Is It Difficult to Drive a Carryall?

Generally, no—but it depends on which “Carryall” you mean. Club Car Carryall utility vehicles drive much like golf carts and are easy for most people to learn. Historic “Carryall” trucks and SUVs (such as the Chevrolet Suburban’s early “Carryall Suburban” lineage and the WWII-era Dodge WC-53 Carryall) are larger, heavier, and can be more demanding, especially when maneuvering or braking. And in science fiction (e.g., Dune), a Carryall is a fictional aircraft, not a real driving scenario. Below is a breakdown to help you match the name to the vehicle and understand the difficulty.

What “Carryall” Can Refer To

The term “Carryall” has been used across very different machines. Here are the common meanings and why they’re often confused.

• Club Car Carryall: A line of compact utility vehicles (UTVs), gasoline or electric, used on campuses, resorts, industrial sites, and golf facilities.
• Chevrolet “Carryall Suburban”: The early name tied to what evolved into the modern Chevrolet Suburban—essentially a full-size SUV derived from a truck platform.
• Dodge WC-53 Carryall: A 1940s military-based, two-door, 8-passenger utility wagon used in WWII, collectible today.
• Science fiction “Carryall” (Dune): A large aerial transport for spice harvesters—fictional and not applicable to real-world driving.

Understanding which Carryall you’re dealing with will set expectations for controls, licensing, and handling—ranging from golf-cart-simple to heavy-truck demanding.

Driving Difficulty by Type

Club Car Carryall (UTV): Easy, With Sensible Caution

Most Club Car Carryall models (e.g., 300/500/700 series) operate like familiar golf carts: simple forward/reverse selectors, automatic-style drivetrains, low top speeds, and straightforward steering. Newer units can include improved braking, suspension, and electric powertrains with smooth torque delivery, making them approachable for first-time users.

That said, they are work vehicles. Payloads, towing, and uneven terrain can change how they handle.

Use the following tips to keep driving straightforward and safe:

• Mind payload and balance: Heavy or high loads raise the center of gravity and lengthen stopping distances.
• Take turns slowly: Narrow tracks and short wheelbases can increase rollover risk on off-camber surfaces.
• Brake early on hills: Electric regen or small hydraulic brakes are effective but not truck-grade.
• Secure cargo and use low-speed modes when available: Prevents shifts that can unsettle the vehicle.
• Know your surface: Wet grass, gravel, and ruts reduce traction more than paved lots.
• Check local rules: Many Carryalls aren’t street-legal; workplace or campus policies may require training or PPE.

With these practices, most drivers find a Club Car Carryall simple to operate within minutes and predictable with experience.

Chevrolet “Carryall Suburban” and Modern Suburban: Manageable, but Big

The historic “Carryall Suburban” name led to the modern Suburban, one of the largest mainstream SUVs. Driving isn’t complex—automatic transmissions, power steering, and abundant driver aids—but size matters. Long wheelbase, weight, and a tall body influence parking, lane placement, and stopping distances. Towing or full passenger/cargo loads amplify these effects.

Modern models often include cameras, parking sensors, blind-spot warning, trailer aids, and stability control, which reduce the learning curve. Still, expect truck-like dynamics and plan maneuvers early, particularly in tight urban spaces or when towing.

Dodge WC-53 Carryall (Vintage): Demanding and Mechanical

Driving a WWII-era WC-53 is a different proposition. Many examples have non-synchronized manual gearboxes (double-clutching recommended), heavy manual steering, drum brakes that require anticipation, and leaf-spring suspensions that ride firmly. Visibility can be limited, and parts/maintenance knowledge is essential. These are rewarding for enthusiasts but challenging for newcomers.

Licensing, Legality, and Where You Can Drive

Rules vary widely by region. Below are common considerations to keep your driving legal and stress-free.

• Club Car Carryall: Typically not street-legal; classified as UTVs or low-speed vehicles depending on configuration. Operation is usually confined to private property or designated areas.
• Chevrolet/Modern Suburban: Requires a standard driver’s license; no special endorsement unless towing heavy trailers that trigger additional rules.
• Dodge WC-53: Treated as a historic or standard vehicle depending on registration; manual transmission competence and insurance requirements apply.

Always confirm local laws before driving on public roads, especially with UTVs or vintage vehicles that may not meet modern safety standards.

Safety, Training, and Practical Tips

Irrespective of type, a few best practices reduce difficulty and risk.

• Get a walkaround and controls briefing: Know shifters, parking brake, lights, and any drive modes.
• Start slow in an open area: Build a feel for throttle response, turning radius, and braking.
• Load thoughtfully: Keep weight low and centered; secure cargo.
• Use aids: Cameras, mirrors, and spotters make tight maneuvers easier and safer.
• Maintain the vehicle: Tire pressures, brakes, and steering play a huge role in drivability.

These fundamentals go a long way toward making any Carryall—small UTV or large SUV—more manageable.

Bottom Line

It’s usually not difficult to drive a “Carryall,” but difficulty scales with size, age, and purpose. A Club Car Carryall is beginner-friendly; a modern Suburban is straightforward yet large; a vintage Dodge WC-53 is enthusiast-grade and demands skill. Match your expectations—and training—to the specific machine.

Summary

Driving difficulty depends on the Carryall in question. Club Car Carryalls are easy and golf-cart-like, modern Suburban-style vehicles are manageable but bulky, and vintage Dodge Carryalls require mechanical skill and forethought. Know which one you have, confirm legal use, get basic training, and drive within the vehicle’s limits.

How to drive a gas golf cart for beginners?

Driving a golf cart is a simple process that can be broken down into a few easy steps:

1. Start the Cart: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position.
2. Accelerate and Brake: To move forward, press down gently on the gas pedal.
3. Steer the Cart: Use the steering wheel to navigate the cart left or right.

Are Club Car carryalls any good?

At Peebles Golf Cars, we’ve seen firsthand how the Carryall 550 delivers where others fall short. Our customers love the durability, off-road performance, and low-maintenance aluminum frame. It’s one of the most reliable utility vehicles in our lineup—and it’s built right here in the USA.

Is it difficult to drive an HGV?

How hard can it be? First of all HGV driving takes a lot of skill, patience, and precision driving a vehicle up to 44ton isn’t for the faint-hearted sometimes taking them into city centers and going down roads that were really only designed for small cars.

How fast does a Club Car carryall go?

GASOLINE

	GASOLINE
Horsepower:	14.0 hp (10.3 kW) rated @ 3600 RPM per SAE J1940
Batteries:	One 12-volt 500 CCA; 105 min Reserve
Charger:	N/A
Speed Range:	15-17 mph (24-27 kph)