DIY Kayak Milk Crate Cart

We love milk crates for storage, but they also make great carts so we aren't dragging our kayaks! This is a easy design you can make! This is my brand new Lifetime Teton Pro 116 fishing kayak. It is Dick's name for the Lifetime Yukon Angler 116. Oh are we gonna have fun!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

"ALRIGHT!" I should have a t-shirt with that...

[@joeboyd7796]

Thanks for the video. I built mine following your directions. The only deviation--I used an unthreaded rod for an axle, and drilled two holes for cotter keys. My daughter works in a welding shop, so she was a great help.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Yeah, skilled kids are awesome!

[@natesv04]

I made a very similar crate carrier for a canoe I used to have, I cut a V notch into the crate so it would match the V on the bottom of the canoe. It held itself for the most part without a strap. Great minds think alike.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Very good idea!

[@The66Leadfoot]

Out of all the different diy dolly ideas, I'm going with yours. Great idea for stowing the wheel assembly!

[@Red69Bu11]

Man I wish you made a parts list. I know it's simple enough to remember but still. Decent video fix for sharing

[@ChrisAllen-KY]

I found that 2, 31' rubber bungie cords fit great & works easier than the fickle Straps. 👍🏻

[@Arcturian1111]

That was my thought too. Great minds think alike.

[@Dark30Outdoors]

Good stuff Dave!! Couple things, 1. Kayaks are made to get scuffed up! lol. 2. Cinch straps are way better than ratchet straps for plastic boats! Anxious to do a float with you!!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I only have the ratchets but plan on getting cinch straps. Can't wait to get into some smallies!

[@Jackpackbaby]

What a fantastic idea. We just bought three fishing kayaks, and have been trying to think of how to store the needed kayak dollys. This is perfect - the crates can still be used to hold all the accoutrement, and there is no loss of space from a separate piece of equipment. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@Jackpackbaby]

I should mention that if one is lucky enough to have one nearby, Harbor Freight has a nice selection of wheels. All of the ones I have seen are under ten dollars.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Wow! Thank you for the kind words! Glad you liked the build and I do love my local Harbor Freight!!

[@subdawg1331]

great build gave me an idea of putting the wheels on my crates lid and flip the kayak and leave the crate in the boat

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Crate lid is something I need to add still. Thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@dakotamatata]

I ended up making this with a radio flyer wagon axle and wheels. The stock axle and wheels fit perfectly. It’s a great idea

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Nice! Umm but is your kid mad?

[@maninthewilderness3208]

Based on what I’ve seen in DIYs kayak carts…you win!!! It has been said that It’s the simple things that profound the wise. I’ll be building this one! New subscriber onboard. Keep on with the DIYin.

[@renegademind1833]

Hey thanks for the video, it gave me a better idea using a large commercial bread tray with wheels for my specific project. Yay!

[@kamil6414]

Tom Hanks showing us what he learned in Cast Away.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I guess I don't hear it lol. I've been told this several times though! Hope you liked the video! Thanks for stopping by!

[@dwlsml4118]

He sounds very much like Tom Hanks. Funny comment.

[@Arcturian1111]

Yes I hear Hanks too. The Toy Story Hanks no doubt.

[@nahuelnicola7800]

Spectacular idea! Very practical. By the way, the kayak is beautiful. Greetings from Argentina

[@YoungDisciple90]

I just bought me and my wife both one of these kayaks 2 weeks ago we both love bass fishing I’m going to have to make us some of these great job 👏🏼

[@alec5545]

That's a really cool project! I found this video looking at videos on the Teton Pro which I am thinking of buying

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I love mine! You won't win races with it but it's a great fishing platform

[@michaelsinclair4870]

well done sir, cheap, easy and to the point

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Thanks! Now if I would just get out .ore!

[@OldGoatintheWoods]

Have to say, very clever! I did like the comment about using a non-threaded rod with holes drilled for the cotter pins - think it would speed the switchover. Then the stow-away position... Yeah, heckova an idea!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Yeah, definitely an upgrade there!

[@stephanie2038]

Good job Dave!

[@michaelciceraro7707]

Nice build. Welcome to the kayak community. I subbed, want to share your adventures. I hope you didn't let your dog see you taking your new kayak for a walk. You know how jealous dogs can be. Lol. Don't worry about it my on mother said I wasn't wired right. Lol. Tight lines, and for Pete's sake wear that pfd, it's your best friend on a kayak. Stay safe.

[@robertyoung9467]

Awesome job!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Thanks a ton!

[@israr5877]

Verry good idea👍👍👍

[@ernestoestrada5093]

Thanks Hombre!!! From TX!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Heard there's a few bigguns down there! Thanks for stopping by!

[@leroygrayjr.2957]

Great 💡 idea ! Good job..

[@f.w.afishing4570]

Great great vid brother

[@Baynesters]

Great Idea! South Carolina watching

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Heard y'all have a few bass down there! Thanks for watching!!

