Kayaking can be an excellent way of getting out and enjoying the outdoors, especially when the weather is warm. However, whether you’re a solo or a tandem kayaker, getting the kayak and other gear from your vehicle to the water body can be a challenge. If you’re a solo kayaker, then the task is made all the more difficult. This is where the simple yet elegant idea of a dolly or a kayak cart comes in. The best kayak wheels, carts, and dollies aren’t an unnecessary expense or only for the lazy. Rather, they’re an integral part of your kit, especially when it becomes impossible to lug all the gear on your own.
The specialized attachment that is a kayak cart adds a pair of multipurpose but temporary wheels to the stern or the hull of your kayak. Thus, they allow you to transport your kayak, canoe, or boat to your kayaking destination with the least amount of effort. What’s more, many of the modern models are adaptable too which makes them accessible to both fishing and recreational or kayaks. To that end, here are the 13 best kayak carts, wheels, and trolleys.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Carts, Wheels, And Trolleys?
Whether you choose kayaking accessories such as kayak wheels, the Best GPS Kayaking Units or even the Best Kayaking Bimini Tops and Canopies, there are a lot of aspects you need to consider.
Types of kayak carts
- Taildraggers/folding carts: As the name suggests, this exceptionally versatile cart can be folded up and stored away when not in use. To use them, all you need to do is attach them to the stern or hull and roll your kayak to wherever you want.
- Sit-on-top/plug-in carts: These carts feature a specialized rods system for securing a boat via its scupper holes. They’re optimized for and best used by sit-on-top kayaks.
- Sit-in trolleys: One of the most distinguishing features of sit-in trolleys is a pair of straps that hold the kayak in place. They’re best used by sit-in kayaks that lack scupper holes.
- Strap-style cart: These are a variant of sit-in trolleys, but basically refers to kayak trolleys that use straps as the major way of securing their payload.
Dimensions
Since kayaks come in a gamut of sizes, so do their trolleys and dollies. Broadly speaking, kayak carts are differentiated based on their width. The most optimal cart model should comfortably attach to your craft at either the stern or the hull, depending on the type of the cart without crushing or slipping on the hull. In fact, some carts also come with adjustable straps for additional versatility.
Material, terrain rating, and wheel type
Since your kayak trolley will mostly roll off the beaten path, it’s only fitting that you choose models with a frame material that’s durable. Ideally speaking, the best models for strength and robustness are those with a stainless steel core. On the other hand, aluminum core carts weigh less and yet provide resilience. Notwithstanding the material you choose, go for carts with a corrosion-resistant outer shell that won’t scratch or rust your craft.
Next, we need to look at the terrain rating, as some carts can only travel over specific terrains. So, you need to go for a cart model that features a range of practical terrain ratings. Generally, contemporary kayak trolleys are often certified for secure and safe use over watery, urban, and sandy terrains. Another aspect in line with terrain rating is the type and build of the wheel, including its material. They will definitely have an impact on your cart’s durability as well as its overall ability to roll over adverse terrains. Solid plastic tires are best when it comes to traction, while inflatable tires are best when it comes to resilience.
Weight capacity, transportability, and storage
Since maximum weight capacity is one aspect of kayak trolleys, they’re rated for safe performance only until that weight. So, make sure that you choose a trolley that can bear your kayak’s weight, and then some. Also, keep in mind that some newer carts and trolleys have a collapsible architecture that makes them foldable and packable. So, if you can, then go for such structures and models.
What is the best airless kayak cart?
When it comes to this list and even beyond, the DLX airless cart from Suspenz one of the best airless kayak trolleys you can find on the market. This versatile and rather popular dolly boasts quick-release and rigid 10-inch airless tires. They never go flat and work wonderfully on the bumpiest and most uncomfortable of terrains.
TMS Cart-Canoe/Kayak-KY001
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With a maximum attached capacity of 150 lbs, the TMS Cart-Canoe is definitely one of the best kayak carts on this list. You’ll more than get your bang for the buck with this model, thanks to the anodized stainless-steel frame and the aluminum pipe. That, coupled with the chrome lynchpins, stainless-steel fasteners, and flat-shaped wheels make this trolley very, very durable In fact, you can rest assured for the dolly to remain structurally intact for a long, long time and after multiple trips.
