Best Heavy Duty River Tubes Reviews 2019
It’s the best time of the year to go riding down the river in a heavy-duty inner tube. You can relax and melt all of the daily hustle and bustle away as you float downstream with a group of friends or family. Inner tubes are often confused with pool floatation devices, but you will learn how durable these inner tubes happen to be. In this review, we will discuss five heavy-duty river tubes and provide you with a list of things you should look for in an inner tube. There are a few frequently asked questions and answers at the bottom of the buying guide to help with those immediate resolutions.
Best Seller – Tube in a Box the Original Swim and Snow Tube, 45-inch extra large
- 100% commercial grade rubber (latex free): double your fun by using this inner tube for any season
- Safety valve stem: no more being poked with one of those long metal stems from the old days
- The tubes are durable and very tear resistant and will not pop like many vinyl tubes
Last update on 2019-11-13 at 14:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
This lightweight design is not a thin style swim and snow tube; its inflatable capability arrive at 40 inches, so be sure that it is fully inflated for best results. It is made out of heavy-duty 100 percent commercial grade rubber and is ideal for sledding and floating. This combination tube is resilient enough to go river tubing through rough and bumpy rapids and a smooth ride out on the lake. It is also tough enough to sled down a ski-resort mountainside or steep hill in the wintery snow without popping the tube.
The Tube in a Box is controlled in the same way with or without an out protective cover, which is like going down a snow-filled hillside without a steering wheel. This versatile design is the ideal tube for thrill-seekers, water warriors, and snow bunnies. It comes with a safety valve stem that doesn’t dig into your skin and is not at all like the old fashioned metal styles. In fact, the stem is made out of durable rubber. This latex-free design protects those who may have an allergic reaction to latex.
Features:
- UV protected and tear-resistant
- Rubber coated safety valve
- Made out of 100 percent commercial grade rubber, latex-free
Verdict: This fantastic tube is big enough for an adult or large teen to enjoy, but it’s ideally intended for those who weigh less than 195 pounds and are no taller than 5 feet, 7 inches. The durability of this design keeps the Swim and Snow Tube full of air during the roughest adventures, and because of this, it has become the best seller in the inner tube market.
Pros:
- Built for sledding in the snow and floating down the river
- Has a durable and strong structure
- Has a lightweight design
Cons:
- There are no handles to hold onto
Top Pick – Intex River Run I Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 53-inch diameter
- Have fun floating in the pool or at the lake with the Index River run I
- Designed with a built-in backrest for easy cruising and a mesh bottom that keeps you cool
- An all around grab rope is included for ease of use
Last update on 2019-11-13 at 14:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The River Run Sports Lounge offers the ideal combination of a place to put your cold drink with its dual cup holders, loads of durability, and enough of room to move around without feeling constricted. This 53-inch water float features two air chambers to make it safer for the user; if one should burst, you still will have plenty of time to get to the shoreline.
The maneuverability of the Sports Lounge tube allows you to easily navigate around debris, rocks, and other obstacles along the river pathway. Floating down the river with this tube is excellent; however, you must be cautious about hitting a rock or getting snagged or hung-up as it may puncture a hole in the air chamber. The River Run design provides two durable grab handles that give you a safe way to hold on when you hit any rough currents. The connect and float system allows you to inner connect with other River Run products.
Features:
- Two air chambers for added safety
- Comfortable mesh bottom
- Built-in backrest for comfortability
- Two built-in cup holders for beverages
- Two durable grab handles
- Connect and float system
- 53-inches in diameter
Verdict: The River Run I Sports Lounge has a distinctive mesh seat design that supports your body while embracing it, which gives you enough comfort to relax all day and stay cool. To make it even more relaxing, this Sports Lounge comes with a comfy built-in backrest, which provides you with the right amount of back support to protect your spin from injury. It was designed for those who are eight-years-old and up, and with all of these features, it is the top pick in the market.
Pros:
- Dual cup holders for holding a cold drink
- The tube is very easy to maneuver around
- Comfortable enough for an all adventure
Cons:
- Not easy to paddle against the wind
Top Pick’s Recommended Accessory – Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover
- River Tube Cover for 53" Inflatable Sport Tubes. Cover Only - Tube Sold Separately. Compatible with Intex River Run I Item numbers: 56825...
