Here's a newer cart, despite the rust, that I use occasionally. I used to use this one swimming and hauling the wet bag home made the shelf rust faster than it should have. Perhaps I'll have to investigate powder coating as a more durable finish. The two inch thick foam works well but I have to fasten the pad differently. The tabs I sewed on are ripping off and as a temporary measure I sewed some velcro to the bottom of the pad and glued the mating piece to the sheet metal top.

Note the contoured top at the front. It is easier on the shoulders and permit's increased range of motion. Also slight contour to rear of pad helps keep feet from falling off the sides.

These pneumatic caster wheels are nice as they roll over stones and other debris nicely. They're not cheap though, I think they were $40 each!

On this side view you can see the brace on the back with the holes punched through, a little sloppy but it works. That's what locks it into tilt mode.

The tilt not only adds functionality but is more comfortable on the back, neck and also relieves some weight off the chest.

Tilt is accomplished by pulling this lever, which pulls on the wire going to the spring loaded catch in the rear. The top is 3/4" by 1 1/2" rectangular tubing that works very nicely. Topped with sheet metal, pop riveted on.

I planned the wheelbase of this one to be short enough to fit on the lift of my bus. Camping anyone?

I'd like to make another one this style, but with 24" tires instead of the 20" tires shown here, perhaps with 6 or 8" pneumatic castors. I like the way this frame worked out. It's very light, mostly 7/8" crew, which gives some flexibility in the frame, and I think it looks good.