalism. Both my wife and I were very happy with Lee and we purchased a golf cart. I would highly recommend Winters recreation for your purchase of a golf cart.
    matthew johnsonmatthew johnson
    20:52 15 Apr 23
    Online shopping for a golf cart. Dealers in my area only have a couple of carts to choose from. The choices at Winters are endless. Found the cart I wanted, gave Lee the options I wanted and they put them on and shipped it to me. Shipping was fast and communication was great. I’ll be back for another in the future! Enjoying my new golf cart! Thanks Lee!
    Abby DietzeAbby Dietze
    16:01 24 Jun 22
    As my son said, "This is one of my top 3 favorite places, because everyone is so nice!!" The customer service was top-notch. We found the perfect cart for our family amongst the vast selection, and Angie was wonderful to work with as we made the purchase. Post-purchase we had a mechanical malfunction, but the Company went ABOVE & BEYOND to make things right. John did everything he could to ensure our family had our cart back and ready to enjoy for Memorial Day. I would buy from Winters Recreation again in a heartbeat!!
    Dana JesnowskiDana Jesnowski
    16:18 14 May 22
    ASK for BROOKLYNN!!!!We've only had the cart (we named her Gussi) for a few days but she's already hard at work. Brooklynn was absolutely amazing and answered about a million questions we had over the span of 2 weeks as we know nothing about golf carts except that we needed one.The crew did an exceptional job of making the changes I requested to the seats & wheels as well as added a hitch for all of our hauling needs. Delivery was a great price.I highly recommend to shop here to find the cart that is perfect for you! We selected the 2016 Yamaha Drive with Lithium Battery... I think ;)
    Mark SavalaMark Savala
    19:01 08 Apr 22
    Winters Recreation is a pleasure to do business with. Being over 300 miles from their sales location I purchased a new 2022 Club Car Onward golf cart from them completely sight unseen. They arranged enclosed delivery and were able to add some upgrades prior to delivery. All matters were handles prompt & professionally. Shout Out to: Jordan & Dan! Thank you for a Great experience. Mark D Savala
    Sean JohnsonSean Johnson
    19:26 01 Apr 22
    Jordan was incredible to work with. She made the purchase of our custom golf cart very very easy. John was friendly and delivered our cart to our home with no problems!!If your in the market for a golf cart don't go anywhere else!!
    Nicole BorstadNicole Borstad
    02:01 29 Mar 22
    Loved working with Jordan. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and very responsive. Fair prices from good people who work hard. This cart probably won’t see a golf course but the kids and I will have a blast with the light kit on cruising the lake and neighborhood! — Note: side rails added after purchase due to personal mobility issues and my short height—
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