- Saves the life of your river float tube. River outfitters combine this item with Intex river tubes to create the best river tubes available!...
- Heavy Duty Construction made for river outfitters. 57" diameter cover allows for 100% full inflation of river tube you put inside, even...
Last update on 2019-11-13 at 14:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Having a Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover will save the life span of your inner tube. The Bradley tube cover is designed with 1100 denier vinyl-coated canvas top to protect against wear from the sun. The 1000 denier Micro-Mesh bottom allows water to flow through to help keep you cool on warm sunny days. It also protects the tube from cuts, scrapes, punctured holes by tree branches that have fallen into the water, pointy rocks, or other debris.
This cover allows for quick connect rope-clip system s to link your Intex Sport River tubes together. The heavy-duty construction is designed to make your experience more advanced and fun out on the water while it protects the inner tube. It is much easier to maneuver your Intex River Run I Sports Lounge around with the Bradley Heavy-Duty Sports tube cover, and the comfortability is superb with the backrest contouring to your spin.
Features:
- 53 inches cover for inflatable Sport Tubes
- Saves the length of your river float tube
- Allows for quick connect rope-clip system
- Heavy-duty construction
- 1000 denier micro-mesh bottom
- 1100 denier vinyl-coated canvas top
- Has a backrest
Verdict: The Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover enables the tube to fully inflate without any restrictions. The best way to fit this cover onto your tube is by slightly inflating the tube, place the cover around the inner tube, and then fully inflate the tube while holding the cover in place. It works great to protect and enhance inflatable sports tubes like the Intex River Run I Sports Lounge.
Pros:
- Compatible with Intex River Run I
- It allows full tube inflation
- Protects the tube against abrasions
- Protects against wear from the sun
Cons:
- Takes time to line the cover-up with the tube
Best Value – REALTREE MAX-5 Lake Runner X Inflatable Tube
- Bestway 53" Lake Runner X Inflatable Tube**
- 1 person inner tube
- 2 cup holders
Last update on 2019-11-13 at 14:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Lake Runner X has a stylish mesh bottom that lets the river water pass through and provide air ventilation on a hot summer day. The woven mesh seating offers added comfort to the riders as it floats down the river. This inflatable tube has sturdy pre-tested vinyl featuring RealTree photorealistic graphics for the hunter in the family. The camouflage design allows you to hide out in to the open as it magically blends into the active outdoors.
The design structure of this inner tube is made out of high-gauge PVC. It has dual cup holders for you to place refreshing drinks in for the day. The MAX-5 is designed with heavy-duty handles and an all-around grab rope with built-in grommets for a more straightforward way to mount from the water or hold on as you hit a few bumpy rapids. Whether you’re on vacation or want to enjoy time at a lake, river, beach, or even a pool, the Lake Runner X is a great relaxing float to take along for a fabulous time in the sun.
Features:
- Stylish mesh bottom for air ventilation
- Premium construction with a built-in backrest
- Dual cup holders for cold drinks
- Heavy-duty handles and an all-around grab rope
- Sturdy pre-tested vinyl featuring Realtree photorealistic graphics
- Constructed of high-gauge PVC
- Woven mesh seating for comfort and keeping you cool
Verdict: The Max-5 is great for rivers, pools, and lakes. The premium construction of it comes with a built-in backrest that provides comfort and support to your spine and lower lumbar region as it contours around your body. It is designed for one passenger that doesn’t exceed over 198 pounds and gives you the best value in the inner tube market.
Pros:
- Has thick vinyl walls
- Oversized design for comfort
- Camouflage look is ideal for a hunter
- Mesh bottom keeps you cool
Cons:
- Mesh can’t withstand a lot of abrasions
Runner Up – Tube Pro Orange 48-Inch Premium River Tube with Handles
- 48" (120 cm) inflated outer diameter
- 52" (130 cm) deflated outer diameter
- Heavy Duty 30 gauge PVC vinyl
Last update on 2019-11-13 at 14:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Tube Pro Orange River tube is designed with dual air chambers: safety chamber and main chamber. The safety chamber is what holds the Boston valve in place, so no air leaks out. The main chamber construction includes a Boston valve which helps the tube maintain air for more extended periods. This 48-inch river inner tube is designed with heavy-duty 30 gauge PVC vinyl that provides a durable and robust structure.
