Compact and Lightweight Folding Luggage Carts
Collapsible and Portable, Mini Rolling Trolleys for Travel
Sep 4, 2009
Luggage carts (or trolleys) are used for wheeling luggage through airports, as well as moving everyday items (books, equipment) to and from the car, school or office.
They weigh about two or three pounds and cost between $25 and $50. Popular brands include Samsonite (Micro-Mover), Travelon and Stebco.
While new suitcases often have built-in wheels, many useful items don't come with wheels. A luggage cart is still useful for
- Briefcases.
- Notebook or laptop computers.
- Soft-case bags, which are easier to squeeze into luggage compartments.
- Backpacks.
How to Choose a Luggage Cart
The most important numbers when choosing a cart are:
- Weight. Carts weighing between two and three pounds are considered lightweight. It is difficult to find carts that are any lighter.
- Size. It is often convenient to store the cart inside the luggage.
- Handle-height. A cart that is too short forces the traveler to bend over sideways when pulling, which is most uncomfortable. A height of 36 inches is common and is good enough for the average person. Taller people will need a taller cart, or use a strap as an extender.
Significant but less critical are:
- Load capacity. Most carts can carry at least 50 pounds, which should be enough for most purposes.
- Wheel size. Wheels should be at least two or three inches in diameter, for easy rolling over soft carpet or rough pavement.
- Width. A wide cart is only necessary for large suitcases. For smaller items the width of any cart should be enough.
- Built-in straps. If no straps are provided with the cart, hooked elastic bungee cords can be purchased from luggage or bicycle shops.
Traditional Metal Luggage Carts
Classic tubular steel or aluminum carts are still in use and are very practical. They have collapsible handles and fold into a flat rectangular package about a foot high. Generic models can be found in luggage shops.
Advantages
- Strong and reliable, proven design.
- Quick and easy to fold and unfold.
Disadvantage
- Relatively bulky even when folded.
New Compact Plastic Luggage Carts
New designs fold up into a mini tube about a foot high and 3 inches across. They are more portable and are easy to sling over the shoulder or stuff into the luggage when not in use. Most are made out of plastic. Unfortunately there is little improvement in weight and most weigh about the same as metal carts.
Advantage
- Compact.
Disadvantages
- Can be difficult and slow to fold up. Some practice is necessary.
- Possibly less robust. Plastic construction and more joints means more chances of something getting loose or breaking.
The Best Luggage Cart
For people who travel a lot, a traditional metal cart will stand up to regular use.
If being able to squeeze the unused cart into the luggage is important, one of the new compact plastic carts is a good choice.
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