Best Kayak Carts, Wheels & Trolleys Reviewed

Kayak Carts, Wheels & Trolleys Compared

Types of Kayak Carts

Sit-in Trolley

Plug-In/ Sit-on-Top

This cart type uses a specialized system of rods to secure an appropriately-equipped kayak by way of its scupper holes. These carts are known for being particularly stable and optimized for sit-on-top kayaks.

Strap Style Cart

While “strap style” may specifically refer to the straps found on sit-in trolleys, they may more generally refer to any kayak cart that uses straps as a primary or secondary method of securing its payload.

Folding Cart/ Taildraggers

As their name suggests, this cart type is exceptionally versatile because it can be folded up and stored away. In terms of securing a kayak, these carts attach to the hull or stern and allow the user to leverage their strength to roll the craft to its intended location.

Benefits of Kayak Transportation Tools

Buying a Top-Quality Kayak Cart

Dimensions

Frame Material

You'll likely be taking your kayak cart off the beaten path, so it is only proper that you choose a model with durable frame material. Models with a stainless steel core are best for strength, while aluminum core carts provide resilience with less weight. In any case, your chosen cart should include a corrosion-resistant outer shell that won't rust or scratch up your watercraft.

Terrain Rating

Certain carts are rated to travel over specific terrains only, so it is worth your time to pick a model with a variety of practical terrain ratings. Among others, modern kayak carts are often certified for safe and secure use over sandy, urban, or watery terrains.

Wheel Type 

In line with the terrain rating, wheel type and material composition will impact your cart’s functional durability and overall ability to tackle adverse terrains. Inflatable tires (like those found on landscaping cart) are best when it comes to resilience, while solid plastic tires tend to provide more traction.

Attachment Method

As noted, kayak carts are broadly differentiated based upon their method of attaching the watercraft to the cart itself. Some models use poles to physically connect the cart to the craft through its scupper holes. Other models use fold-out straps to bind the kayak to the cart (either as a primary or secondary method of security).

Max Weight Capacity

Like kayaks, kayak carts\are rated for safe performance only up to a maximum weight capacity. While comparing prospective models, be sure to choose a model that can bare your kayak's weight with some room to spare (for extra gear).

Storage & Transportability

Some newer models include a collapsible architecture that allows the kayak cart in question to fold up and store away when not in use. While this can be useful when you return home, it can also make it increasingly simple to keep your cart with you when it's time to embark out on the water.

Price & Warranty

1. Suspenz Smart Airless DLX

Hands down, one of the best kayak carts on the market today is the Suspenz Smart Airless DLX. Across its entire construction, you can clearly see why this model is regarded as one of the most durable and most reliable. To this extent, this model’s powder-coated aluminum frame and stainless steel components really tell the tale.

This model’s airless 10” tires are not to be missed either, as they won’t ever go flat as you travel to your favorite body of water. In the same vein, this kayak cart’s straps won’t fray and fall apart due to an uneven distribution of weight across their surface.

2. RAILBLAZA 

Beach-goers will undoubtedly be looking for the best kayak cart for sand, which this year goes to the RAILBLAZA C-Tug. This model’s innovative SandTrakz tires are a stroke of productive genius and can easily outperform other inflated beach tires in their class. That's the kind of quality you've come to count on from the "Made in New Zealand" label on this model.

Despite their appearance, this model’s straps are surprisingly able to accommodate wider-than-average kayaks. After use, you’ll even be able to fold up this kayak cart and store it on your watercraft.

3. YAK-Gear

This Yak-Gear C-Tug model is also a hidden gem in a busy market, especially for those with heavier-than-average kayaks. That’s because this model can comfortably tow up to 300 lbs. without complaint or excessive wear. That means that you’ll be able to take a load off by carrying your gear and kayak all in one location.

Also, this model is one of the best C-tug kayak carts because it is resilient in the face of saltwater (given its reinforced plastic components). Even the high grip tires give a little bit extra when your journey takes you over pavement and other smooth surfaces.

4. Bonnlo

Without a doubt, this Bonnlo model is one of the best kayak transporters available to consumers today. But that’s not all it can do! In fact, this model’s aluminum frame and foam bumpers can support canoes, Jon boats, and paddleboards as well. All of this versatility also comes at a 1/3 of the price of many of its competitors.

This model’s airless polyurethane wheels also deserve some recognition for their ability to tackle gravel, sand, and wooded areas without slipping. Even this model’s spring-loaded kickstand serves to support this model’s overall stability, especially when loading.

5. OxGord

Getting the best kayak cart for rough terrain can be essential to keeping your kayak safe on the way to the lake or river. Luckily, this OxGord model was built with this kind of durability in mind, as seen in its implementation of a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. This model’s double-leg kickstand even adds an extra degree of stability while you unload upon arrival.