The Tube Pro Orange River tube structure is durable enough to ramp off the slide at the water park, and because of its abilities and features it has been ranked the runner up in the inner tube market. This premium river tube is designed by Tube Pro to give you the highest quality river tube that you can take just about anywhere to have fun in the water. This Tube Pro design comes in very bright colors such as orange, yellow, and green. On top of this tube, there is a swirling design that looks as if water is draining into the center of the tube, making it unique.
Features:
- Heavy-duty 30 gauge PVC vinyl
- Two air chambers, safety chamber and main chamber
- The main chamber has a Boston valve
- 48-inch inflated outer diameter
- 52-inch deflated outer diameter
- Two large support handle
Verdict: The Pro Orange 48-inch tube is intended for single riders who are ten and older. It is an awesome inner tube to take down the river for some exciting summer fun. It comes with two large support handles for a secure place to hold on when you encounter any fast water currents like rapids.
Pros:
- Designed for a single rider
- Has safety support handles
- Strong and sturdy inner tube
- Great for downstream floating
Cons:
- No padding around the handles
- No back support
Also Consider – ClearCreekTubes Huge River Tube and Cover Combo
- 44" cover and 8.25r20 innertube included
- Reinforced Handles
- River, Lake and Pool
Last update on 2019-11-13 at 14:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The ClearCreekTubes offers those who like the heavy-duty butyl rubber inner tubes. This huge river tube offers the best of both worlds with its 44-inch polyester canvas cover; it is designed with 600 denier triple-stitched canvas top that is UV resistant and waterproof; it also prevents the tube from becoming too hot from the summer sun with an added layer of protection.
Many black naked tubes become too hot in the sun that causes damage to the skin, but this tube offers 43 different color covers such as purple, green, yellow, red, pink, and more. This ClearCreek tube design has reinforced handles are reinforced with ultra box-stitched webbing for a durable, lasting seam during those fast-moving moments. The structured design has a solid tripe-stitched canvas bottom that helps to hold the small, petite riders from sliding through the center hole of the tube. This huge river tube and cover design is extra thick and can withstand more of a beating then the leading competition.
Features:
- Made in Denver, Colorado USA
- Reinforced handles with ultra-strong webbing double-stitching
- Designed for the river, lake, and pool
- 44-inch protective cover
- 600 denier canvas top and solid bottom
- Heavy-duty butyl rubber inner tube
Verdict: Many water sports enthusiast also consider this huge river tube and cover with its unique, durable, and robust design. Constructed and made in Denver, Colorado, which makes it100 percent made in the United States. This huge river tube is intended for rivers, lakes, and pools and is ideal for all teens and adults to have some summer fun out on the water.
Pros:
- Has better elongation
- Designed with a solid bottom
- Made in the USA
- Ultra-strong reinforced handles
Cons:
- No connect and float system
- No air ventilation
Best Heavy Duty River Tubing Buying Guide 2019
Features to Consider
Durability
Having a strong durable tube will protect your inner tube against obstacles in the water. The durability is the main factor to determine if it will stay afloat or not. The thinner inner tubes can’t withstand the roughness of a strong current and should not be used in rough water conditions. Manner inner tubes in this review offer a high-gauge PVC rubber, which has a strong durable thickness.
Canvas bottom
The canvas bottom is the most durable in the inner tube market. It is typically triple stitch together for stronger hold. Many canvas bottoms also can withstand heavyweight than the mesh bottoms, and it keeps the little ones from sliding out of the tube.
Mesh bottom
This is one of the ideal features an inner tube can have for the rider to stay cool and comfortable. The mesh design has a strong knit structure that is protected from snags and tears. It also has plenty of strength to hold a waterproofed picnic lunch or a few sealed drinks along with the rider.
Safety rubber valve stem and cap
This feature is an essential part of the inner tube as it is what keeps it full of air. Over the years valve stems have changed from the hard old metal ones to a much safer rubber style. The new improved rubber valve stems protects the rider from scratches, cuts, and bruising. The cap cover reinforces the air to stay in the tube and not leak out, which will give a longer inflation time.
Handle
A handle is great to have out on the water as the current is always fluctuating. High current and fast flows of water can knock you around some, and a handle is one of the best to have to hold onto for your protection. River rapids are even stronger and could knock you out of the tube, but with a handle you will have a way to stay on the inner tube.
