I just picked up a new (to me) regular cab pick-up and am trying to figure out how best to tote my Lab around when my wife is with me (I know, I know...should have bought an extended cab, but I wasn't planning on buying a vehicle in the first place). I was looking at a "real" dog box but am a little put off by the cost. I looked at the Owens "build it yourself," but it looks to be a double and I need only a single. Being a double is not a deal-killer, however, if it's a decent product.

My primary concern is the dog's safety, so I'm worried that even a high quality plastic crate (airline approved and with an insulated cover when it's cold) might not be as safe as I'd like.

How do y'all suggest that I secure a crate or box in the truck bed? I'm sure I could figure out something, but input from others is welcome.

Interested in this aswell....

With this heat be careful and I know you will

I use turnbuckles to tie my dog box down. If you use it very much I don't know how long a plastic crate is gonna last. The dog boxes I like are made of metal and cattle panel or expanded metal. They let air flow in the summer and can be easily boxed in with a couple sheets of plywood in the winter. One thing I suggest is to put a rubber mat under the box to keep the dog's paws off the pickup bed. Keeps them from having to stand on hot metal in the summer and can be removed to be cleaned if needed. Those diamond plate enclosed boxes scream heat stroke to me, but I've never been around one so I really can't say. I'll see if I can dig up a picture of my dog box.

When I had my lab I would run a ratchet strap thru the crate and hook to tie downs in the bed of the truck, super strong and tight wasn't going anywhere. If you look in Macks PW they have thick pads for there crates and can be washed off and come in different sizes. But towards her older yrs she just rode in the truck with me, with her head on my shoulder til we got to the ranch!

It's not a great picture but you can get the basic idea from this one I think. You can see one of the turnbuckles holding it in. I'll keep looking for a better one.



Here's my trailer, it's pretty much just a bunch of dog boxes stuck together on wheels. I know you're not looking for a trailer but I figured it would give you an idea about the boxes I'm talking about.

i keep mine in a plastic crate. in the winter i put a mud river kennel cover on it and its good to go. if you go metal, spend the money to get one with an exhaust fan.........or just let them ride in the middle!

My diamond plate dog box with two dogs in it stays within 3 degrees of the ambient temperature (with fan running). I use plastic coated steel cables to secure my box to my truck. If you can afford it, buy a metal dog box. The problem with plastic crates is they break easily in a wreck (especially in a rollover).

Thanks for the info and recommendations. A good metal dog box is my first choice as it would be the most stable and likely provide the most protection. I was, however, leaning towards the plastic crate and Mud River cover since "most" of the time my dog would be up front with me. Ratchet straps or turnbuckles seem to be the way to go, and I'll make sure Lil' has a good pad and insulation between her and the truck bed.

If you go the plastic crate route, the hands down choice is a Ruff Tough Kennel.

I wouldn't think of putting a pup in the bed of a truck in this heat. Too dangerous.

Nope, no pups in the back of the truck for a while.

I bought this one from Alumline, you can find them online. It's the best one I've ever seen. Thicker aluminum, quality construction and excellent features.

Mine tied down with 1/4 inch too.

Get storage, $100 more, but invaluable. Got mine from Mill Creek, insulated (but HEAVY). Stay away from Owen.

Phil

Check out our line on flexible Tuff kennels. Start with a single and add on as needed. These are stronger than any box out there.

Watch the video as 60lbs. dumb bells are dropped on our box.

We will have these at the Texas Extravaganza next week if you want to see for your self.

www.wingsportdepot.com/dog_boxes.html

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