[@Baynesters]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors i do alot of fishing off my kayak, anything that hits spinner baits, yes there is alot of bass.

[@roberteby7660]

Nice yak have the same one and love it

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Getting ready to hit a new to me pond in mine!

[@karenyoung7473]

Thanks Im going to give it a go making it.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Let me know how it goes!

[@mercythehopefulwoman1747]

Great content ❤️

[@river86012]

Awesome on kayak videos👍

[@fedemon76]

very nice idea you inspired me thanks

[@sakelleys]

That was super genius

[@ohillbilly]

That was cool!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Thanks! Glad you liked it and I hope it helped out!

[@packwolve2304]

You are a genius!!!!

[@stevenarseneault1972]

Nice. If you install the cart close to the middle of the boat you'll find that it will be less weight to carry. Just behind the middle of the cart should be best.

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you

[@charlessantiago4700]

All the reviews for that kayak talk about the weight issue. This DYI project looks like it solves that problem and the crate can still be used to hold gear out while fishing? Great job, and nice video. I’ll be looking to making this!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Thanks for the kind words! Eventually I make one w a lid.

[@Game-Preacher]

I am going to make one of these for my canoe.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Nice! Send me a pic [e-mail]

[@WASF2024]

AWESOME. Can you make a rectangular milk crate bicycle trailer and video it? Thank you!

[@babblingwithbarbdiy8141]

If you move the cast closer to center you will be carrying less weight

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

But what fun would it be to watch me do something right?

[@estebanchamizo8234]

You are a genius! I am going to copy your idea with your permission

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I looked at a bunch of ideas to come up with this lol dp absolutely. A DIY channel is useless if you can't make the stuff!!

[@prohushdarakeo]

I’m copying this!!!! Lol just brilliant thx for sharing beats a boondocks landing gear at $300+ dollars and you don’t even get a milk crate storage 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

This year I'm going to figure out an easy lid, maybe mesh in case I tip over. I'll post! Thanks a ton for stopping by!

[@Arcturian1111]

Yeah your right, it's absurd what they charge for those boondocks wheels.

[@DirtyK1911]

You could probably use one of those large flat bungee strap instead the ratchet strap so you don't have to deal with ratchet so much.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I agree . It was all I had at the time, though. Thanks for stopping by!

[@DirtyK1911]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors thanks for the idea. I was thinking about simple scubber hole wheels but the crate idea makes perfect sense.

[@claudiopetruci]

Brilliant idea why the pvc pipes when we can have a "crate" instead, i'll be copying that :) thanks..

[@FERNANDOOLIVERAS]

Mmm!!!🤔🤔im thinking about to make a same one for my heavy 3 waters 103 pedal drive kayak lets see if that crate can support 130 pounds on it!! Wish me look By the way thats and awesome idea congrats amigo!!🤜🤛 👍👍👍👍👍

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Let me know if it works! Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@Jpgundarun]

If you love DIY and screwing around with stuff then one of these THINGS is highly recommended. LOL.

[@jrobinsrr]

Genius!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Too kind!

[@christopherhobby8391]

Good idea and save lot$ of money 💵.

[@JoseGarcia-ph2ir]

I just bought the same ones from the same place. Thank you for the instruction and idea. I think I am going to make a couple for mine. Do you have any Umbrella ideas?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

No, for simply one readon: I would shred it while fishing lol!!! Thanks for watching

[@JoseGarcia-ph2ir]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors honestly, it is for my wife. She listened to my sister about the umbrella and now I need to get something for her. How would they survive???lol

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Which kayak does she have?

[@JoseGarcia-ph2ir]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors it is the same one you have on this video

[@Arcturian1111]

PS What's the total cost without milk crate, obviously. I paid $30 total, came out nice.

[@513coneyslinger]

I’m about to build one of these as we speak. How did it hold up? Would you change anything? I bought the exact supplies you did.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I'd like to have a lid and will probably make one this spring. Held up fine!

[@513coneyslinger]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors That’s the one thing I did different. I added about 5 inches of a second milk crate to make a folding lid/tray. I used the zip ties like a hinge. Now I’ll add the pool floats to the top and strap it down.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Lol great minds...you were just faster

[@Arcturian1111]

What size wood bit are you using for the Axle?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

5/8 Spade bit

[@Arcturian1111]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors I used a regular larger sized bit, and then reamed it out with the same bit to make it fit I didn't want another expense on buying that bit. Worked well.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I completely support using what you have on hand! Look how I get by!

[@88keysLA]

Close your eyes and Tom Hanks is talking. - seriously though, I’m going to make this tomorrow. I hope it holds 80lbs. Thanks for the video

[@zealousoutdoors]

i thought the same thing.

[@Hillbillyshakespeare]

Why not just make the pvc axle tube 1” longer vs making spacers?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Because I didn't think of that lol

[@Hillbillyshakespeare]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors fair enough lol. Just making sure there wasn’t something I missed.

