Rolling carts

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rickryan.com

rickryan.com

DJ Extraordinaire
ODJT Supporter
Dec 9, 2009
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Hendersonville, TN
www.rickryan.com
I've been using a 2-wheel hand truck for the past several years. I'm thinking of switching over to a rolling cart. I know some of you guys use rock'n roller carts and love them. I'm really thinking more of a flat-bed style unit, probably homemade. Any suggestions on the dimensions or wheel size/type? On more gigs, I have a slant rack mixer case, 20 gallon tub for cords, and 2 speakers. It'd be cool to leave it pre-loaded and just roll off/on.
 
you said "homemade" so you need to see how big your cases are. Don't make it too wide to get in through doors. Also type of wheels, don't cheap out and get those black plastic ones or worse, those metal ones. Get those $15 a piece blue ones, don't know their name.

Don't make it so big that loaded it will be a pain to push and lastly, what your car or van can handle...

I still say buy a rock and roller with the no flat tires R-12, but that's just because I have 3 of them and love it.
 
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I'll second the RnR R12RT ...
 
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Rick, I have a lot to say about carts and have even thought about designing and manufacturing my own because they all suck a bit, one way or the other. I own three different ones.

Whatever you do, don't go wider than 24 inches, too tough to get through most hotel 'staff-only' hallways that are packed with their crap. 36 inches long is way easier to make tight turns with but you can make them with a 48 inch long cart as well, just takes more precise maneuvering.

I find the R&R's to be highly overrated and very cheaply made. I own the R&R 16. Here is a link to my looooong review.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLhcr6Upc5M

I don’t like carts that you have to be careful with or they’ll break, like the R&R. The old Milwalkee I bought at the Home Depot years ago is still solid like a rock. I bolted on a piece of 3/8” plywood to the deck when I got it so things wouldn’t fall through. After a few years, I switched out the tube tires for some non-flat ones and had to change the swivel castors once but it is SOLID. I move the heavy stuff on that one. Here is a link: Milwaukee 800 lb. Capacity 2-in-1 Convertible Hand Truck-CHT800P - The Home Depot

My Quiklok is great but you have to make sure the handle is braced against your gear if ‘pushing’ it up an incline or you will break one of the welds which happened to me. The R&R is not any better in this regard. The handle’s folding mechanism is great as is the extendable system. These carts were originally made in Italy which is why I bought one. However, when mine arrived, I found out they were being made in China now, like mine. Here is a link: QuikLok BW600E Band Wagon Equipment Hand Cart

You may be happy with something like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0189NHRJG?psc=1 They are tough and fold up. If you find you want it bigger, just cut a ¾” piece of plywood to your liking and bold on the handle and wheels. That is always an option.

I checked out the Gruver at the Guitar Centre but the display was broken which didn’t leave me with a good impression. Also, it can be used very short or very long, there is no 36 inch length which I use a lot since it fits in those wheelchair lifts.

This one, built in a ‘monster’ version would be ideal. I love how even the wheels fold flat; genius! However, it is just too small. http://www.amazon.com/Magna-Flatform-Capacity-Wheel-Folding/dp/B002TITK8O/ref=pd_sbs_328_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=418WqUWLAdL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR122,160_&refRID=0V2MTHEKHBEAE5JQCF7Q

Let us know what happens!
 
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I bought your basic convertible one from Home Depot. (converts from 2-wheel truck to 4-wheel cart)
It was less than 60-bucks and has lasted me for years.
Since I got new speakers, I have a different load in, so I am also considering customizing it.
Basically, I am gonna attach a piece of plywood on the "bed" that is sized to fit the main items I need to move.
(the mixer rack, speakers, subs, cables)
I'll probably put carpet on it to avoid slippage and damage.

It has two pneumatic wheels, that are big and flexible, so it travels well over bumps and holes.
(yes, they can go flat, but I have a compressor at home anyway)
The small wheels on the other end are solid plastic...and I also plan to replace those with large casters
that are smoother running, less noisy, and less prone to cause damage.
 
maestro said:
Rick, I have a lot to say about carts and have even thought about designing and manufacturing my own because they all suck a bit, one way or the other. I own three different ones.

Whatever you do, don't go wider than 24 inches, too tough to get through most hotel 'staff-only' hallways that are packed with their crap. 36 inches long is way easier to make tight turns with but you can make them with a 48 inch long cart as well, just takes more precise maneuvering.

