Best Beach Carts

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Bonnlo
Test Winner: Bonnlo
Amazon Link
Getting your kayak from the garage out onto the water can sometimes feel like an impossible task. After you untie it from the rack on the roof of your car, your next challenge is getting it from the car into the water. If you are at the beach, the job may seem even harder- depending on how far the parking lot is from the water. Instead of exerting all of your energy carrying it down to the water so that you are tired before you even pick up a paddle, investing in good quality beach carts will help you transport all of your heavy gear through the sand and right down to the water effortlessly. Check out our top picks below.

Standout Picks

Bonnlo
Editor’s Ranking: 10/10 The Bonnlo design is made specifically to drag through the sand. It is made from high quality materials that are durable as well as lightweight, and the wheels are perfect for even the softest sand. With this unit, there is little standing in the way of getting out there on the water.
Amazon Link
$109.99
Wheeleez
Editor’s Ranking: 9.9/10 Wheeleez makes another great option for those that are looking for a way to transport their heavy beach gear through the sand and down to the water without much of a struggle. It is made from high quality materials, and utilizes superior tire design. The downside is that the price tag might sting a little bit.
Amazon Link
$259.95
Challenger Mobility
Editor’s Ranking: 9.7/10 Challenger Mobility makes a really great design that will be perfect for the sand. It is constructed from high quality materials that will hold up over multiple beach trips, and is relatively lightweight so it is easy to load up and pull through the sand.
Amazon Link
$139.00
TMS
TMS
Editor’s Ranking: 9.4/10 If you are looking to save a little space with a more compact design- this is going to be perfect for your needs. It has all of the components that users would want for taking their water vessels from the parking lot to the ocean, and it also folds up easily to fit in the back seat of your car, or in the garage for simple storage during the off season.
Amazon Link
$41.38
Ctug
Editor’s Ranking: 9.5/10 Ctug is designed to be just a little bit more rugged and versatile than some of the other models that only use balloon tires. If has an impressive loading capacity and a design that is made to scale any and all terrains.
Amazon Link
$99.99
OxGord
Editor’s Ranking: 9.2/10 OxGord is a trusted name in the outdoor gear world, so it is no wonder that they are making this list with their high quality yet affordable design. If you are looking for something that is versilite, folds up neatly, and comes at a very reasonable price point, OxGord is going to be your best bet.
Amazon Link
$54.95
ABN
ABN
Editor’s Ranking: 8.8/10 ABN makes a really great product that has a relatively simple design compared to a lot of the others on the market, and it doesn’t take much time to load it up right out of the box. Plus, it comes in at a price that everyone is sure to love.
Amazon Link
$49.99
RAD Sportz
Editor’s Ranking: 8.5/10 RAD Sportz makes a really great option that utilizes airless tires to ensure that you will never be halfway to the water only to find that one of your tires is losing air. It has a really simple and durable design, and it is set at a price point that is incredibly reasonable.
Amazon Link
$45.53
Suspenz
Editor’s Ranking: 8.2/10 Suspenz makes a really great design that is really easy to put together and load, it requires almost no additional maintenance, and it is perfect for taking down into the sand as well as on other types of difficult terrains as well.
Amazon Link
$149.95
Salamander
Editor’s Ranking: 7.9/10 This model sports those classic balloon tires that are perfect for traversing any type of difficult sand. It is made from high quality materials, and will be a great addition to your summer adventures if you are willing to pay the higher price point.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

If it can’t help you navigate your way through the sand to make it to the water, then it isn’t very functional. We found that the best types of tires for making it through just about any type of sand- loose or wet- were balloon tires. There seem to be an overwhelming number of users that preferred balloon tires- and that is why most of those designs are found at the top of our list.

Balloon tires are exactly what they sound like they are- they are big and round and filled with air. They don’t have any traction on them, which is another reason that they are ideal in the sand. Without traction, there no way that they can get sand stuck in the treads that could essentially slow it down. We didn’t just stick with balloon tires, however, because they can’t be used on a lot of various surfaces. We also added in some all terrain tires that were ideal for sand, gravel, mud, and rocky terrain. The only downside about these types of tires is that they have a little bit if difficulty in very specific types of sand.

