Budget Kayak Cart Review with Game-Changing Tips

After 2 seasons of abuse here's a review of my budget kayak cart and a couple of tips that made a GIANT difference in using it.
Link to the cart I own
amzn.to/2qLf1JJ
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[@dominicdinuzzo9945]

Went out the other day and trying to pull my kayak over semi rough terrain to launch left me picking it up and putting it back on the dolly. At one point I think I started laughing to avoid launching my kayak across the river in mid air. True story. I watched your video and though I thought about strapping it down before, I didn’t think it would work all that well. Your video made my life much easier. Thanks for the simple but effective tip. Today I was able to make it all the way through to the launch without wanting to send my kayak into orbit. - Tight Lines

[@cr8244]

Brilliant idea about the tie down straps! Genius!

[@ryanbrennan5351]

Absolutely love your idea about the 2 tie down straps! Saves mega time on running the straps through the bottom of the cart every time. Thank ya kindly for the video.

[@FloatFishAdventure]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TickleMeCthulhu]

Definitely going to try the tie-down loop/ratchet strap technique! I have one of these budget carts, and it always slips loose. I ended up just pushing my kayak like a wheelbarrow (pushing the cart with the cheapo strap towards the wider mid-section of the hull, as opposed to the narrower ends where it comes loose), which is a pretty clumsy task. Thanks for the video!

[@geoffgurney88]

Excellent video bought the exact cart yesterday. Will use your idea with the small straps. Excellent idea. Thank you very much

[@RadReelingFishing]

Ha ha, you nailed it. Sticker shock, budget carts and now I'm watching your video!

[@brookmiller1986]

Great tips! I’m new to kayaking and I bought one of those carts. My kayak has a rudder and peddle drive it has been interesting rigging it the way I want.

[@johnbates8964]

Love the strap idea, top notch, I run the lynch pins down thru the holes, never had one pop that way.

[@redwood1957]

I have this cart 3 yrs now. I have tire issues from leaving out in the weather. Great idea on straps. If you miss that smell just leave them in the car on a hot day . I think its well worth the money Thank you

[@bradbishop-atfulldraw7491]

Agreed, that’s the exact same one I have. Like the strapping idea, thanks

[@nkiaoda1025]

I wish I would have watched your video before the countless diy PVC cart videos I watched. I've come to the same conclusion as you. I never found a PVC cart I felt confident in, and it's not cost effective when compared to a budget cart. Thanks for the video! You have a new subscriber!

[@fun2drive107]

Have the same cart and strapping it down works very well Thanks

[@georgebowman3051]

Great video. I’ve been debating whether to build a cart or buy one like yours. I kind of came to the same conclusion providing the budget cart were durable. You video and cart mods convinced me. Thanks!

[@rickt1951]

Thank you for the info especially tieing it down, one thing I followed your link and got the cart, and to my surprise, it now comes with flatless tires. Enjoy your day. One more thing the tires didn't smell at all.

[@RevnedC]

Thanks for the advice buddy.... I'm looking for my first cart and have the exact dilemma you describe cost, quality, reliability. This has settled my mind and I am going to go with more or less the exact cart you used to demonstrate 👌

[@ubetchabuddy]

Great tips I believe you just saved some folks some $$ and some headaches. Thanks.

[@Jim-hg6iw]

Really good ideal, I'm off to buy 2 straps. Thanks for the video!!

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Really useful review of carts, thanks for the tip on the extra straps.

[@mavrik1964]

Thank you brother, I have been struggling with this thing for the past season and hated because t would collapse for the very reasons you mentioned. I tried to carve out a wooden piece to hold the two collapsible bars from crashing down unfortunately they keep breaking under the pressure! Your solution was ingenious, thank you for sharing

[@sondrag2]

great tips..i have inflatable too long to self lift without scratching on cement launch. most problem is sudden wind which will topple . i thought about using pool noodles to glue down to my tarp also as a lift from rocks,debrie.

[@zoellar11]

Excellent video with several good thoughts. At 64, I still kayak a lot but my back isn't what it used to be. Still haven' t made up my mind if to make one....or purchase one like you did; Walmart has them for about $37 delivered to the store. Don't know if I can handle the tire smell. Harbor Frieght has the tires for $4 each....then a 20% discount gets two of them for about $7 including tax. Again, enjoyed your excellent video.

[@rossshrimpton371]

useful video thank you for taking the time to make it

[@alanpower2857]

Great tip. I just ordered a set of soft loop ties like so and can't wait to try them out. Spring is here. I just wish I could have found some in a colour other than black. I have so many black straps...