[@mikeculberson416]

You said you were going to show us how to store this crate on your kayak so you could still use it as a fishing crate. I believe you forgot to include that?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Whoops. If you look at the thumbnail you van see how the axle and wheels store at the top so you can sit cratecin that recess. My bad!

[@JasonSouthwell75]

Are you still using the crate as your dolly?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Depending on where I am kayaking, yes. When I have to walk to the put in vs dropping off at a ramp

[@canam2436]

I don’t know. It doesn’t look steady enough to hold a heavy kayak in rougher terrain. Anyone try it with a big kayak, like an old town?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

My Lifetime is 75 pounds and I have only used it in parking lots, ramps and grass. So no rough terrain, but you bring up a good question.

[@getoffyoubassandletsfish8565]

$4 walker from good will 🤔 But I love you huge wheels!

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

A golf club caddy would work too!

[@tangoindiamike9189]

How did you get a 5/8" diameter rod to fit through a 1/2" pvc pipe?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Magic.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Honestly, I was surprised too. I tried it at the store first.

[@jom6392]

I bought a kayak cart and it’s junk it won’t work at all keep falling off or folding up I’m gonna try this

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Let me know how it turns out!

[@idog1911]

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzbin.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

[@Rectitude4U]

MacGyver Approved. Quote: “Zip ties could save your life one day.”

[@DirtyK1911]

Just confirming because I am making my own... the axle rod you're using is 5/8" and you're using a 1/2" pvc pip?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Yeah...weird. I know

[@DirtyK1911]

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors ok, I'll check it our. You do a 5/8" drill bit on the crate?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Like many tools of mine, I can't find that spade bit but I think it was

[@Arcturian1111]

That's my question also.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Just found a 5/8 spade bit and I'm pretty sure it's the one I used.

[@amyfreeze9772]

Did make any changes since this?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Nope, kept it the same. However if I do make a change it would be a lid. I haven't capsized...yet, but if I did I don't want to lose the gear in the crate.

[@nathanieleasonbign81970]

How do you transport your kayak? On your rooftop or trailer?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I have an old pickup. I bought it with the hope that I'd get a kayak lol!

[@robertyoung9467]

Trailer and back of full size pickup

[@robertyoung9467]

Trailer is better for loading and unloading. Get a trailer that is long enough to fit fully in the trailer.

[@ajdecker9375]

Why does it say, the wheels stow away?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

At 7:03 I put the second pipe in so the axle and tires can be stowed above. This let's the crate sit flat in the kayak. HOWEVER I forgot to show this in the video! Completely my bad! If you look at the video's thumbnail you cane see it in that position. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@sheilabrown5356]

Where did you get axl ?

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Menards. It's a threaded rpd.

[@isaactaylor1241]

Thinking about adding pvc pipes to that to make it go through the scupper holes to make it more stable.What does anyone on here think about it

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Not a bad idea, we're waiting on wife's yak to come in and I will be making a scupper cart for hers

[@f.w.afishing4570]

Can u turn your Teton into pedal drive? That's what I wanna do

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I'm not sure if there are any conversion kits or any tutorials out there. Lol that may be a little beyond my confidence.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Look up the H2Pro-Ped. 800 to 900 bucks. Little steep for me. If I was going to pay that I would save money and get a purpose built one. But now I'm off to look at DIY options lol

[@langfishing9749]

Creatif and smart

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Thank you! Gonna be starting back up w kayak DIY soon. Spring almost here!

[@bruntech]

ratchet straps are the worst straps to use

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Yeah, it was all I had. Since then grabbed the cinch type. Thanks for watching!

[@mikecrane6096]

I'd like it better if your conduit was single U instead of two L's

[@user-fj9ot2xn8l]

Hope you put pin on both sides

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

For what reason?

[@EdwardKelly-vi9sg]

ONLY THING I SEE WRONG , IS THAT THERE IS VERY LITTLE GROUND CLEARANCE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE MILK CRATE....just an observation...

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

True, but I'm not going over more than grassy areas and lots, paved and gravel. If I was portaging in back country with rougher trails it could definitely be a problem.

[@johna.a.9829]

You've got to be kidding...

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

Nope!!

[@breastmeatonly]

😂

[@utetrahemicon]

Milk crate theft is a really big problem for dairies and stores in the US and costs the industry thousands of dollars every year. While the big boys might be able to suck up this kind of loss, it can have a very real impact on the smaller shops and dairies and it’s you, as the consumer, who will end up paying for it.

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

I'm sure it is, however, if you look at 2:07 you will plainly see the sticker that says "Bin Boss". This is available through retail outlets such as my local Menards. $7.85 ($6.99 after that 11% rebate.

[@letun3481]

Doesn't not look practical

[@MakeItTakeItOutdoors]

So far it's been fine.

[@letun3481]

Thanks for the idea anyway :)

[@Arcturian1111]

It's very practical