All terrain carts and trolleys are increasing in popularity due to the versatile nature of these carryalls.
The carts assessed here have sturdy construction and perfect for a number of applications.
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While most advertised as utility vehicles for the beach or sporting events, the uses around the home for chores such as carrying laundry or tools for a DIY project makes life that much easier.
All carts carry a sizable load eliminating the need for lifting large pot plants or heavy pooches which could result in strain and other injury.
Our #1 Recommended Beach Wagon & Cart
#1 HEAVY DUTY BEACH WAGON
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain, blue/white
- Extra large 10" wheels perfect for deep beach sand, rock & other tough terrains
- Opens to 36.2" x 21.4" x 24.6" and folds to folds to only 9.7" thick
- Adjustable handle, 2 mesh cup holders
#1 ALL-AROUND BEACH WAGON
Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility, Blue
- Perfect for the beach, park, sport events or around the house
- Opens to 35" x 20" x 23" and folds to only 8" Thick
- Adjustable handle, 2 mesh cup holders
#1 BEACH CART
Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler Wide
- Foldable with large wheels for the beach
- 15 cubic ft storage & can candle up to 100lb
- Perfect for hauling all your gear to the beach
The 5 Best Bets
#1 Choice - Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsable Folding Beach Cart
5 Star Editorial Rating
Pro's
- A stylish designed cart using upright engineering for ease of use. Limits bending when pushing the cart. A collapse down design makes it easy to fit into tights luggage space.
- Removable insulated tote bag to keep drinks cool and snacks fresh. Also has handy side pouches with zippers to secure items such as car keys and phones.
- Large 10 inch tractor wheels for sider contact with the surface. Designed to travel over beach sand.
- Foot pouch for beach umbrellas with velcro tie straps to secure the umbrella to the side out of the way of the handle.
- Cargo net for loose items such as balls or sand buckets.
- Front stroller style duel wheels for steering round tight turns.
Con's
- Cart is pulled from behind over sand requiring it to be tilted onto the tractor wheels. This puts some weight onto the arms of the handler.
- Plastic swivel connectors joining the steel tubes could eventually fail.
Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon
Pro's
- No assembly needed. Simply pull the wagon out of the carton, unfold it ready to use
- Separate drink bottle baskets in easy reach by the handler.
- Comes in a good range of designs and colors from camouflage through to hot pink
- Handy fold-out food table
- Carries a heavier load than other carts in this range, a hefty 150 pounds
- Adjustable handle that can be locked into upright position when not in use. The handle also has height adjustments to suit the height of the user
- Heavy duty 600D fabric to resist tearing from umbrella spikes
- Good stability when loaded with heavy objects
Con's
- Has standard wheels and not the wider tractor types which will impact the performance over some surfaces
- May experience handling problems when under load and going down a slope
- Not all models have a fold-out table
TOMMY BAHAMA ALL TERRAIN BEACH CART
Pro's
- Wide handle that will not cramp hands while pulling the cart
- Height adjustable handle that locks into an upright position when not used instead of lying on the ground creating a potential tripping hazard
- Sturdy front wheel combination that turns with the handle. As well as making a wide combination for traveling over soft ground, there is potential to not only pull the wagon from behind, but push it forward as well. A useful feature where visibility is needed such as easing through a parking lot of closely spaced motor vehicles
- Quality of the finish is to a high standard
- Has a larger interior space than other carts
- Carries a hefty 150 pound load
- Accordion style fold-up makes for compact storage. The wagon is lightweight, only 24.5 pounds
Con's
- Almost double the price of its smaller cousin
- The close position of the steering wheels could trap stones or thick mud adding some difficulty when cleaning the wagon
Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheels
Pro's
- Upright utility cart. Stroller style handle with soft-feel, neoprene grip. Handle extends out to allow a natural walking stride.
- Stylish design. The floral motive and aqua theme has feminine appeal.
- A load capacity of 100 pounds while holding 15 cubic feet of storage.
- Side umbrella shoe with velcro straps to hold beach umbrellas to the side and away from the handler.
- A bodyboard holder
- All terrain rear wheels of tough polyester plastic. A 10 inch diameter with a 4 inch wide spread over surface area
- Removable tote bag, insulated for carrying food or sunscreens. Because it is removable, valuables such as phones or car keys can be stored inside and taken off the cart to keep close for security
- Bottom tray for holding up to 4 beach chairs
- Sizeable storage pocket at the rear big enough to hold lap-tops or touch screen devices
- Removable tote bag, insulated for carrying food or sunscreens. Because it is removable, valuables such as phones or car keys can be stored inside and taken off the cart to keep close for security
- Lightweight aluminium engineering makes this the lightest of the carts. Weighs a mere 17 pounds
Con's
- Slightly higher priced than comparable carts
- Bodyboard holder is an optional extra
- Some assembly needed after delivery, though does not require tools
- Small diameter front wheels
FAQ's
Why does fatter wheels mean I can push the cart through sand?
Having a wider surface area distributes the weight evenly. Think of it as the difference between pushing a spike into the ground as opposed to pushing a gallon paint tin—the spike is easy, whereas the paint tin impossible.
How strong are these carts? I want one for my garden.
All of the carts are strong. Some are better suited for heavy loads than others. For example, if you wanted to carry bags of potting mix or large pot plants, the wagon type is better. However, due to the folding design, the floor is not rigid. It would be advisable to lay two or more planks across the bottom to keep items such as pot plants upright.
My girls don’t like sand on their legs when we go to the beach. Can I use a cart to carry children in?
The design rules and regulations for prams and strollers is very specific. Safety features such as brakes and design stability so the child can’t tip the stroller over must be considered. The beach carts and wagons although strong enough are not designed for carrying children.
The key features of utility trolleys and carts at a glance
• The combination of design and functionality to create a vehicle to suit multiple purposes.
• Engineered to high standards. Made for the outdoor environment and to withstand the elements.
• Foldable while remaining lightweight serves as compact storage for the units.
• Tractor wheels made from tough polyester materials.
• Wide traction spreads the load across a surface area such as mud or un-compacted dry sand.
• Water and UV resistant materials. An important aspect in hosing sand and grit from the cart to keep them in viable condition for handling and not contaminating goods.
• When folded down require little space in a car or SUV. Lightweight construction means lifting onto luggage bars is possible without strenuous effort.
• Low noise travel across smooth surfaces making them useful for shopping malls and supermarkets. Eliminates the need for returning shopping trolleys back to trolley bays.
• Ergonomic grip handles to reduce fatigue or injury while pushing the trolleys over distances.
• Ease of maneuverability. All carts have swivel wheel sets making them suitable for tight corners or going between crowded foot traffic.
Final Verdict
The four carts reviewed here have features that appeal to some and not to others. Rio Brand Deluxe Wonder Wheels due to its light weight will appeal to mothers struggling with a toddler in one hand and unloading the cart with the other.
The Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart will appeal to those wanting practicality and good design at a budget price. The Mac Sports Collapsable Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon is the perfect choice for those wanting to leave the car at home and walk to the supermarket for groceries.
Our choice is the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsable Folding all Terrain Beach Wagon Cart. Although the most expensive of the reviewed carts and wagons, it is also the most impressive. Rugged design, a huge pay load, tractor wheels that will stand up to the toughest of outdoor environment, makes the wagon a versatile utility ready for a variety of applications.