Ease of Use

Luckily, a lot of these designs are pretty simple to put together right out of the box. Almost all of them can be put together without the need for any additional tools, and some simply require that the tires be fastened to the external frame. We liked to select models that didn’t require a whole lot of time to put together and didn’t come in a box with a million little pieces.

We also wanted to select designs that came with all of the tools that you won’t need to load it up, such as bungee cords, ropes, and belts. We were more drawn to options that came with bungees because the materials are a little more resilient and easy to use. A lot of designs that utilize belts often run into the problem of the fastener breaking, or the material just not being long enough.

Versatility

Taking any type of boat out of the ocean is a really exciting experience, but what about rivers or lakes? If you find that you have to park your car far away from your desired body of water and don’t want to carry it there- will your dolly be able to roll over gravel, mud, dirt, and rocks? For those instances, we looked at the tires that had a little bit more traction on them than balloon tires, and we also liked designs that didn’t require to be pumped with air. The airless tires might add a little bit of extra weight but it means that you won’t be stuck with a flat tire on your way from the car to the water. When you are out there trying to select what design is right for you- we suggest that you look primarily with the tires. Sure, products that come with a good set of bungee cords are great, but that is something that you could pick up at the hardware store if you needed it.

Value

We know that planning a trip the ocean- especially when you live far from the coast- can be a really expensive and tedious endeavor. That’s why we tried to keep the prices as low as we could without sacrificing quality or design. Some of the designs out there on the market packed quite the wallop of a price tag, and we tried to keep those options limited. Instead, we opted for designs that have a cost that runs about in the middle of the road- meaning that they were not the most expensive items out there, but they weren’t the least expensive either. We took this approach while also keeping our eye on the materials that they used and what past users have said about their performance.

Top 10 Picks

1. Bonnlo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$109.99
Bonnlo
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 10/10

The Bonnlo design is made specifically to drag through the sand. It is made from high quality materials that are durable as well as lightweight, and the wheels are perfect for even the softest sand. With this unit, there is little standing in the way of getting out there on the water.

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Materials used:

One of the most important features when it comes to these products are wheels. Traveling through sand can become a little difficult, especially if it is too wet or too loose. Lightweight air tires are perfect for any type of sand, and you don’t run the risk of it becoming stuck. The frame is made from a lightweight aluminum that is incredibly durable, but it will not weight you down while you are wheeling it down to the water.

Ease of Use:

When it arrives in the mail there is no need to dig out the tool box, because it is pretty simple to assemble without the use of any tools. Loading this up is incredibly easy. It utilizes the help of nylon straps and bungee cords to keep your water vessel in place. It is capable of supporting units that weigh approximately 165 pounds. Users also don’t have to worry about suffering any damage to their vessel, because the frame is padded with rubber bumpers to prevent dents and scratches.

Value:

Sometimes these units can really rack up quite the price tag, especially when they are equipped with balloon tires. However, considering the solid aluminum frame and high quality tires, this unit is offered at a very reasonable price.

Summary:

This will be a great addition to your next beach trip. The only downside to balloon tires is that they don’t transition to other types of terrain very easily, because they have a high probability to become punctured. However, if you need something specifically for the sand, this product is your best bet.

Amazon Link
$109.99

2. Wheeleez

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$259.95
Wheeleez
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 9.9/10

Wheeleez makes another great option for those that are looking for a way to transport their heavy beach gear through the sand and down to the water without much of a struggle. It is made from high quality materials, and utilizes superior tire design. The downside is that the price tag might sting a little bit.

Read more

Materials used:

The superior materials used for this product is what makes it stands out from all of the others out there on the market. The balloon tires measure to be 11.7 inches are are perfect for traveling over wet or incredibly loose sand. The frame is made from from sturdy aluminum construction that is lightweight as well as durable. The entire unit weighs just over 14 pounds, so it won’t be difficult to unload from your car and drag through the sand.