[@K10jak]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@markortiz104]

you did an exceptional job explaining

[@kelvinmpatterson]

This really helped and I ran into the same issues.. thanks

[@georgebowman3051]

I just got my cart yesterday. Unfortunately, the keel is too high on my Lifetime Yukon Angler kayak and the cart wobbles too much to ratchet down. I mounted two 16 inch 2x2s (full 2x2) pine as bunks. I secured them to aluminum frame with 1/2” conduit straps. The cart no longer folds but the kayak sits on the cart amazing well. I am picking up the soft tie downs you recommended tomorrow. The. cart appears to work fantastic now. My grandson and I are going to try them out in the next couple of days if the weather cooperates. Thanks again for the great post.

[@alangross2277]

I just bought just like that except it does not have inflatable tires. It seems pretty awesome!

[@MrMeek79]

I have this cart and its not bad. My biggest complaint and I see others having the same issue,is the stability when the kayak is on. That strap idea is so simple and sounds like it works. I was going to try the PVC pipe idea but I like this idea better. Nice tip!

[@edbrown3047]

I just ordered this and the soft tie downs thanks for the tips. I've been using pvc carts and busted both of them..

[@tori2dles]

Those straps are genius. Thanks!

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Thanks! I will say they work better on some kayaks than others. But always an improvement!

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

New friends here from Trail Trash Outdoors! Great tips with thw geen straps I am on the hunt for them already this morning!

[@jimvona8132]

Thanks for the information! Just what I wanted to know…

[@Hoodsaintfishing]

This video was perfect man! Thank you

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks for tip on steps have same carrier every time I may turn would lose kayak stress may be the answer

[@serafinflorendo3893]

Great vlog & tip idea😀 can please demonstrate how to use it when getting off from the boat ramp when my kayak is in the water. The boat ramp is about 15 degree slope.

[@johnwright4781]

Great Video. I bought one from Walmart, works great except my kayak hull sits on the bottom of the V and not on the foam rubber. So watch for the depth of the "V" if you buy one and make sure the hull will fit on the cart.

[@pappydc12]

Thanks - You just convinced me to "not" DIY a PVC cart, etc. I like to build stuff but for $35..... Great tips! Pappy

[@6koko3]

Thank to you I haven't thown away my budget cart , I'll give it a seccond opportunity and I'll try the 2 tie down straps. Fed up about my kayak tipping aside at every stone.

[@6koko3]

Great tips , Thanks!

[@bruceuthus8336]

Well done! Thanks for the tips. I might add you could put Slime in the tires, and avoid punctures ruining your day.

[@dennisalters702]

Would like a slower video on how you strap down and use the tie down straps. Thanks for the tips.

[@forreststump11]

those straps work great. I use them under the hood of my vehicle. I use a flat washer and self tap screw to the inner fender on each side. I tuck them in when not using them and pull them out to tie down my canoe. because cars have plastic bumpers and no tie down points.

[@bwarholak]

Great info, thanks!

[@CattermanAdventures]

Great video my man! Thanks for the tips

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Thanks Kevin!

[@jv5034]

Nice review. I'm working on bending one out of 1/2 inch galvanized tubing wish they were a one size fits all.

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Wilderness Systems has a new one out that you can adjust the width. It looks pretty sweet but it comes with a price tag. Bending your own is pretty legit - kudos on that

[@briansuttles492]

Great tips, you can also use cotter keys or bolts if you don't want to remove the wheels that often

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Both great options if you can just leave them on most the time.

[@StrengthPack]

Thanks a lot Denny for this video. I have a cart like you but I couldn’t get it to stay strapped. Your right the strap they give you to use is garbage. So I bought one of the carts that have rods that plug in your scupper holes. Worked great until it punched holes in my scupper hole which was a bitch to repair. I’m gonna start using the one you have using the tie down method you showed. Thanks a million

[@FloatFishAdventure]

The cart struggle is real! The tie-down straps will help a LOT. Good luck!

[@ronski50]

Some people have been recommending replacing the linch pins with stainless steel 3" r-clips after losing the linch pins. Also, if you are having problems with the support legs sinking into soft sand, the support can be re-installed with the legs facing up. The horizontal portion of the support now provide more surface area contacting the sand. Slipping a pool noodle or similar onto the horizontal portion provides even more surface area.

[@jessestanfield-brokencurlo1448]

Good stuff man thanks for the info!

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@joseluisescuderovalverde5498]

The best tip comes at 6:22 about how to solve the problem of unestability of the cart .

