Standup Zone Forum

Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: highsierrabear on April 11, 2010, 08:33:28 PM

Title: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: highsierrabear on April 11, 2010, 08:33:28 PM
Check out this SUP cart I made for a little over $40.  Ugly, simple, functional, cheap.  (Springer Spaniel not included).

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0334.jpg)
Just PVC pipe and glue with cheap dolly wheels

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0340.jpg)
I put it right near the balance point, so the weight for the carrier is oh, 1 pound or so (unless your dog rides on it).

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0339.jpg)
I load it with the skeg forward and pointed down.  I used a loop of 1" webbing in a larks foot around the skeg as a handle.  I also cut the webbing straps long enough to carry two stacked boards.

The key for getting this built cheap is to get the wheels, straps, and lock at Harbor Freight Tools.  The PVC pipe and other stuff came from my local Home Depot.  Dolly wheels are $5 on sale at Harbor Freight or $20 at Home Depot (for basically the same, made in China cheapo wheel).

Here are the approximate costs:
$10 Harbor Freight Dolly wheels ($4.99/ea)
$4   Adjustable straps  (Harbor Freight)
$6   2' combo bike lock (Harbor Freight)
$7   36" threaded rod
$3   Bolts & washers
$5   PVC pipe fittings
$2   10' of 3/4" schedule 40 PVC pipe
$2   Pipe insulation
$5   Duct tape , screws, PVC cement
$2   1" webbing

I had most of the PVC fittings, PVC cement, duct tape, etc in my garage already so my costs were under $40.

Here is everything you need to build your own cart:
(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0351.jpg)

Another view of the cart:
(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0355.jpg)
Note the little combo lock on the cart.  Once I trundle the board to the launch site, I'd just lock the cart to a pole/tree so it doesn't grow legs.

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0346.jpg)

I'm building a second one of these as well.  If there is enough interest on the forum, I'll post step by step directions as I build the second one.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: 1paddle2paddle on April 11, 2010, 09:30:40 PM
I think its a great idea.  If you could do step by step that would be cool.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: paddlesurf.net on April 11, 2010, 09:47:45 PM
Cool dog!
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: PonoBill on April 12, 2010, 04:08:20 AM
If you put the cart closer to the nose, or flipped the board over and put it under the fins it would be easier to use, more stable and less likely to scrape the board on obstructions. Like a Mule.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: BrittanysDad on April 12, 2010, 08:52:53 AM
Great job!  Good creativity and sounds like a great project for a bad weather day.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: NickFL on April 12, 2010, 10:51:43 AM
I love making stuff out of PVC pipes.  I would weld if I knew how.  I can make one of these for prob half the cost because my family owns an ACE Hardware.  Home Depot sucks ;D
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: PonoBill on April 12, 2010, 11:22:39 AM
Welding is a fundamental skill, like cooking, personal hygiene, opening champagne bottles and first aid. Time to get with the program.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!
Post by: highsierrabear on April 12, 2010, 05:03:23 PM
If you put the cart closer to the nose, or flipped the board over and put it under the fins it would be easier to use, more stable and less likely to scrape the board on obstructions. Like a Mule.

There are a zillion ways to attach the board to the cart. 

The reason the fins are forward is so that I can grab the skeg with my carrying strap.  And going closer to the balance point keeps the carrying weight to a minimum.    I have a couple of different sized "hose straps" so I can throw one over my shoulder and go pretty much hands free, or just carry it with the shorter strap.  If I flipped the board upside down, the rocker would work against me and bring the nose closer to the ground.

I've never seen a Mule or other board carrier, so this is my own interpretation.  I'm making a second one for my K-15, which comes to a point at each end.  The K-15 will definitely have to go closer to the middle.  It's a 1/2 mile from my door to the lake for the K-15, so keeping the carrying weight down counts for a lot.