Ease of use:

There is no need to dig out the tool box when this unit arrives in the mail. Many of the past users have found that is incredibly easy to assemble right out of the box. Once it is put together, simply use a series of bungees and ropes to assifx your water vessel t the frame. When it is hooked in, grab ahold of the front end and drag through the sand down to the water.

Value:

You might want to be sitting down for this, because the price of this unit is a bit more expensive than many of the other similar designs out there on the market. However, if you want something that will hold up over the years, and that comes from a trusted company- you will not be disappointed with the performance of this product. Plus, is comes with a 6 month manufacturers warranty if anything breaks.

Summary:

If you are looking for a really high quality model, and are willing to spend the additional cost- this unit is going to be your best bet. Keep in mind, however, that it is specifically designed to be used in the sand, so it might not be ideal to use on other surfaces because of the tire design.

Amazon Link
$259.95

3. Challenger Mobility

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$139.00
Challenger Mobility
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 9.7/10

Challenger Mobility makes a really great design that will be perfect for the sand. It is constructed from high quality materials that will hold up over multiple beach trips, and is relatively lightweight so it is easy to load up and pull through the sand.

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Materials used:

The frame is made from a high quality aluminum tubing that is perfect for supporting a water vessel without feeling too heavy. It also utilizes 12 inch balloon tires that are specifically designed to be carried through any type of sand- wet or dry. This model makes it really simple for you to carry it down to the water by yourself.

Ease of use:

Many past users have found that is model is really easy to put together, and doesn’t even need the use of an instruction manual. Once it has been put together out of the box, loading up your water vessel is even easier. Simply strap it to the sturdy aluminum frame using a series of ropes and bungee cords. The frame is lined with rubber bumpers to ensure that your vessel doesn’t become nicked or stretched when the terrain becomes a little bumpy.

Value:

While the cost of this unit is still pretty expensive, it is no where near the most expensive models out there on the market. If you want to ensure that you are getting the best quality of materials for something that will last you for years to come, this unit will be an excellent solution the next time you need to pull your heavy water gear through difficult sands.

Summary:

If you were in the market for something that was made specifically to make its way through any type of sand, while still being lightweight and easy to use, this product will be an excellent addition for your next trip to the ocean.

Amazon Link
$139.00

4. TMS

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$41.38
TMS
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 9.4/10

If you are looking to save a little space with a more compact design- this is going to be perfect for your needs. It has all of the components that users would want for taking their water vessels from the parking lot to the ocean, and it also folds up easily to fit in the back seat of your car, or in the garage for simple storage during the off season.

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Materials used:

The frame is composed of high quality and durable aluminum that is perfect for heavier vessels. It has soft foam padding along the edges to ensure your vessel doesn’t become scratched or dented as you drag it down to the water. The tires are 9.5 inches around and 3.25 inches wide. They are perfect for tricky surfaces such as gravel and sand. If you happened to pack in a gravel parking lot next to the ocean, this unit will seamlessly make the transition from gravel to sand without worrying about puncturing a tire.

Ease of use:

When it arrives in the mail, the only thing that you will need to do before hitting the road is placing the wheel on the frame. Once the wheels have been attached, simply place your water vessel on the foam-line aluminum bars, and fasten it into place with a series of ropes and bungee cords to ensure that it doesn’t fall off or bounce around. When you are done and ready to go home, the entire unit folds in half and is easily stored the in the trunk of your car.

Value:

The cost of this model is one of its most handsome features. It is offered at about half of what many of the other models out there on the market are offered at. This is a really great deal for those looking for a simple way to get their vessel into the water without spending a lot of money.

Summary:

If you want something that is easily stored, simple to use, and won’t break the bank, the TMS design is going to be your best option the next time you take a trip to the ocean.

