Compared with the standard Mac Sports wagon’s helicopter handle, the Heavy Duty’s helicopter handle felt flimsy and didn’t click into place while extended. Also, the wagon doesn’t fold down to the same size as the standard Mac Sports, making it a tighter squeeze when folded in a sedan’s trunk. Despite those minor difficulties, we still think it’s by far the best for beachgoers. To start, we assessed the initial assembly of each wagon, noting any particular frustrations, as well as any extra tools that were required. (Because none of the wagons were especially difficult to put together, we did not make this a major criterion.) We also looked at how easy each wagon was to fold and pick up, and to store in a small space.
Our initial research left us with a ozark trail wagon list of 10 contenders. We ultimately settled on a testing pool of six models that were recommended by experts and well reviewed, and that included the features testers told us they wanted. Our team of outdoors’ enthusiasts – headed up by bushcraft instructor Darren Parkin and outdoors-therapy advocate Jeanette Parkin – bring you the best adventures, holidays, courses, products and activities. I know this sounds contrary to what the wagon is supposed to do. But if you are going to say the beach, you’ll most likely have to park your car someplace then walk the trails to the beach, right? That’s what I mean by loading everything back to the wagon for toting down to your destination.
We had to wrestle the cover onto the bulky rectangle and tug it down to get it on. One of the wheels came loose when one of our testers was carrying about 100 pounds of gear, which is well under the stated weight capacity. I spent 10 hours researching folding wagons (sometimes called utility wagons), first identifying popular models and looking at the technology involved. To find out which features people value most in wagons, I surveyed half a dozen individuals who regularly pull or push loads of stuff—from groceries to gardening supplies to toddlers. I also visited a handful of outdoor-gear stores to see what models they recommend. Looking for an easy way to haul and carry items during your next outdoor excursion?
Based on its listed interior dimensions, we calculated the storage to be about 3.5 cubic feet. It has a solid frame, which remained durable throughout a battery of tests, including rolling the wagon down a hill while it was filled with equipment. Even better, they can easily fold down when not in use for convenient storage. We tested two more folding wagons and one oddball gear-toting beach chair in early 2024.
It’s also one of the lowest-priced wagons we considered, but it performed as well as or better than wagons that cost twice as much. The similar Mac Sports XL is bulkier than the regular Mac Sports, but also has a higher weight limit and more space for all your tools—or toys. Add further comfort and convenience to your tailgate campout or backyard party with the Ozark Trail Removable Wagon Insert.
But it didn’t turn or pull as smoothly on sand as the Mac Sports beach wagon, and its smaller wheels seemed to sink. Personally, I’m a science writer with more than a decade of experience interviewing experts in countless fields, including parenting, environmental science, and child development. I’m also the mom of two school-aged boys whose stuff I have been hauling around in wagons since I began working on this guide five years ago (they’ve occasionally hopped in for a ride, too).