We'll see how they work over time.  If the design needs changing, I'm out all of oh, $5 for PVC bits and pieces.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: stillwater on April 12, 2010, 08:52:25 PM
Are you towing by hand? Have you tried to retrofit to tow behind bike because you will need that option to tow down to Sugar Pine or Waters Edge? Looks like its a solid rig.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: PonoBill on April 12, 2010, 09:34:10 PM
Don't get me wrong, I like your rig. I'm partial to SUP trailers and yours is a good'un. I'll probably copy it for some uses I have.

Here's a modified mule--just lengthened the strap to fit my F18. Article here: http://www.kenalu.com/2010/03/06/stand-up-paddle-surfboard-bike-trailer/ (http://www.kenalu.com/2010/03/06/stand-up-paddle-surfboard-bike-trailer/)

(http://www.kenalu.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/trailer.jpg)

Here's a hardcore one I built:
http://www.kenalu.com/2008/11/30/sup-motorcycle-trailer/ (http://www.kenalu.com/2008/11/30/sup-motorcycle-trailer/)

(http://www.kenalu.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/fishing/t7.jpg)

and here's an article on the mule
http://www.kenalu.com/2008/08/23/mule-transport-system/ (http://www.kenalu.com/2008/08/23/mule-transport-system/)
(http://www.kenalu.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/200808232127.jpg)

And this is Sam
(http://www.kenalu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sam.jpg)

The biggest benefit of being close to the end is keeping the board from scraping on stuff. Downside is more weight, but it's still only half
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: SUP Wheels on May 14, 2012, 10:18:06 AM
Very cool DYI on the standup board carrier.  This is how we started SUP Wheels ™ company with a DYI PVC SUP cart.  I built a SUP carrier because of an injury.  Then started building them for friends and they encouraged me to make this into a company.  I haven't had a day off since.

We think more people are going to use SUP carriers to access remote waters or just to make carrying their SUP's easier. We think it is good for them to have DYI and finished product options.  Thanks for the post.
www.supwheels.com (http://www.supwheels.com)

Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: SUPpaddler on May 14, 2012, 05:26:51 PM
This must be the most compact of carriers, and I wonder if anyone has had experience with it.  It snaps into the fin box, so you have to take out the fin, but they also make snap-in fins which work quite well.
http://www.imaginesurf.com/?post_type=imaginesurf_product&p=2103 (http://www.imaginesurf.com/?post_type=imaginesurf_product&p=2103)
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: MnSUUUPerDude on May 15, 2012, 09:27:51 AM
I have been looking into getting a MULE, but mabey i will just try to make one. It would be nice to two it behind my bike.

SUPpaddler, I like the one from imagine, but just wondering if it will harm the finbox. seems like if you hit to many bumps, it could damage it. just wonderin.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: Ucycle on May 15, 2012, 09:36:25 AM
it shouldn't be a problem, most center fin box is set on the stringer and you rarely seen a damage center box. But i think the problem is not all of my board comes with center box.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: MnSUUUPerDude on May 15, 2012, 10:08:21 AM
what should I expect to pay for a mule...I should refraise that. what should i pay. there are alot of different prices out there?
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: SUP Wheels on July 17, 2012, 06:20:56 AM
SUP Wheels ™ carriers a race Standup Paddle Board (SUP Carrier) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YANj_V3To&feature=plcp#ws)

We appreciate the DYI approach because that is how we go started.  People liked the design so much that we started to building them for other standup paddle boards in the area.  

However, if you rather have an off the shelf product that is ready to go here is a quick and easy SUP cart.  SUP Wheels ™ will also carry 2 standup paddle boards with this one SUP Cart.  The product also features never go flat tires and a 1 year warranty.