Cup holders
Cup holders are convenient to hold a cold beverage as your floating down the river; this is particularly important if you plan to be out on the water all day. Some cup-holder designs are made out of mesh, and others are part of the polyester cover. Either option will hold your beverage in place without falling out into the river.
What to Look for in a River Tube
Inflation
How the tube is inflated may determine how the tube is transported to the river. Sometimes this little detail is forgotten as the mind is a crazy thing and may not always concentrate on more than one thing at a time which in this case would all the fun you’re going to have. The best way for you to inflate your inner tube is by using a pump, which will save time and energy.
The Durability of the Inner Tube
The durability of the inner tube will determine the length of time it will last. Floating down the river is fun and relaxing, but debris that falls into the water from recent storms are typically not cleaned up, leaving your tube vulnerable to tears, scraps, and hole punctures. Canvas covered polyester bottoms are the most durable out there on the market. However, some mesh denier bottoms are pretty strong as well.
Comfort Features
Comfortability is essential if you plan to be out on the river all day long. The mesh and canvas bottoms do make it comfortable to sit, but it also is ideal to have a backrest to support your spine and lower lumbar region. Heavy-duty river tubes provide better comfort when the full amount of air is distributed.
The Advantages of Having a Heavy Duty River Tube
One of the most significant advantages of having a heavy-duty tube is that it will be able to withstand the roughness of the water currents. The next best advantage is that you will never be left behind when your friends take off to go river floating. Not only will you be able to join your friends, but you also will be able to enjoy Mother Nature as you float downstream. The beauty that lies along the riverbed is a wonderful sight to see that you wouldn’t want to miss out on because of not having an inner tube to join in on the fun. Another great advantage is the private talks that you can have along the way that will bring your friends much closer to you.
Frequent Asked Questions
What is the best way to go river tubing?
It is always more helpful to go with a group of friends or family for many reasons. First off if something should happen to you out on the water nobody would know, but if you’re not alone you will get the medical treatment you need right away. River conversations are the best as nobody can walk away from you. In fact, your friends and family are right beside you for the duration of the trip downstream. In reality, it could bring those relationships much closer by the end of the river adventure. If there is nobody available to go with you, then make sure someone knows where you are at and what time to check on you.
Are flip flops okay to wear while river tubing?
No, it is not wise to wear flip flops because there is very little protection to the side and the top of your foot. Also, flip flops tend to fall off, leaving you without any protection at all. It is best to wear swim shoes or a pair of shoes that has a good sole to them.
Is it possible to maneuver an inner tube around in the river?
Yes, it possible to move your inner tube around in the water. However, it is not an easy task when you’re going through any river rapids as the tube may not go as intended. You can use your arms to steer away from debris, the embankment, or pointy rocks. If your legs are long enough and touch the ground under the water, you can use your feet as well.
What size river tube is best for adults?
Inner tubes usually indicate weight capacity. A 40-inch tube is for those who weigh between 120 to 175 pounds and those above 280 pounds would be better off using a 45-inch tube. However, if you’re one of these small petite lightweight adults that weigh under 120 pounds, you would most likely be able to fit into a 36-inch tube.
Is it necessary to have a cover on the black PVC river inner tubes?
It is advisable to have a cover on these types of river inner tubes. The material of these tubes can become very hot to the touch and could potentially cause redness or soreness to the skin. Covers will protect against the hot RV rays of the sun. There are many different colorful covers to choose from, such as the Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover.
Conclusion
That concludes the best five heavy-duty river tubes for 2019. We covered a diverse group of river inner tube styles and criteria so that you have more knowledge that will allow you to make a final purchase decision. We also discussed the importance of checking the river before going out for the day. Keep in mind, ever time there is a rainstorm, the river bans and debris in the water will shift, and tree limbs may even fall into the water during high winds.
Whatever river tube you choose, it needs to withstand the river you intend to float downstream. Look for the highest quality if durability, and if it doesn’t come with a cover, get one for extra durability and protection. If you’re searching for an inner tube that offers strong durability with a large number of stylish covers, then consider our top pick, the Intex River Run I Sport Lounge. Another remarkable selection for the river is our runner up, the Tube Pro Orange 48-Inch Premium River Tube.