I find the R&R's to be highly overrated and very cheaply made. I own the R&R 16. Here is a link to my looooong review.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLhcr6Upc5M

I don’t like carts that you have to be careful with or they’ll break, like the R&R. The old Milwalkee I bought at the Home Depot years ago is still solid like a rock. I bolted on a piece of 3/8” plywood to the deck when I got it so things wouldn’t fall through. After a few years, I switched out the tube tires for some non-flat ones and had to change the swivel castors once but it is SOLID. I move the heavy stuff on that one. Here is a link: Milwaukee 800 lb. Capacity 2-in-1 Convertible Hand Truck-CHT800P - The Home Depot

My Quiklok is great but you have to make sure the handle is braced against your gear if ‘pushing’ it up an incline or you will break one of the welds which happened to me. The R&R is not any better in this regard. The handle’s folding mechanism is great as is the extendable system. These carts were originally made in Italy which is why I bought one. However, when mine arrived, I found out they were being made in China now, like mine. Here is a link: QuikLok BW600E Band Wagon Equipment Hand Cart

You may be happy with something like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0189NHRJG?psc=1 They are tough and fold up. If you find you want it bigger, just cut a ¾” piece of plywood to your liking and bold on the handle and wheels. That is always an option.

I checked out the Gruver at the Guitar Centre but the display was broken which didn’t leave me with a good impression. Also, it can be used very short or very long, there is no 36 inch length which I use a lot since it fits in those wheelchair lifts.

This one, built in a ‘monster’ version would be ideal. I love how even the wheels fold flat; genius! However, it is just too small. http://www.amazon.com/Magna-Flatform-Capacity-Wheel-Folding/dp/B002TITK8O/ref=pd_sbs_328_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=418WqUWLAdL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR122,160_&refRID=0V2MTHEKHBEAE5JQCF7Q

Let us know what happens!
Click to expand...
The RT versions (rough terrain) seem to be set up differently. My front wheel is mounted much sturdier.

hqdefault.jpg
 
I use a hand truck that the handle can be pulled out and be used to setup for a cart. I think I payed less than $100. The only issue is making sure the wheels are inflated as they do go down a bit and that makes it difficult to move when loaded with gear.
 
Steve, the way the wheels are mounted is 'okay'. It is the overall crap construction that I am not impressed with. Here is a photo of my R&R and my Milwaukee in action. Notice the slight 'bow' in the R&R.

11222354_916944594995353_7810536651757179999_n.jpg

I have to make sure the handle on the R&R is pressing against something otherwise it will fail and break. The R16 is made with their 'extra thick' metal; lol.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Cosco-Product...16334&sr=8-1&keywords=cosco+3+in+1+hand+truck

Available almost everywhere. i got mine at costco - note the name is COSCO not the same as the warehouse store.
holds 1000 lbs.
you don't have to baby it.
folds and fits under the table at a gig, with a tub on top of it (or 2).

I carry it on a bike rack outside my car. it seems not to care.

nice on hills as nothing can fall off the handle side, but i usually put a strap overtop of everything just to be sure.

bottom image is it on the bike rack.
My Dj Gear Packup Pics 002 (Sheet 2)

My Dj Gear Packup Pics 002 (Sheet 2)


bottom image is the loaded cart.
My Dj Gear Packup Pics 001 (Sheet 1)

My Dj Gear Packup Pics 001 (Sheet 1)

 
Okay, I may regret this, but, DIY it is. Bought a pre-cut, 2'X4'X1" piece of birch (kinda soft, I know). I have an assortment of casters in the storage unit, so will likely start off with that. Bought sections of 1/2" black metal pipe and fittings and will use pipe plates to attach to the decking with 5/8"X1.5" bolts to form a "U". Will likely get larger wheels, if the handle connections prove sturdy enough. This rig should be easy enough to maneuver, drive right up into the van, and big enough to take all of my misc stuff in one load. That will put me at 2 trips to the van for a typical gig. We'll see how this works out.
 
Wal Mart has a good Harper Cart that is a hand truck, but can be turned into a cart. I paid $38.99 for mine.

It has held up much better than my Ultimate Support JC-80 Karma Cart. The Karma Cart extends to about 46" or so, but the welds bend when I am pushing anything over 100 lbs, so then I have to start dragging it. The 200 lb limit is a lie, LOL. I didn't have this problem until after about 9 months of use.

My Harper Cart isn't as long, but it has a 400 lb limit, and I have not had any problems with it pushing 200+ lbs. The front wheels are small though, but this cart is still the best $38.99 I have ever spent. I have had it for a good 7 years.
 
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