Amazon Link
$41.38

5. Ctug

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$99.99
Ctug
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 9.5/10

Ctug is designed to be just a little bit more rugged and versatile than some of the other models that only use balloon tires. If has an impressive loading capacity and a design that is made to scale any and all terrains.

Read more

Materials used:

Most of the products out there on the market all share a similar design that utilized aluminum bars to affix your water vessel. The Ctug design is just a little different. Instead of using balloon tires that might not be ideal for other terrains outside of the sand, this model uses airless tires with deep, heavy treads. It also has a plastic base the cradles your boat in place, while the belts hold the vessel to the base. The plastic cradle is able to be adjusted to fit any size vessel comfortably.

Ease of use:

It doesn’t get easier that this model. There isn’t really much to even put together when it arrives in the mail, so there is no need to drag out the tool box. Due to the fact that is doesn’t use am aluminum components, it only weighs about 10 pounds- which is one of the lightest units to make this list. Simply cradle your vessel in place, and then use the nylon buckles to hold it down to ensure that if doesn’t bounce while in use.

Value:

The cost of this unit is a little expensive, but it is nowhere near as expensive as some of the higher end units out there on the market. In fact, this is about the normal cost for something that is made from quality materials that will last you a long time.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is incredibly lighter that some of the others out there (making it easier to pack up into the trunk of your car), and is really simple to use, Ctug is going to be your best bet for your next trip out to the ocean.

Amazon Link
$99.99

6. OxGord

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$54.95
OxGord
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 9.2/10

OxGord is a trusted name in the outdoor gear world, so it is no wonder that they are making this list with their high quality yet affordable design. If you are looking for something that is versilite, folds up neatly, and comes at a very reasonable price point, OxGord is going to be your best bet.

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Materials used:

The frame is made out of aluminum that is resistant to corrosion, and it is line with soft foam padding to ensure that you won’t dent or scratch your water vessel if the pathway to the water becomes bumpy. The tires are filled with air, and are designed to be used to drag across both dry, loose sand as well as wet and compacted sand.

Ease of use:

There is little assembly required when you take this unit out of the box, so don’t worry about digging out your tool box. Once it is ready to be loaded, simply place your unit on the soft foam padding, and strap it into place using a serious of bungees and ropes to ensure that it doesn’t bounce around on rocky and uneven terrain. When you are done using it for the day, simply fold it in half and neatly place it in the trunk of your car.

Value:

The cost of this unit is one of it’s best features. It is a little bit more expensive than the TMS model, but not by much. If you were looking for a simple design that won’t set you back a lot of money- this is a great option.

Summary:

For some of us landlocked folks, planning a trip to the ocean can be quite the expensive endeavor, so if there is ever an opportunity to save a little bit of money, you probably want to take it. OxGord makes a product that is incredibly durable and easy to use, but it also comes in at a really reasonable price point.

Amazon Link
$54.95

7. ABN

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$49.99
ABN
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 8.8/10

ABN makes a really great product that has a relatively simple design compared to a lot of the others on the market, and it doesn’t take much time to load it up right out of the box. Plus, it comes in at a price that everyone is sure to love.

Read more

Materials used:

As we stated earlier, the design of this model is relatively simple. It is constructed from anodized steel which makes it incredibly durable as well as lightweight- is weighs in at just over 6 pounds. This lightweight frame that is has soft foam bumpers is capable of holding at up to 200 pounds. The 9.5 inch inflated tires are perfect for traveling over sand, gravel, or wooded terrains without much of a hassle.

Ease of use:

Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to ABN. This model is pretty much ready to go right out of the box, so there is no need to drag out that old, dusty toolbox. Once is it set up, simply place your water vessel on the soft foam grips over the metal bars, and then fasten it into place with the belts and straps that are provided with purchase.

Value:

The price of this unit is incredibly affordable, and might not even run you as much as it cost to fill up your car in preparation for a road trip. It is considered to be one of the most affordable options out there on the market.

Summary:

If you are looking for something to get your small boat from the parking lot to the water without much hassle or energy on your part- this is a perfect solution. Plus, it comes in at a really affordable price that is easy on the wallet.

