What to Look for When Choosing Carts for RV Manufacturing

Carts play a central role in RV manufacturing facilities. Whether used to move subassemblies, support workstations, or carry large structural components, carts are essential for maintaining flow, reducing physical strain, and preventing damage to high-value parts. The performance of a cart, however, depends heavily on the casters underneath it.

Caster selection affects how easily a cart rolls, how long it lasts, and how well it protects both operators and flooring. Below is a breakdown of common cart types used in RV manufacturing and what to consider when specifying casters for each one.
Subassembly and Kitting Carts

These carts are used to deliver grouped components such as wiring harnesses, plumbing kits, and HVAC assemblies from staging areas to various points along the line. They are often manually pushed and need to be easy to maneuver through narrow workspaces.
For carts like these, polyurethane wheels with aluminum cores, like CC Apex and CC Apex HD, are a strong choice. The polyurethane provides quiet rolling with minimal wear on the floor, while the core material offers good strength at a lower weight. A slight crown in the tread helps operators turn the carts more easily without requiring excessive force.
A zinc-plated swivel rig with a double ball raceway gives reliable rotation and holds up well under frequent use. A 5- or 6-inch wheel with a load rating between 300 and 500 pounds per caster usually fits this application. Total-lock brakes and maintenance-free bearings help reduce both downtime and safety risks.
SKU: CC-1210-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
SKU: CC-1010-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6R
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2110-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-KP
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Apex set - 2 swivel/2 rigid
SKU: CC-10/1210-600200-40-T1-SET4
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S/R-set-2s/2r
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Peak Maintenance-Free Swivel CC Apex Caster
SKU: CC-3110-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-EMF
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" Stainless Steel CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: DC-S510-600200-45-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-SS-KP
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Peak Maintenance-Free Swivel CC Apex Caster w/ Extended Swivel Lead
SKU: CC-3210-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-EMF-EXT
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Peak Maintenance-Free Swivel CC Apex Caster w/ Built-In Brake
SKU: CC-3210-600200-40-T1-BIB
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-EMF-BIB
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Apex Extended-Lead Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2210-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-KP-EXT
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
Slide-Out and Wall Panel Carts

Moving large assemblies such as wall panels or slide-outs requires carts that offer both stability and strength. These loads are often awkwardly shaped and can create uneven weight distribution, so caster choice is especially important.
Crown-tread or slightly crowned polyurethane wheels with machined cast iron cores, like CC Stout HD, provide smooth movement and excellent durability. Because of the size and weight of these components, wheels should be at least 6 to 8 inches in diameter and rated for 800 to 1,000 pounds each.
Kingpinless steel rigs are ideal for absorbing lateral stress and shock loads that occur during sharp turns or when crossing floor transitions. For carts that need to move in straight lines and then pivot into position, a two-swivel, two-fixed caster configuration is often the most stable option.
SKU: DC-5350-600300-40-T2
ALT-SKU: GC-0250-600300-40-T2
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 2,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 3"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
8" CC Stout HD Kingpinless Swivel Caster w/ Built in Brake
SKU: CC-2151-800200-40-T1-BIB
-
- Overall Height
- 9-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,750 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
8" CC Stout HD Kingpinless Swivel Caster w/ Extended Swivel Lead and Built in Brake
SKU: CC-2251-800200-40-T1-BIB
-
- Overall Height
- 9-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,750 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
8" CC Axis Rigid CC Stout HD Caster
SKU: CC-7051-800200-40-T2
-
- Overall Height
- 11-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,750 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
8" CC Axis Dual-Swivel Maintenance-Free CC Stout HD Caster
SKU: CC-7151-800200-40-T2
-
- Overall Height
- 11-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,750 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
SKU: CCSTOUT-830-S
ALT-SKU: DC-5550-800300-40-T7
-
- Overall Height
- 10-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 2,300 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 3"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
8" CC Stout HD Kingpinless Dual-Wheel Swivel Caster
SKU: DC-D350-800300-40-T9
-
- Overall Height
- 10-7/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 4,600 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 3"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
8" CC Peak Heavy Duty Maintenance-Free Swivel CC Stout HD Caster
SKU: CCSTOUT-MF-8S-TP2-OH2
-
- Overall Height
- 10-1/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,500 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
8" CC Peak Heavy Duty Maintenance-Free Swivel CC Stout HD Caster w/ Extended Swivel Lead
SKU: CCSTOUT-MF-8S-TP2-OH2-EXT
-
- Overall Height
- 10-1/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,500 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 8"
Mobile Workstations and Tool Carts

