TMS CART KAYAK/CANOE: Definitive Review (2024)
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TopNotch Outdoor is independent – we research, test, and rate the top products to help you make the right buying choice. We sometimes use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on your purchase. Learn more…
This is the Top Notch Outdoor Review of the TMS CART CANOE/KAYAK…
In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover:
- This kayak cart’s specs and features;
- The reasons why the TMS KY001 boat/kayak/canoe cart is our Editor’s Choice;
- The details of how we decided on the scores for each metric;
- The pros and cons of using this carrier;
- How it compares with the other brands; and
- Lots more…
The TMS cart got the highest overall score in our metrics, and that is saying a lot.
Why?
Because our Top List includes very worthy competitors and this cart towered over them all! This is why the TMS trolley is our Editor’s Choice.
So if you want the best quality and the most durable cart you can buy for your kayak or canoe, you’ll love this guide.
Waiting’s over!
Let’s roll!
Editor’s Choice Award
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- Manufacturer: TMS
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8.18 Ibs
- Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.25 inches
- Capacity: 150 Ibs
Bottom Line : High-quality material for hassle-free transport of your kayak
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Pros
- Reasonable price
- Very stable
- Quick assembly
- Solid materials
Cons
- Tire odor
- Strap issues
Our Verdict: TMS CART-CANOE/KAYAK-KY001
Since you asked very nicely…
We bring you our Editor’s Choice awardee, the TMS boat/kayak/canoe carrier!
What’s there to see?
First of all, the stability and the quality of this canoe and kayak dolly are above expectations. That’s considering the relatively low price that we paid for it.
It’s 13 x 22 x 9.25 inches in dimension and 8.18 lbs in weight. It can carry up to 150 lbs, and the strap that goes with the product is 12 feet long. Both arms have foam bumpers for your kayak hull’s protection.
The metal frame is made of aluminum pipe and anodized stainless steel. The support stand is in part a nine ¼ inch H spring-loaded stand for propping up the cart when loading your kayak or canoe.
It has 9 ½ inch diameter flat-free tires, which are larger than most of the other brands. This is one of the features that gave the TMS cart an advantage.
How did it fare?
It only got the highest overall score in our metrics which makes it the Editor’s Choice.
Of course, it has its cons too. But after considering online reviews and trying it out for ourselves, we all agreed that TMS has more pros to compensate for them.
Take a look at each metric to see the detailed description of each score that we gave this canoe and kayak trailer. paddle board
Related: Best Kayak Cart
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Performance Comparison
1. Value For Money
The quality and the features we found in this product are what we’d expect from the most expensive brands. So imagine how impressed we were when TMS gave us the same ones – for a lower price!
Rating
2. Weight/Portability
The TMS kayak or canoe dolly is only 8.18 lbs. It’s easy to carry as is.
But what’s better…
… is that this kayak dolly breaks down easily for hassle-free storage and transport.
It’s made of quick assembly material – even the wheels! The stainless steel fasteners and chrome lynch pin are not that hard to install, especially for paddling enthusiasts like us.
This feature isn’t unique to this canoe carrier tote trolley, but it’s still quite impressive because I found it the easiest to disassemble and reassemble.
Plus…
It’s the sturdiest of all in the top list, with almost the same stability as the permanently assembled or welded boat/kayak/canoe carrier.
Rating
3. Capacity/Versatility
If your kayak is heavier than 150 lbs, we don’t recommend this product. But to us, hoarders – I mean, collectors – this cart is still helpful.
What we didn’t like…
It’s obvious. Only the lightweight, single sit-on-top kayak can be used on this cart.
I, for one, have a few boats, so even if we didn’t have to try and review all these carts, this couldn’t be my only purchase.
But if you only have the lightweight kayaks, you wouldn’t need the bigger, heavier carts.
That said…
Even if you have a collection of boats, this may come in handy too. Most of my friends prefer a lighter canoe and kayak dolly when we’re only bringing our small kayaks. They say it’s more convenient to store anyway.
But what’s great about it is the versatility of the wheels.
