Remote-Controlled Wagon Demonstrates Impressive Torque and Versatility

A remote-controlled wagon designed by BougeRV has left this reporter initially skeptical but ultimately impressed by its capabilities. The DuneRover is equipped with animated lighting that adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise practical device.

Despite its humorous appearance, the DuneRover demonstrated impressive torque, allowing it to flatten hills even when loaded with over 200 pounds of gear. Furthermore, it can traverse soft sand that would be challenging for conventional wagons.

As someone who frequently uses various wagons to transport equipment, the DuneRover has proven itself to be a game-changer. However, it's essential to note that this unit is still a prototype and shows some rough edges.

BougeRV plans to begin shipping production units in February 2027, with early-bird backers able to secure the device at a discounted price of $467, nearly half off the expected list price of $899.

The DuneRover has some features that may be considered unnecessary or even annoying at times. For instance, the LED light bars on the back of the wagon are always turned on by default, which could be useful for navigating a campsite in the dark but seems like overkill.

However, users can turn off these lights via the app, although it's a bit inconvenient that this setting is not retained when the device is restarted. It would make more sense to have the default setting as off, especially considering the wagon is primarily used during the day.

The remote control system is another feature that may seem excessive for a simple wagon like the DuneRover. Instead of routing a cable through the folding mechanisms, the designers opted for a wireless connection. This choice adds some bulk and complexity to an otherwise straightforward device.

Despite its absurdity, the DuneRover is surprisingly effective at hauling gear, thanks in part to its two brushless geared motors that produce up to 400W of output and up to 33Nm of torque. The wagon can be activated simply by pressing a trigger embedded in the handle, which feels natural when pulling the cart.

The remote-controlled wagon's motor assist allows it to move at a faster pace than its user, keeping up with their walking speed.

However, there is an initial lurch forward when pulling the cart, which can be unexpected but not hazardous. This brief jolt is likely due to the wagon's acceleration catching up with the user's initial movement.

When the trigger on the handle is released, the wagon comes to a stop, even if it's on an incline. The motor assist proves particularly useful when navigating steep slopes, where manual effort would be required to control the load.

The system's performance is not entirely flawless, as repeated stopping and starting on slopes can cause the motors to become jerky. However, simply toggling the on/off switch resolves this issue, allowing normal operation to resume.

The DuneRover's performance on soft sand is limited by its motor power, which cannot handle heavy loads in such terrain.

However, the wagon fares better when carrying lighter loads, making it suitable for families' beach trips with essentials like coolers, snacks, and toys.

One of the wagon's most appealing features is its versatility, allowing users to adapt it to different needs through simple transformations.

The sides can be unzipped and folded flat to convert the DuneRover into a cart, ideal for carrying oversized items or supporting senior dogs.

The DuneRover's motor proved to be efficient during testing, allowing me to leave it on continuously without draining the battery excessively.

During my evaluation, I utilized the DuneRover to transport equipment out of a beach house along a route that had previously been used for testing BougeRV's original electric wagon.

This involved navigating various terrain types, including soft sand, hard asphalt, wooden ramps, and gravel. Notably, the battery still showed 74 percent charge after covering this distance.

The removable battery is designed to be versatile, featuring a bi-directional 100W USB-C port that enables it to serve as a power bank for charging devices on the go.

The DuneRover's design is not without its trade-offs, as it can appear somewhat bulky when folded.

However, this bulkiness can be mitigated by removing the quick-release front wheels, allowing for a more compact package if needed.

Despite some minor annoyances and inconveniences, the prototype DuneRover proved itself to be a capable and versatile tool in real-world testing.