Amazon Link
$49.99

8. RAD Sportz

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$45.53
RAD Sportz
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 8.5/10

RAD Sportz makes a really great option that utilizes airless tires to ensure that you will never be halfway to the water only to find that one of your tires is losing air. It has a really simple and durable design, and it is set at a price point that is incredibly reasonable.

Read more

Materials used:

The frame of this model is constructed from high quality steel that sports a sharp yellow finish. It has back foam bumpers on the side to keep your boat from becoming dented or scratched when the road becomes bumpy on the way down to the water. It also uses special airless tires that are capable of scaling sand, dirt, or gravel, and can hold up to 150 pounds.

Ease of use:

When it arrives in the mail, basically the only thing that you will need to do it affix the wheels- which don’t even require the use of a toolbox. Once you are set up, simply fasten your water vessel to the harnessing using the ropes and buckles that are provided with purchase. When it is time to head home, the entire unit folds up and it able to be stored in a lightweight mesh carrying bag that is included in the purchase.

Value:

The cost of this unit is considerable more affordable than many of the other models out there on the market, but it isn’t the least expensive either. If you were looking for something that ran about in the middle of the road in terms of price, this would be an excellent selection.

Summary:

For those looking for something that is lightweight, easy to store, and a cinch to use- this design will be an excellent addition on your next family vacation to the ocean this summer.

Amazon Link
$45.53

9. Suspenz

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$149.95
Suspenz
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 8.2/10

Suspenz makes a really great design that is really easy to put together and load, it requires almost no additional maintenance, and it is perfect for taking down into the sand as well as on other types of difficult terrains as well.

Read more

Materials used:

The frame of this design is made from a lightweight aluminum frame that has high quality hardware components made from stainless steel. There are soft foam grips lining the frame where your boat will sit, and it is able to be folded neatly when not in use for easy storage.

Ease of use:

Once it arrives in the mail, there is no need to break out that old toolbox. Simply pop the tires onto the fully assembled frame, and add the appropriate straps and you are ready to hit the road. Once you have made it to your destination, place your boat onto the soft foam grips and fasten it into place with belts and bungee cords. The airless tires make is really easy to scale any type of terrain without the worry of ever getting a flat tire.

Value:

The cost of this design is a little bit more than most, but it isn’t the most expensive model out there on the market. If you were looking for something that didn’t require a lot of additional maintenance (like keeping air in the tires), and will fold up easily to be stored- this is a great value.

Summary:

For those looking for a really solid design to take along with this summer on all of their nautical adventures- this product is well worth the slightly padded price tag.

Amazon Link
$149.95

10. Salamander

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Salamander
Amazon Link

Editor’s Ranking: 7.9/10

This model sports those classic balloon tires that are perfect for traversing any type of difficult sand. It is made from high quality materials, and will be a great addition to your summer adventures if you are willing to pay the higher price point.

Read more

Materials:

This model has the typical design as a lot of the other units out there on the market. The frame is constructed from a durable metal that has been painted a sharp orange. It has soft foam grips in the places where your boat would sit to avoid chips and dents while traveling over bumpy terrain. It also rocks the balloon tire design that makes it perfect for any type of sand.

Ease of use:

Putting this product together is pretty simple and won’t require the use of a toolbox. Once it has been put together, simply load your vessel onto the soft foam grips, and secure in it in place using a series of belts and bungee cords. The big balloon tires will make it a cinch to navigate your boat over the more difficult types of sand without getting stuck or limiting your ability to turn.

Value:

As you will find with any design that utilizes balloon tires- this product carries a bit of a hefty price tag. However, if you want something that will really perform in any type of sandy condition without holding you back- this will be well worth the price.

Summary:

If you want something that will get you through the sand and into the water in lightning speed- this will be an excellent addition to your next trip to the ocean.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Steve Gavin, 10 Best Beach Carts & Wagons In 2019, Article