I guess it's time for me to change gears and admit that in 1-2 more years lifting a 3 ball inline out of the car isn't going to be as much fun as it used to. Time for me to buy a detachable 4 ball instead of a 3.
I know some brands do NOT stand upright in a trunk. I definitely prefer a brand where the lower bag can stand upright in a standard car trunk.

Recommendations?

After 6 years with my first Storm Rolling Thunder, I just bought my 2nd. For me there was no alternative. It has one of the best warranties (5 years), it is the sturdiest and the most useful. It has 3 large wheels, not just 2. Its side pockets are the largest and the new ones zippers have the previous ones beaten and they were good. The handle is square and very strong; it takes a lot of abuse

When I push the handle down, the total height is about 21". Whether it fits in your trunk depends on the size of your trunk, but, again, it is one of the shortest. Personally, I like it laying down; standing up, it is too easy to roll around.

It is not the cheapest ($220 delivered from most good internet dealers) but it is the best, in my opinion.

Agreed, 4 ball rollers take up a bunch of space, but my backs getting worse as I age, I need to face up to it..... lifting 2 is easy, 3 and longer es no bueno.

I actually did exactly that a few times, but it's no better. Between the back and peripheral neuropathy, carrying the shoulder tote (of which I still have 2 for storing extra balls results in shoulder and lower back numbness. Goes under the category of stuff happens. I just need to adapt.

I only own 3 ball totes due to primarily tournament bowling; however, I sub in leagues occasionally and bring 4 balls. 2 x 3-ball totes, 2 in each tote, and I use the extra space for towel, abralon pads, tape roll, accessory bag. Shoes and water bottle in a gym bag/backpack. Very manageable weight to lift out of a car/truck, and a fraction of the cost of a 4-ball roller.

I stopped using 2 ball totes because of the compression forces on the spine and causes some muscle imbalance and fatigue of postural muscles; sometimes even throws off my swing after hauling the 2 ball tote from the parking lot to the lanes all the way to the extreme ends of the house.

hands down, best bags out there - KR strikeforce
I have this one.
http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-bags/kr-strikeforce/9571/lane-rover-4-ball-roller-blackwhite.html?gclid=CNGBqPyn488CFQccaQodLfcIvA
Its taken so much abuse between airlines and cars, stout set-up.
Returned some kind of Columbia bag because it lasted like 3 months

i use a 2 ball roller with a single ball joey bag. it doesnt take up much space and its easy to,load and unload and cheaper .

>>Sorry, Dave, but the front and the side pockets f the new KRs are much smaller than they used to be and much smaller than the Rolling Thunder's. That's why I didn't get the KRs.

I had a long conversation with KR about their ever shrinking pockets on their 4 ball bags. I told him I like to put an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, folded once, in the top front pocket and that I can no longer do so. League rules and schedule were what I was talking about. He took my comments and seemed to understand. We'll see what happens with the next new 4 ball bag. I know have a Storm Rolling Thunder. Biggest pockets currently on a 4 ball bag.