Is there anything better than a day at the beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf? Salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and sandy toes are all a guaranteed good time. To make the most of your day, a beach wagon is essential in transporting all your beach gear to and from the shore. With so many countless options on the market, how do you choose the right beach carrier for you and your lifestyle? Below are a few factors to consider when deciding which one is right for you. These days you can’t rely on just reviews – some businesses pay and reward consumers to write positive reviews, regardless of their experience. Do your due diligence and research before adding that wagon to your shopping cart.
The Maneuverability of the Wagon Wheels
One of the most important components of a beach wagon is the wheels. Typically, you’ll see two types of wheels on the beach – gray, low-pressure polyurethane balloon tires and black plastic (or rubber) tires.
Balloon tires are your best bet for navigating sand. They’re made from a soft durable material that conforms to almost any terrain. They’re more expensive but well worth the price tag when it comes to carrying a heavy load. Next time your child is begging for ice cream on the beach, check out the large balloon tires on the ice cream vendor’s wagon.
The black plastic and rubber tires are a cheaper option and are regularly found on lower-end beach carriers. If you’re pulling only a few lightweight items these wheels will work well. You are limited on weight capacity though and they require much more energy to pull through the sand. Look for wider wheels vs narrow wheels. Smaller wheels tend to sink in the sand vs. glide over.
The Capacity of the Wagon
Some people only need a chair, towel, and bathing suit to enjoy a day at the beach. Others need a caravan of beach necessities for a full day at the beach. Deciding on what you need and how to transport it can cause stress and angst for the person manning the wagon. Choose a wagon that can accommodate the weight of the gear you’re pulling.
Standard, less expensive wagons can hold up to 150 lbs. Higher-end wagons can hold over 300 lbs. If you’re hauling a tent top, tent frame, beach chairs, umbrellas, tables, hard cooler, etc. then invest in a higher-end model such as e-Beach Wagon.
Higher-end wagons will have more features and specs than just a standard folding compact wagon. They’re more expensive but they’re built to last. If you have the budget and the means, check out an electric wagon. There are only two on the market. They are the Teslas of the beach.
If you’re not pulling a lot and the weight is minimal then invest in a lower-end model that is compact and foldable.
Luxury Features
If you frequent the beach often and tend to stay out all day, then we recommend spending the money and upgrading to a luxury wagon. Luxury wagons are carriers that have a price point higher than $500 and have features built-in that make life at the beach enjoyable and carefree. Features such as built-in pole holders for umbrellas, flags, and fishing rod racks. Wagon beds that double as benches, tables, utility carts, or dollies. USB charging ports for charging your cell phone, laptops, tablets, speakers, blenders, etc. Removable railings for loading and unloading your gear. Electric motors vs. manual push and pull. The options are endless with these premier wagons. Our top pick for 2021 is the e-Beach Wagon. This wagon is like no other. Professionally designed, developed, and tested by a team of engineers, this wagon is redefining the industry with its electric self-propelled motor.
Conclusion
There are numerous wagons on the market. Before you choose the cheapest one, weigh the pros and cons of each one. Is this something you’ll use for years to come or one or two seasons? Do you frequent the beach often or only a few times a season? Are you hauling a tiny house of beach gear or just a few items? How long do you stay out on the beach – a few hours or all day? Once you answer all these questions, you should have a pretty good idea of what wagon suits you best.