Speaking of stability, this OxGord can keep your craft in place without damaging it thanks to its V-shaped cradle. This model can also keep even an extra-wide craft from rattling about with its extra-long 144” securing straps.

6. Best Choice Products

Shoppers in search of the best budget kayak cart can count on this Best Choice Products model. Not only does this model provide an affordable price tag, but it also features 3.5" foam bumpers to prevent accidental hull damage as you travel.

You'll also get an assortment of other standardized features in this model, including a spring-loaded kickstand 10" foam wheels. Combined, these make this model a cheap option that won't provide an inferior performance.

7. Malone Clipper Deluxe

Another of the best kayak wheel cart options available today is the Malone Clipper Deluxe. This model has a lot to its credit, including an anodized aluminum frame that resists corrosion caused by saltwater as a set of proprietary "Never-Go-Flat" tires that live up to their name. In particular, this model is also very well-balanced, reducing the workload for those using it to transport a kayak or other watercraft.

8. Wilderness Systems

The best rated kayak cart better live up to expectations! Luckily, this Wilderness Systems model has, as evidenced in its earning of Paddling Magazine's 2018 “Best Transport/Storage/Launching” award. With a 450 lbs. weight capacity and optimizations for all Wilderness Systems brand kayaks, you can certainly see why it took the top prize. All this is made possible by a marine-grade, heat-treated aluminum alloy frame that won't quit after a few kayaking seasons

9. TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001

Finally, one of the best kayak trolleys available today is the TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001. While this model's weight capacity is relatively average, you'll get more than your dollars' worth in this model's aluminum pipe and anodized stainless steel frame. Together with this model’s flat-shaped wheels, stainless steel fasteners, and chrome lynchpins, you’ll be able to count on this dolly to remain durable and structurally intact for trip after trip to the lake or river.

Setting Up & Using Kayak Wheel Carts

As expected, precise set-up and usage procedures will vary from model to model. However, several key steps can help beginners put their new kayak cart to immediate use out of the box.

If questions regarding set-up and usage remain, remember to consult your kayak cart’s manual or online documentation (when available).

Care & Maintenance for your Kayak Cart

Before and after each use, you should always check for the following to ensure that your new kayak cart remains in peak condition:

Kayak Cart Accessories

Spring-loaded Kickstands

As on a bicycle, this type of kickstand provides an extra degree of support for a kayak cart while it is stationary. This accessory can be especially useful when loading and unloading your craft on an incline.

Extra-Long Straps

These straps are generally used to secure larger-than-average kayaks. However, some users prefer these auxiliary straps when it comes to doubling down on their craft’s security while moving over adverse and incline terrain.

Beach Wheel Conversion Kits

These kits are designed to make it easy to switch out standard kayak card wheels for a set optimized for use on sandy terrains. These kits typically include everything needed to accomplish this, including a set of broad, air-inflated tires.

Anchor Trolley Kits

While not an accessory for a kayak cart, these anchor trolley kits are handy for manipulating the position of fishing kayak. The H2o Kayak Canoe Anchor Trolley Kit is one particularly popular option that can be installed onto the side of any kayak and operated with just one hand.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What kind of material are kayak carts made of?

Depending on their weight limit and foldability, kayak carts can be made from everything from stainless steel to impact-resistant plastic. Some lightweight models may also be constructed with an aluminum core. In all cases, a performance-centered kayak cart will feature some corrosion-resistant exterior.

Where is the best place to buy these kayak wheel carts?

Hands down, Amazon is the best place to pick up a kayak cart. Amazon’s business model allows them to stock and ship with incredible bulk rates. In many cases, this high volume methodology results in notable savings, which are passed onto the buyer. Often, Amazon’s prices even undercut the original manufacturer’s rates.

Where can I buy replacement parts for my kayak cart?

Replacement parts are often available from the kayak cart’s original manufacturer. This includes replacement wheels and straps, which are the most likely components to wear down after several years of regular use.

Do kayak carts come with a warranty?

Some do, some do not. Kayak carts that come with a warranty are preferable, of course, given the extra assurance they provide to the purchase. However, a model with a brief or difficult-to-activate warranty is as good as no warranty at all. Always check customer reviews to qualify a given model’s warranty.

What are the best kayak cart brands?

Today, there are a variety of brands that are continuously innovating on the kayak cart’s basic functionality. But a few brands currently stand out, based upon their overall quality and affordability. These brands include Suspenz, Railblaza, Bonnolo, and Malone.

Why do I need to find the center of gravity for my kayak cart?

Often, your owner's manual includes instructions for finding the center of gravity on your particular kayak cart model. However, the center of gravity can usually be ascertained by balancing your kayak (with assistance) on the cart while resting on stable ground.

Conclusion

Even out of these many great options, the best overall kayak cart remains the Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart. When taking its durable powder-coated aluminum frame and stainless steel components into account, you can't expect to find a better priced or better-performing option on the consumer market today.