For more information:  www.supwheels.com (http://www.supwheels.com)
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: SUPpaddler on July 17, 2012, 03:17:23 PM
I made something similar with smaller baby carriage wheels and plastic frame, which I secure to the board with a cambuckle strap from my rack .  What I can't figure out is a clever way of making a handle for the nose of the board.  Only ideas so far were a second strap running from the cart and tied around the nose, or even a suction cup grip if they could be trusted.  Anyone have any good ideas on a handle for the nose?
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: Ucycle on July 17, 2012, 03:26:07 PM
drill a hole at the nose and seal it will a epoxy and fiberglass.  It double as a gopro mount and a mounting point.   If you dont want to do that, you can get one of sticky glue on handle mount.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: Surfingsen on July 23, 2012, 08:09:57 AM
Only ideas so far were a second strap running from the cart and tied around the nose, or even a suction cup grip if theycould be trusted.  Anyone have any good ideas on a handle for the nose?
Load it the other way around so you pull it by the tail, then you can use the leashplug/cord to pull it along :) or if you flip it put something in the finbox
Or if you want to keep it topside up - make a straploop that have a thingy that will fit in to the finbox (or use a finscrew and plate) and you can pull it along in that - without it falling off
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: surfcowboy on July 23, 2012, 07:30:51 PM
I think Ucycle got it. Put an FCS plu in it and you can use a gopro mount to hook a strap to it. Keep the board upside down so that the plug doesn't pull out, it just keeps the strap from sliding off the tapered board.

Done. After riding that Bue Planet board in Hawaii, I'm not going to have aboard without an FCS in the front. It's just too easy and useful.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: nmbsup on May 04, 2013, 06:17:50 PM
This is an old post.. but I am wondering if you could tell me here did you get the threaded rod?

thanks!

Check out this SUP cart I made for a little over $40.  Ugly, simple, functional, cheap.  (Springer Spaniel not included).

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0334.jpg)
Just PVC pipe and glue with cheap dolly wheels

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0340.jpg)
I put it right near the balance point, so the weight for the carrier is oh, 1 pound or so (unless your dog rides on it).

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0339.jpg)
I load it with the skeg forward and pointed down.  I used a loop of 1" webbing in a larks foot around the skeg as a handle.  I also cut the webbing straps long enough to carry two stacked boards.

The key for getting this built cheap is to get the wheels, straps, and lock at Harbor Freight Tools.  The PVC pipe and other stuff came from my local Home Depot.  Dolly wheels are $5 on sale at Harbor Freight or $20 at Home Depot (for basically the same, made in China cheapo wheel).

Here are the approximate costs:
$10 Harbor Freight Dolly wheels ($4.99/ea)
$4   Adjustable straps  (Harbor Freight)
$6   2' combo bike lock (Harbor Freight)
$7   36" threaded rod
$3   Bolts & washers
$5   PVC pipe fittings
$2   10' of 3/4" schedule 40 PVC pipe
$2   Pipe insulation
$5   Duct tape , screws, PVC cement
$2   1" webbing

I had most of the PVC fittings, PVC cement, duct tape, etc in my garage already so my costs were under $40.

Here is everything you need to build your own cart:
(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0351.jpg)

Another view of the cart:
(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0355.jpg)
Note the little combo lock on the cart.  Once I trundle the board to the launch site, I'd just lock the cart to a pole/tree so it doesn't grow legs.

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/highsierrabear/SUP%20Cart/IMG_0346.jpg)

I'm building a second one of these as well.  If there is enough interest on the forum, I'll post step by step directions as I build the second one.
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: juandoe on May 04, 2013, 06:25:58 PM
I have found threaded rod at home depot in store.  otw http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=threaded+rod&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=threaded+rod&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All)
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: GizzeeNZ on May 04, 2013, 08:48:13 PM
I guess the springer spaniel has caught a wave or two Supwheels?
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: Celeste on May 05, 2013, 04:31:12 AM
Lowes, Home Depot, Carr-Mcmaster, MSC, Fastenal, Graingers.  to name a few
Title: Re: Build your own SUP cart for under $50. (Carries 2 boards + paddles, locking!)
Post by: magentawave on May 17, 2013, 08:53:42 AM
Good stuff - thanks everyone! Its not worth $140 to me but I do like the way the wheels on that Sup Wheels thing fold flat.
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