If you’re reading this article, it’s because the sun is shining 😉 and you’re already imagining yourself at the beach with your family.
But how do you organize the logistics of an afternoon at the beach ?
How to optimize your trip to the sea ?
You’ve seen or heard of a beach wagon.
It seems a relevant choice and you’re right ;).
Why choose a beach wagon ?
And above all, which model to choose ?
I share my experience with you 😉
Happy reading and good choice.
The different types of beach wagons
What’s the difference between a trailer, cart, caddy and beach wagon ?
Are there carts that take up less space ?
I’m often asked these questions ;).
Here are the different types of beach wagons available on the market.
The folding beach wagon
The best-known and most popular because, like a baby’s umbrella bed, it folds into a square and takes up almost no space in your garage ;).
The beach wagon with roof
As far as he’s concerned, we can see his main purpose straight away.
Transport children or animals and protect them with a roof 😉
They are therefore generally more robust and have a higher maximum load.
The 2-wheel beach wagon
It’s more of a two-wheeled hand truck than a cart.
What’s more, some can be converted into deckchairs.
But load capacity and payload are lower than for a 4-wheel beach wagon.
The electric beach wagon
There aren’t many brands of electric beach wagons on the market.
They are ideal for carrying heavy loads.
The beach wagon trailer
The difference ? It can be folded down, making it more robust than canvas.
The latter will be used more for gardening or DIY, and secondarily for the beach ;).
The 4 essential points for choosing a good beach wagon
Big wheels
The most important factor in choosing a beach wagon is the size of the wheels.
Why ?
The larger the wheels, the better your cart will roll in the sand.
Here are 4 reasons why large wheels are essential when choosing your cart:
- Pressure distribution: Larger wheels have a greater surface area in contact with the sand, which distributes the weight of the cart over a larger area. This reduces the pressure exerted by the cart on the sand, allowing the wheels to float above the sand rather than sink into it.
- Better traction: Large tires have greater grip on sand, enabling the beach wagon to move better, even on soft or uneven surfaces. This prevents the wheels from bogging down or spinning in the sand.
- Stability: Large wheels give the truck greater stability, which is essential when transporting heavy loads over unstable ground such as sand. They reduce the risk of overturning or tipping, ensuring the safety of your goods.
- Easy maneuverability: Large wheels make it easier to maneuver the cart on sand, as they reduce rolling resistance. This makes the cart easier to push or pull, even on difficult sandy surfaces.
Maximum supported weight
Another decisive factor is the truck’s maximum supported weight.
In fact, I recommend a 220 lb load for your cart.
After all, you won’t just be using your beach wagon on the beach, you’ll also be carrying heavy loads from time to time.
And at the beach, I can already see your 60 lb child sitting in it.
What will be your main use for the cart ?
And yes, ask yourself this important question.
Would you like a cart for gardening and DIY, followed by one for the beach and shopping ?
Or vice versa ?
Depending on your priorities, I recommend adjusting the sturdiness of your cart.
More robust and solid for gardening and DIY.
More practical and lightweight for the beach.
Minimum capacity +26 gal
That’s right, because the cart will fill up very quickly, especially if your child and your dog decide to sit in it.
26 gal is perfect for a cart.
Which brands sell beach wagons ?
There are several well-known brands selling beach wagons around the world. Here are just a few of the popular brands:
- Rio Brands: Rio Brands offers a range of sturdy, versatile beach wagons to suit different needs and budgets.
- Mac Sports: This brand offers foldable, easy-to-transport beach wagons, often with all-terrain wheels for use on the sand.
- Tommy Bahama: Known for its casual lifestyle and quality products, Tommy Bahama also offers stylish and functional beach wagons.
- Wonder Wheeler: Specializing in beach wagons, this brand offers a variety of options, including models with beverage holders and isothermal compartments.
- BeachMall: BeachMall offers a wide selection of beach wagons, from simple models to multifunctional wagons with practical accessories.
- Wheeleez: This brand is renowned for its beach wagons with special wheels designed to navigate easily on sand.
- Caddie Buddy: Offering sturdy, durable beach wagons, Caddie Buddy focuses on ease of use and functionality.
- Wheeled Wonder: This brand focuses on designing high-end beach wagons with innovative features to make your days at the beach more enjoyable.
- Beach Cart XL: Specializing in high-capacity beach wagons, this brand offers robust options for transporting all your beach equipment in one go.
- BeachMates: Designed for convenience and ease of use, BeachMates beach wagons are known for their solid construction and practical features.
- Wheeleasy: This brand offers versatile beach wagons with wheels specially designed for easy traction on sand, making it easy to transport your belongings to the beach.
- Sea Striker: Specializing in fishing and beach equipment, Sea Striker offers a range of durable, functional beach wagons to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Beach Wagon: This brand offers a selection of spacious, sturdy beach wagons, perfect for transporting chairs, umbrellas, coolers and other beach equipment.
- BeachMobil: Known for its stylish, practical beach wagons, BeachMobil offers lightweight, compact options to make it easy to get your stuff on the sand.
- Tommy Docks: Specializing in beach accessories and equipment, this brand offers sturdy, well-designed beach wagons to simplify your beach outings.
Why choose a beach wagon over a beach stroller ?
As the owner of two YOYO strollers that I often take to the beach, I also own a beach wagon and here are the advantages for me of choosing a beach wagon rather than a stroller for going to the beach:
- Protect your Stroller from sand wear and tear: Sand gets in everywhere and damages the beautiful stroller you use every day. It’s like going to the beach with a nice bike… I’d rather take a less beautiful bike that I’ll only use to go to the beach. My main bike will always be in perfect summer condition, because it won’t get damaged on the beach. The same goes for the Stroller.
- More storage and carrying capacity: Oh yes, you’re already imagining yourself at the beach with all the toys and bags for your baby. You’re going to need room to store all those accessories and toys. With the cart, space will no longer be a problem ;).
- Optimized for sand: Although many strollers can roll on sand, they are more optimized for rolling on hard ground. With a beach wagon, there’s no risk of getting stuck with the big wheels ;).
Can I use my beach wagon anywhere other than the beach ?
The answer is a resounding YES !
Which makes this a great accessory for your everyday life that will quickly pay for itself.
The beach wagon will be used for gardening, DIY, and I’ve even seen them at jumble sales to carry all your purchases.
There are many uses for it.
That’s why some retailers refer to beach wagons as “folding wagons” or “garden wagons”.
Can I put my child in the beach wagon ?
The answer is a resounding YES !
I see a lot of parents putting their children and their dogs in the beach wagons.
Most models can carry more than 220 lb, so they’ll transport your child with ease.
There’s just no safety harness, but the cart is deep enough to keep your child secure and comfortable.
