Shore Thing

Chuck Wagon’s design boasts a collapsible frame and pnuematic tires that roll smoothly over uneven terrain.

Necessity, says John McCollum, inspired him to create the Chuck Wagon, a Charleston-based beach cart biz. “My wife has rosacea, so we always have to haul an umbrella to the beach.” The couple struggled to find a wagon that could do the heavy lifting; many were quick to rust, and carts with plastic or solid rubber tires often turned into sleds. The Navy veteran also wanted a beach cart that didn’t nip your feet while trudging through hot sands. So, he rolled out the Chuck Wagon, a smart carryall with a rust-resistant, collapsible aluminum frame and sturdy, balloon pneumatic tires that make it lightweight and able to traverse uneven terrain. There’s even an extended handle to keep heels safe. At $350 a pop, the Chuck Wagon is a splurge, but one worthwhile for avid beachgoers.

McCollum and his wife now hit the sand with a baby in tow, and the Chuck Wagon still shoulders their expanding list of necessities. He hopes the buggy’s ease and durability provides other Lowcountry families with a hassle-free haul to the beach.