The 9 ½ inch-diameter flat-free tires are wide enough for less pressure on the ground. So whether it was a gravelly, flat terrain, or uneven terrain, or even a soft and sandy beach…
The TMS kayak or canoe dolly is the deal!
It never got stuck even on damp ground. And that’s something to look out for when buying your cart.
Rating
4. Build Quality
Now, this is what you came for!
Of all the canoe carrier tote trolley brands on our top list – even with the most expensive one – the TMS KY001 boat/kayak/canoe trolley is of the best quality.
Why is that?
It’s very durable for an easy-assembled cart. This dolly breaks apart conveniently, as we said, but it’s very stable at the hinges.
The stainless steel fasteners and chrome lynch pin on the tires fit perfectly – no risk of falling off and but it would roll smoothly across sand or more uneven terrain.
Plus…
The solid metal frame, foam bumpers, and wheels are very sturdy. Anodized stainless steel is known to improve the durability of the aluminum pipe, and we can attest to that by experience.
When we were trying this out, and I was – I mean, my friend – wasn’t looking where he was going, let’s just say there was a mild accident.
It involved the cart toppling over and the kayak almost sliding off if it weren’t for the strap. To be honest, we were pretty nervous about the cart because the thud was a little loud.
But voila! Nothing happened. The frame was intact, and the rock that it landed on only gave it a little scratch.
Also notable…
It didn’t just roll smoothly across sand when we tried it. The nine ¼ inch-H spring-loaded stand kept the dolly cart propped up firmly too. Rolling the boat on and off the cart was hassle-free.
Rating
5. Movability
My friends laugh at me when I say this: My peace is a huge factor when I judge a kayak/canoe carrier tote cart.
What does it mean?
I just can’t stop checking my boat behind me when I transport it. The result? I tend to sacrifice paddling time for moving-the-kayak time. It’s just the same as having a dolly that doesn’t roll as smoothly as I want.
As for the TMS cart… Its solid metal frame, foam bumpers, and even the 12-foot strap all add to my boat’s security. Not to mention the
I easily glided through the terrain when I used this cart because I knew that my boat had less chance of falling over.
Now to the more tangible factors…
The wheels just roll and glide on flat terrain, as most carts do. So the actual contest is how it performed on uneven, rocky, pebbly, and soft ground. Well, this cart just I
Who knew quick-assembly material could be driven as if engineers themselves assembled them? Alright, maybe I’m too excited here, but – it really was quite impressive how this affordable cart can compete with the expensive ones!
Another thing…
Mounting the boat was also very easy and convenient because this dolly cart propped up firmly. It’s very stable to drive and to stand.
Rating
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. How do you strap on a kayak?
A 12-foot strap is included when you buy the TMS cart. You just have to loop it around the arms first, and then you get it around your kayak. You’ll get the hang of it!
2. Would this cart be good for a 12′ Classic Nucanoe?
Unfortunately, the TMS cart’s capacity doesn’t exceed 150 lbs. The Nucanoe Classic 12 is at least 500 lbs.
3. How does the canoe carrier work?
You just have to place one end of your kayak or canoe hull on top of the carrier, strap it in place, and then pull at the other end. Then off you go!
4. Does this cart support a 17 ft, sit-inside kayak,55 lb?
The TMS trolley can carry up to 150 lbs of boat weight.
Our Final Verdict: TMS CART: CANOE AND KAYAK DOLLY
The TMS kayak/canoe carrier tote cart is our Editor’s Choice because of its durability and overall built quality.
Especially the flat-free tires that can keep you at peace on any type of terrain!
Overall…
This cart served us very well.
Conclusion: TMS CART KAYAK
The decision’s up to you!
We’ve given you the facts and our opinions based on what we experienced when we tried these carts out.
So what’s it going to be? Our Editor’s Choice? Or maybe you want the Best Value Bonnlo kayak cart? Maybe our Top Pick Railblaza C-tug cart?
Over to you now to make your choice…
RELATED: Best Kayak Cart
Flat tires