Technicians on the RV line rely on carts that keep tools, adhesives, and fasteners within reach as they move from station to station. These carts are moved constantly and need to be easy to position and lock in place.
Thermoplastic rubber wheels with polyolefin cores are well-suited for this role. The rubber tread keeps rolling noise low and reduces vibration transfer, while the polyolefin core helps absorb bumps and resist cracking.
A 4- or 5-inch wheel typically offers the right balance of size and maneuverability, with load ratings in the 200 to 300 pound range per caster. Stainless steel or zinc-plated swivel rigs are both viable, depending on the environment. Total-lock casters on at least two corners ensure the cart stays put when parked.
4" Gray Thermoplastic Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 4-30-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 5-1/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 250 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 4"
4" Stainless Steel Thermoplastic Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 4-30SS-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 5-1/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 250 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 4"
4" Gray Thermoplastic Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: 4-31-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 5-1/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 250 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 4"
4" Stainless Steel Thermoplastic Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: 4-31SS-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 5-1/8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 250 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 4"
5" Gray Thermoplastic Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 5-30B-445
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/4"
- Wt. Capacity
- 350 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Stainless Steel Thermoplastic Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 5-30SS-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-3/16"
- Wt. Capacity
- 300 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Gray Thermoplastic Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: 5-31-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/4"
- Wt. Capacity
- 260 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Stainless Steel Thermoplastic Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: 5-31SS-213GF-2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-3/16"
- Wt. Capacity
- 300 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5” Thermoplastic Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 2.05256.445
ALT-SKU: 5-30-445-2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-3/16"
- Wt. Capacity
- 260 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
Cabinet and Furniture Carts

These carts carry partially assembled interior components such as galleys, beds, and dinettes. Because many of these pieces are finished or upholstered, stability and surface protection are key concerns.
Polyurethane wheels are again the best option here, especially on smooth floors. For heavier pieces, cast iron cores offer the necessary support. On lighter carts, aluminum or glass-filled nylon cores help reduce the cart's overall weight.
Wheel diameters of 5 or 6 inches provide good clearance without making the cart hard to maneuver. Donut tread wheels offer the perfect balance of directional control, stability, and ergonomics, and can help clear debris and reduce noise in some environments. Casters should be rated for 600 to 800 pounds each. A kingpinless rig will help the cart handle minor impacts over time, and swivel locks can improve control when carts are moved through narrow spaces.
5" CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2110-500200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-5S-KP
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 800 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster w/ Extended Swivel Lead
SKU: CC-2210-500200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-5S-KP-EXT
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 800 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2110-500200-40-T2
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-5S-KP-TP2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 800 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
6" CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2110-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-KP
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
SKU: DC-D110-600200-40-T2
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-KP-DUAL-TP2-OH4
-
- Overall Height
- 8"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,800 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Apex Extended-Lead Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2210-600200-40-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-KP-EXT
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: CC-2110-600200-40-T2
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-KP-TP2
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
6" Stainless Steel CC Apex Kingpinless Swivel Caster
SKU: DC-S510-600200-45-T1
ALT-SKU: CCAPEX-6S-SS-KP
-
- Overall Height
- 7-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,000 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 6"
Door and Window Handling Carts

Framed openings and glass panels are light compared to cabinetry or slide-outs, but they’re among the most fragile parts on the floor. These carts require a mobility setup that prioritizes gentle handling and floor protection.
Soft polyurethane or non-marking rubber wheels work best. Polypropylene or polyolefin cores provide added shock resistance. A 5-inch wheel size is usually enough, and casters should be rated for 300 to 500 pounds depending on the size of the cart.
For the rig, zinc plating works well in dry areas. If the carts are exposed to moisture or cleaned regularly, stainless steel is a better long-term option. A round tread edge can help with tight turns, and all casters should be equipped with brakes to prevent drifting during staging or install.
SKU: 17SR50GB8206YY
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/16"
- Wt. Capacity
- 350 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Performa Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: 2.05208.445
-
- Overall Height
- 6-3/16"
- Wt. Capacity
- 260 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5” Thermoplastic Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 2.05256.445
ALT-SKU: 5-30-445-2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-3/16"
- Wt. Capacity
- 260 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-1/4"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Black Performa Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: 4.05108.459.2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 400 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Black Performa Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: 4.05109.459.2
ALT-SKU: 5-81-459-2
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 400 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" Rubber on Steel Swivel Caster
SKU: 5-81-649-7
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/2"
- Wt. Capacity
- 400 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 2"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" X 1-9/16" Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: B-POEV 125K-12-SG-FK
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/25"
- Wt. Capacity
- 660 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-9/16"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" X 1-3/8" Rubber Rigid Caster
SKU: B-POEV 126K-12-SB-FK
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/25"
- Wt. Capacity
- 660 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-3/8"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
5" X 1-9/16" Rubber Swivel Caster
SKU: L-POEV 125KA-12-FI-SG
ALT-SKU: L-POEV 125K-12-FI-SG-FK
-
- Overall Height
- 6-1/25"
- Wt. Capacity
- 1,650 lbs.
- Wheel Width
- 1-9/16"
- Wheel Diameter
- 5"
Build Your Cart Strategy On A Solid Foundation
The right caster makes a measurable difference in how carts perform in real-world conditions. From easier push and pull to quieter operation, better caster selection improves safety, speeds up workflow, and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Caster Connection offers tailored support for RV manufacturers looking to optimize mobility solutions. If you’re building new carts or rethinking your existing setups, we can help you choose the best combination of wheel material, rig style, and tread profile for every part of your facility.
Need a custom recommendation? Our consultative service, Caster Needs Eval, is built for that. Let us know what you're working with and we’ll help you spec the right caster solution.