Furthermore, the foam bumpers on each arm of the unit protect the hull of your kayak or canoe. The large, flat-free tires roll seamlessly across the bumpiest of landscapes, whether it’s gravel or sand. Finally, a portion of the support stand even boasts a spring-loaded stand that keeps the cart propped up onshore for quick loading and unloading out of the water.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 150 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Chrome lynchpins and stainless-steel fasteners are of high quality.
- Flat wheels are stable even on unstable terrains.
- Anodized stainless-steel frame and aluminum pipe make it durable.
Cons:
- The tires are slightly smelly.
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Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Cart
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One of the best-rated kayak wheels that outlive your expectations is the Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Cart. In fact, this trolley even won the award for Best Transport/Storage/Launching in 2018 by the Paddling Magazine. With a whopping weight capacity of 450 lbs, there’s no doubt why it earned that top prize. It’s engineered to transport the heaviest of kayaks, and is one of the very few dollies that can transport even hardshell kayaks! To begin with, the trolley has a marine-grade, heat-treated aluminum alloy frame that’ll last you session after session of dragging it on uneven ground.
The cart also makes it easy to load and unload the craft, and its bunker bar frame with an adjustable width prevents it from twisting or slipping sideways. Moreover, you have two height options – low for a lower center of gravity to prevent it from tipping over, and high for odd-shaped hulls. Finally, the dolly is completely collapsible for easy storage and portability.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs
- Attachment type: Plug-in
Pros:
- Heavy-duty aluminum-alloy frame lends durability.
- Impressive weight capacity.
- Optimized for all Wilderness Systems kayaks.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with non-scupper-holed kayaks.
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Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart (CU)
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You can’t get a better wheel than the Malone Clipper Deluxe Universal Kayak Cart. There’s a lot to love about this trolley model, starting with the fact that it boasts a robust and durable anodized aluminum frame. Not only that, but it’s also resistant to any corrosion that’s caused by saltwater. The trolley also boasts of proprietary “Never-Go-Flat” tires that live up to their name and work well in the most uneven of environments. This model is also specially very well-balanced, reducing the workload for you, especially if you’re transporting your craft alone.
With a 200 lbs loading capacity, this kayak trolley even has an oversized padded frame that protects your boat, which is also helped by the stabilizing locking kickstand. Furthermore, the tie-down straps ensure that there’s no tipping over, and everything stays on the trolley no matter what kind of surface you drag it on.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Can support a variety of watercrafts.
- “Never-Go-Flat” tires can be dragged over any surface.
- Anodized aluminum frame resists corrosion.
- Well-balanced.
Cons:
- Cannot be pulled behind a bike.
Best Choice Products Aluminum Kayak and Canoe Dolly (CU)
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If budget kayak wheels are what you’re looking for, then look no further than the Best Choice Products Aluminum Kayak and Canoe Dolly. There’s a lot to love about this trolley besides its affordable price tag. To begin with, this sturdy cart comes with a 10-inch, spring-loaded stand that allows you to load and unload your canoe easily. With a weight capacity of 150 lbs, it can accommodate most of your kayaks, maybe except the hardshell ones. What’s more, the foldable frame makes transportation and storing the trolley easy, especially for urban adventurers who’re low on space.
Moreover, the frame comes with foam bumpers as well as a 12-inch strap that secures the boat to the trolley and prevents it from tipping over. Moreover, the 10-inch foam-made tires also make them puncture-free, no matter the surface you drag them on. Overall, if a value-for-money trolley is what you seek, then this is it.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 150 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Easy to transport.
- High stability.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- The wheels give off an odor.
OxGord Kayak Dolly
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Another of the best kayak carts for rough terrains is the OxGord Kayak Dolly, which keeps your craft safe on the way to the river or the lake where you plan to float. This model was built with durability in mind, especially its corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. Adding to its dependability is the double-leg kickstand that lends an additional smidgen of stability when you load and unload the craft. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it tipping over on the way either.
