So this very handy neighbor of ours arrived at the pool the other day with the coolest beach wagon. Of course, I lost an entire night’s sleep planning how I’d make ours for lil G. This is what I devised. We already had ordered the ATW Radio Flyer from Costco. I decided that adding surf racks, cup holders and a head rest would be the ideal set-up.
Materials for Red Flyer surf racks
(2) 1-1/2″ ABS wye fittings: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhc/R-100181644/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
(2) 1-1/2″ ABS return bend: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhc/R-100347877/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
(1) 1-1/2″ ABS 10′ pipe: http://www.homedepot.com/Charlotte-Pipe/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhcZ2ox/R-100569552/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
(3) 3/4″ self-seal foam pipe insulation: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhc/R-100552697/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
14″ black zip ties: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhc/R-100056138/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Instructions for surf racks
1.Cut all the pieces to size. Use glue to secure, being careful to be quick as the glue dries quickly!
2.Cut 2 lengths of pipe insulation to cover the section that will hook around the wagon. Split open the insulation, wrap pipe, and secure with zip ties, making sure the closure portion of the tie will NOT be facing your wagon passengers. Using wire cutters, cut the excess wire as close to the closure as possible.
3.Cut another 2 lengths of insulation to cover the 15″ portion of each rack.
4.Cut a single length of insulation to wrap the wagon handle so that if it should fall and hit someone, it won’t hurt as much.
Gadget holder
Use straps to secure to back of wagon facing out. Fill with wipes and store keys, wallets, phones here. Kid will have a tough time opening and reaching the storage compartment. Wipes will be easy for parents to reach and use.
Cup holders
- You can use just about any plastic bin you find in the Container Store, $.99 store, or elsewhere. I can’t find a link to the exact ones I bought…but just keep in mind, you want it deep enough to hold a large water bottle or sunscreen, and it can’t be too heavy.
- Drill holes in bottom of cup holder so that sand can fall through.
- Use double stick velcro to secure cup holders to front of wagon.
- Use for sunscreen, drinks, and other things you’re not concerned the kid will take and throw into the sand!
Headrest
I’d taken out the headrest in one of the cars to install the car seat. It works perfectly as a headrest in the beach wagon!
You’re DONE. Enjoy. 🙂
About meesh
This is awesome and well documented. Just ordered one and hope to mod as good as you. God bless. <
Good luck! After a few years, the plumbing glue has loosened on the pipes at the elbows. Very odd, but easily re-glued.
Please send pix when you’re done!!
We use ours often and it’s great!!
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This is cool, found on a search as I was thinking about building some surf racks for our ATW, was wondering how these affected the turning radius or the center of gravity with a board on? Also, why did you go with a V at the bottom instead of a U, so the board would sit more upright?
Hi, and thanks for reading! The racks are movable, so they don’t affect the turning radius. We’ve got short boards, so the V seemed more sensible so that they’d lean outward and not bump up against the kids. Good luck and keep me posted!