[@markrine5368]

Great video.. thanks

[@NCKFA]

Great tips! Honestly, there do not seem to be ANY carts that are actually wide enough to truly support the kayaks and make it easy to center them on it seems when moving them over rough or uneven ground. With kayaks getting wider one day day it would seem carts would be wider too...sadly, not yet. However you idea of using those smaller straps is BRILLIANT though in making your kayak more stable on the cart. Once again, great video and clearly illustrated.

[@FloatFishAdventure]

I have to say those straps really have made a huge difference in performance

[@ormsbyrobin]

I have been on the verge of tears truly with frustration. Maybe it is a guy thing - you just instinctively know how to do this but I cannot get this to work. Maybe the cart isn’t wide enough as you say but man I am so tired of trying. By the time I get it to halfway work, too tired to kayak. Someone should design a better way to do this

[@asinheaven]

Our kayak cart tires still smell after months outside in the lean-to shed. No problem though, we just won't store it inside. Good review. Thanks!

[@FloatFishAdventure]

They're stinky for sure!

[@jacksonl.2632]

If you haven't filled them with foam use Stanley's tire sealent it is the best great tips man thanks

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

Or Napa liquid tube

[@fukluk88]

Get some solid no flat wheels off a wheelbarrow. Go to a metal recycle yard that lets you rummage around. The one I go to in N. Texas has mountains of scrap metals of all kinds. A mountain of 304 stainless at $1.30 a lb.. A mountain of 316. Heavy machinery steel, regular house stuff; water heaters washing and drying, bicycles. A mountain of the stuff leftover from industrial cnc plasma tables. I'm talking about 10" thick 16' x 30' sheets that had various shapes cut from. It's sold at scrap prices so like whatever the price you would get for clean aluminum is what you would pay for clean aluminum. It is a do it your selfers/cheap/po'ass but, handy mans paradise!

[@nhansen197]

I abandoned the strap for bungees. I'm only going to and from the parking area. The instructions that came with it say to tie loops around the top bar, but I suspect slipping the strap under A frame would work best.

[@stephenwilliamson8364]

Thanks!!

[@bishrockwell73]

Where can I get something to make tires solid?

[@markrine5368]

how does the cart work going up steep hills?

[@Cfrose1965]

can you show how you put the straps on. couldn't see in the video. what bends?

[@kjfishman547]

I use a pair of cam buckle straps with hooks to attach to the cart.

[@brianschindlbeck2807]

Great video. In my mid 60 now and my ascend 12 isn't getting any lighter. Thanks for the advice. Now here's 1 from me. Get rid of that fu..ing pig patrol tee. That crew is a black mark on fishing. JMO

[@maineiacoutdoors689]

Thanks for all the great tips! BTW, your cart is $80 now. Still might be worth the money tho.

[@jackieodom3829]

Any idea how this works for an inflatable kayak 36” wide?

[@farmerjoebrown2189]

Ozark trail version has foam filled tires. $54 go buy it. Good cart. I had ctug but if u have anything other than a flat or smooth curve hull it sucks.

[@rumblingend8443]

Pretty good

[@Fit5Pt0]

Perfect 👌

[@kithphonesavath]

I got those same carts too. No kidding on the smell... they STINK even after having them for a few seasons.

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Mine has been through the dirt and mud and then washed off enough times that I can leave it in my suv overnight now and not smell it when I get in. When I first got it I was literally concerned that the fumes might overtake me while I was driving lol

[@Marcus-hq9iw]

I must ask... wouldn't you be less likely to lose the lynchpins if you inserted them from the top?

[@sweatshopjesus]

Ameowzing stuff.

[@ivancespedes4624]

Can you link the straps?

[@jaygarcia2238]

Your a badass bro thank you sir

[@redwood1957]

you would not have a link for those short straps went to Home desperate not there thank you

[@cspaugh]

Put the pins in from the top down, that way gravity is on your side. The pin sits in the hole and the ring hangs down.

[@dirtheads108]

Tennis balls, I use a rubber ball for my quad tires called tire balls if tennis balls don't fit this should lead you in the right direction.

[@frankiejr99]

How does it feel to be the man ,twisting Turning and cussing ,your fix is so simple , but now I know what to do ,thanks 1000 million

[@6koko3]

Where can you get the green straps? Thanks!!

[@FloatFishAdventure]

You can pick them up at Menards. You can also get them from Amazon here amzn.to/2RoWelN Thanks for watching!

[@chenks54]

Hi, instead of lynch pins, why not use "R" clips (5'32"). They are less likely to fall out, even over rough terrain - they're actually cheaper than lynch pins .. you could probably buy a pack of four or five of the correct size from any hardware store for about $3 or $4.

