Click Here For Pictures of our Newest Handcarts

The handcarts remain assembled and are moved on a 30-foot flat bed trailer with a two and 5/16 inch ball hitch (the trailers come with a ball and hitch but vehicles used to haul the trailers will need to be equipped with a receiver and a 7 Flat RV style electrical plug-in) . Each trailer holds 10 handcarts and weighs around 5,000 pounds. Each trailer comes with a spare tire (See pictures of trailers and handcarts).

Groups will be required to pay for the handcarts and leave a damage deposit for the trailers when they pick them up. The deposit will be refunded when the trailers and handcarts are returned. If there is any damage done to the trailers or handcarts, the cost for damage will be deducted from the deposit. The handcarts are available for pick up on Tuesday of the week they are being used and returned by the following Monday unless special arrangements are made with Phillips Handcarts.

To reserve handcarts, groups should contact the Greg Phillips at (801) 360-3919 (435)652-1444 for reservations. Two weeks prior to obtaining the handcarts leaders need to call the Greg Phillips at (801)-360-3919 or (435)652-1444 and confirm pick up and drop off times. When leaders come to check out the handcarts they will receive instructions and review the handcart/trailer safety rules.

Leaders will complete the Handcart Check Out and In Form when they return the handcarts.

Phillips handcart rental is located in Washington, UT in the Saint George, Utah are get off at Exit 10 in Washington, at exit, turn North up Green Springs Drive, proceed about 1 mile, turn right just past golf course onto Green Spring Hts North Drive and proceed all the way up.  to curve and watch for 1259 on your left. 

For more information about organizing and conducting a pioneer trek look under the tabs for Leader Resources & Trek Handbook or related sites.

1. Handcarts should not be overloaded. They are designed to hold the gear for only 11 people, including clothing, sleeping bags, tarps, cooking equipment, and water.

2. Each handcart has a 20-foot 1 inch rope that should remain attached to the cart during use. Do not allow ropes to drag on the ground. Dragging ropes causes rope damage.

3. No one may ride on the handcart when it is loaded.

4. When stopping the handcart, slowly lower the yoke until it rests on the ground. Do not drop the yoke or it will break.

5. Do not sit or stand on the yoke when it is resting on the ground.

6. Do not run with the handcarts. People can trip and fall under the wheels.

7. Stay away from the wheels. Some clothing, especially dresses can get caught in the wheels.

8. When stopping on a hill place a rock behind the wheels so that the handcart does not roll backward.

9. When going down steep hills, attach the rope to the back of the handcart and have everyone help to slow down the cart. Remember to always keep it under control.

10. Do not pull a loaded handcart sideways on a steep incline (where one wheel is consistently lower than the other). If all the weight of the handcart is shifted to one wheel it will break.

11. No duct tape allowed on any part of the handcarts. Do not cut or carve on any part of handcarts or ropes.

12 Before returning handcarts, remove any strings, bandanas, zip ties, candy (such as gum, taffy) that has been placed on handcarts by your group.

13.  Do not allow ropes to drag along the ground.

14. No unapproved or unauthorized river crossings.  Ask first!

Trailer Rules

1. Make sure that your trailer is attached properly.

2. Make sure that the lights and surge brakes are working.

3. Check the tires to make sure they are properly inflated not flat.

4. Load handcarts onto the trailer putting a strap for every three or four handcarts.

5. Make sure that the ramp is secured properly.

6. Test all of the straps.

7. Remember to drive safe speeds and make wide turns.

8. When backing, ensure that you can see properly or have someone guide you.

9. Do not leave the handcarts or trailers where they can be stolen or vandalized.