Thanks to the V-shaped cradle, the trolley can keep your kayak even further firmly in place, not allowing it to budge the slightest. What’s more, the extra-long securing straps help in securing even the widest of crafts safely onboard this dolly. Rounding up the features is the 10-inch all-terrain airless solid rubber tires that make it easy to roll it along even the bumpiest of paths.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 165 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Extra-long securing straps.
- Double-leg kickstand for added stability.
- V-shaped cradle secures kayak.
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame.
Cons:
- The rubber tires give off an overwhelming odor.
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Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier
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Another excellent set of kayak wheels come in the form of the Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier. One of the best craft transporters on this list, the trolley boasts foam bumpers on the side of an all-aluminum frame. So, it can not only support all kinds of boats, canoes, etc., but it also secures them so they don’t tip over. To top that, all this versatility comes at a mere price tag of $60, which is much less than that of its competitors that are similarly built.
Besides the above, what we really like about the Bonnlo Carrier is the airless polyurethane wheels that can tackle every kind of terrain. Whether it’s wooded areas, or sandy areas, or gravelly ones, the cart rolls on smoothly without slipping. We sign off with its spring-loaded kickstand that adds further support to the carrier’s stability and makes loading and unloading a charm.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 165 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Versatile with a good carrying capacity.
- Airless polyurethane wheels can tackle any terrain.
- The spring-loaded kickstand is easy for loading/unloading.
- Durable and long-lasting aluminum frame.
Cons:
- Might not support wider crafts.
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RAILBLAZA Canoe Trolley Cart
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One of the best kayak carts is the RAILBLAZA Canoe Trolley Cart, which is something of a hidden gem in the now-overflowing kayak carrier market. If you own or rent heavier-than-average kayaks or the hardshell ones, then there’s no better trolley than this one. That’s because the RAILBLAZA trolley can comfortably tow up to a whopping weight of 300 lbs! This carrying capacity is one of the highest on this list, and the carrier tows it sans any excessive wear and tear or creaks and complaints. That means that you’ll be able to take a load off by carrying your gear and kayak all in one location.
However, that’s not all. Thanks to the model’s reinforced plastic components, it’s one of the few carts that are even resilient in the face of saltwater. Add to that the high grip tires, and that makes your journey extra-smooth no matter the kind of landscape you’re dragging this out on. All-in-all, this kayak wheel cart is one excellent and long-lasting buy.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Whopping 300 lbs weight capacity.
- High-grip tires make journey extra-smooth.
- Ideal for saltwater use.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the wheel pins loosen quickly.
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C-Tug with SandTrakz Wheels
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If you plan to kayak out in the sea, then you need the best kayak wheels you can get for the sand. And we’d highly recommend the C-Tug with SandTrakz Wheels, especially to beachgoers who’ll have no problem lugging this beauty on the sand. This is thanks to the model’s innovative SandTrakz tires, which are nothing short of a masterstroke of productive genius. Armed with a “Made in New Zealand” tag, these tires don’t sink in the sand and easily roll on the sandiest of surfaces. In fact, they easily outperform each and every model in its class, especially when it comes to sandy surfaces.
Don’t be fooled by the trolley’s diminutive appearance; it can even handle the widest of kayaks securely. Finally, you can even fold the carrier and store it easily onboard your kayak since it doesn’t occupy much space either.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 170 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Straps are versatile and can hold wider kayaks too.
- Innovative SandTrakz tires perform excellently on beaches.
Cons:
- The kickstand is slightly shorter.
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Suspenz Smart Airless DLX
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The Suspenz Smart Airless DLX is one of the best kayak carts for more than one reason. To begin with, this kayak wheel cart boasts one of the most resilient and durable constructions on this list. This is all due to the powder-coated aluminum frame and the robust stainless-steel components. Furthermore, the kayak rests on what are foam rubber pads on each side that not only secures them to the trolley but also prevents them from tipping over. With a 125 lbs carrying capacity, that is an impressive feat.
Apart from the above, the trolley’s airless 10-inch tires aren’t to be missed either, as they won’t ever go flat even if you travel on the most gravelly surfaces. In the same vein, the long-lasting straps will neither fray nor fall apart since they distribute the canoe’s weight evenly across the entire trolley.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 125 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Straps even have loops for even distribution of weight.