[@minnesotaoutdoorsnorth]

did you know you are putting the lynch pins upside down... thats why they got hooked on something and fell off..... they will not fall off if you put them on right... also they sit a bit higher and not catch on anything...

[@josephclick2211]

Im doing this. I hate the straps that come with the cart. For the wheels just put the pins in the other way (from the top) it looks like you put them in upside down. Work with gravity not against it.

[@KayakCatfish]

I kept waiting on the cart giveaway announcement. Apparently I will continue to wait.....

[@FloatFishAdventure]

I just assumed that your kayak was ferried down to the water's edge on the shoulders of your adoring fans with you perched on top striking your "another day of not working" pose.

[@KayakCatfish]

That’s the greatest idea you have ever had!

[@jsimmons9969]

The carts ive seen people build cost at least $20-$30. I can buy one already made for $40.

[@kenwebster5053]

Don't use Lynch pins, there are better options such as R pins that grip the axle with spring tension. You can get them in marine stainless.

[@nhansen197]

I've the same cart, bought this year. They've filled the tiers with foam, and they are nowhere near as stinky.

[@ormsbyrobin]

I have tried this 100 ways to Sunday, I get the concept but can’t see exactly what you mean by the bend? It is not exactly clear where you are putting the green straps. Suffice it to say, not working for me yet.

[@gwynjones7801]

Can you say what the brand of cart is you're talking about here?

[@FloatFishAdventure]

Hi Gwen, there's a link to the cart up in the description. There are many companies that are all just rebranding this same cart though I think

[@gwynjones7801]

@@FloatFishAdventure Thanks Denny. I have a 63lbs sea kayak, recently purchased used, and I can't see myself portaging that monster. When the time's right, I'm going to try your recommendations through the amazon.ca website as I'm located in Toronto. Thanks for the tips. You video is the best one I've seen out of many on carts for heavier kayaks.

[@gwynjones7801]

Thanks. I did buy one in the end through amazon.ca - the Canadian site. It's a pretty good cart, and I'm using robust tarp tie-down bungies. As the man says, it's all in the tie-downs. Thx for the info.

[@RocketBurn11]

Does anyone ever put their name and number on their cart and leave it tucked away off to the side near the launch instead of taking it with them?

[@TicoTimeCR]

The extra straps aren't needed. You're not supposed to put your main strap around the webbing. Instead, wrap it around the two bars that are attached to the wheels. There's a few other vids on KZbin that show the correct routing.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

I disagree. From a hands on, common sense, real world standpoint. With this comment it is obvious you have no personal experience off road with this cart design. Awesome tip on the soft ties BTW👍 Thanks Brotha

[@CW-pp7zc]

I use a bungee cord.

[@vorkev1]

I do not understand the need for one in a way. I mean yes I see for making it ex for long walks but the thing is this. if you are a person who uses a kayak then you have the strength and stanama to carry a kayak. also a big thing would be the true need to spend the money. see you can for most not all but most smaller kayaks can use a old bit thin pice of metal bent and gluded to the back tip to just drab it with out damage and its alwees attached so no need to have to worry about your cart sinc eyoy cant leave it or someone will take it.

[@FloatFishAdventure]

If I'm putting in at a beach or under a bridge then there's no need for the cart and I can just drag it with no real issues. There are some locations though, where the distance between the parking spot and the water is pavement. Dragging a loaded kayak across a parking lot and down a boat ramp is the quickest way to having to replace your kayak. There are just many situations where a cart will save you time (load it and move it once vs carry everything down in several trips) and money (your kayak will last much longer and a cart is much cheaper than a new kayak) Certainly though, if you have a small 35lb kayak and you're not loading it up with much, then you can easily get buy without a cart.

[@Kay-hg2vo]

I am 60+ yrs. Female and have large fishing kayak (85 lbs empty) . Not everyone has the strength to pick one up and walk to waters edge

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

You must not fish any hidden or out of the way spots. This little dolly is a lifesaver. Otherwise I would HAVE TO make TWO LONG trips- 1 for my Yak, and 1 for my gear.

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

Lock wheels on that cart are garbage they crack and lose their seal I've already had to replace mine

[@flonkas]

I’ve never understood people and their weird smell fascination. Who cares if the tire smelled like tire ? Thanks for the tips tho

[@richardjohnson4052]

Kayak tires NEVER hold air. I replace mine with cheap solid wheels.

[@logancurran]

i tie a longboard to the bottom of my kayak using a ratchet strap

[@ryanphillips5688]

Why am I watching how to use a kayak cart at 3 am?

[@ryanphillips5688]

@@sendinfohere9638 must be

[@bishrockwell73]

Air tires are a huge pain in the ass