- The collapsible body is easy to pack and store.
- Airless tires offer traction over all kinds of surfaces.
- Durable powder-coated aluminum frame with stainless steel parts are long-lasting
Cons:
- Some users said that the rubber padding could have been thicker.
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Malone Nomad Standard Universal Kayak Cart (CU)
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When the makers of the Malone Nomad Standard Universal Kayak Cart set out to design it, they had no idea that they’d be developing one of the most popular wheels ever. The carrier was designed with limited storage requirements in mind, and is so compact and packable that it can fit in most kayak hatches. To begin with, the silver anodized aluminum frame makes it ideal for this model to carry any kind of kayak. Moreover, it boasts stainless steel hardware components and can be collapsed completely into a very compact carry.
Going further, the weight capacity of 150 lbs allows the trolley to transport bigger sit-inside as well as sit-on-top kayaks. What’s more, the integrated kickstand enhances the stability of the cart, allowing you to drag it over multiple surfaces. Finally, the 10-inch flat wheels are both puncture-proof and airless, making this cart an excellent buy.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 150 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Easy to pack down and store anywhere.
- Low weight.
Cons:
- Might not be able to fit wider kayaks.
Malone Xpress Scupper-Style Kayak Cart (CU)
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Behold the Malone Xpress Scupper-Style Kayak Cart, one of the best kayak carts for crafts that don’t weigh more than 200 lbs. Basically, the trolley is designed to fit most standard kayaks, whether they’re inflatable or hardshell ones. The carrier’s 10-inch airless “Never Go Flat” tires are perfect for nearly all kinds of terrains, no matter how bumpy they are. However, what makes this carrier so special is its adjustable width control. Essentially, it boasts a variable width locking mechanism that allows the cart’s width to be adjusted anywhere between 6.5 inches and 16.5 inches! It’s this nifty feature that makes this carrier so desirable.
Thanks to the powder-coated aluminum frame, the carriers resistant to everything from rust to corrosion. Rounding up the features are the attached foam pads on either end that protect your kayak from dents and scratches. The best part? They’re removable too!
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs
- Attachment type: Plug-in
Pros:
- Low weight.
- Lifetime warranty from Malone.
Cons:
- No straps.
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
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The ABN Universal Kayak Carrier is another excellent set of wheels for transporting your kayak. With a weight limit of 200 lbs, this trolley can transport most of the standard kayaks, whether they’re inflatable or hardshell ones. Thanks to the high-strength anodized stainless steel frame of the carrier, the trolley is not only long-lasting but also resilient and durable. All this at a carrier weight of merely 8 lbs, so you know you’re getting a cincher.
What’s more, the 9.5-inch knobbly wheels are easy to inflate and allow for transportation over wooden soil, sand, and even gravel. Moreover, the foam pads on either side protect the surface of your craft from dents, scratches, or even from tipping over in general. Rounding up the features are the 12-feet long tie-down straps, which keep the craft secured in place.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Space-effective storage.
- High-quality frame.
- Easy assembly process.
Cons:
- None, really.
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Wistar Canoe Cart
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Sitting on top of the list of best kayak carts is the Wistar Canoe Cart, which has a solid weight carrying capacity of 220 lbs! This kayak wheel cart has a long list of pluses, starting with the fact that it boasts 9.5-inch huge premium rubber tires that roll smoothly across the most gravelly surfaces. These large pneumatic tires work especially well in sandy areas. What’s more, the chrome lynchpin and stainless-steel fasteners ensure both durability, resilience, and quick assembly.
What you’ll really like about this carrier is the foam bumpers on each arm that protect your canoe from scratches, dents, as well as from tipping over. Going further, part of the stand even features a 7.5-inch spring-loaded stand that keeps the dolly propped up onshore for quick and hassle-free loading and unloading.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Attachment type: Straps
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Extras such as foam pads and straps secure your craft in place.
- Pneumatic rubber tires work on any surface.
Cons:
- Might not work for longer, tandem kayaks.
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