Does anybody have a good solution for transporting 2 dogs in a pickup?

I've decided that my next vehicle should be a small (like Ranger/Tacoma/Colorado size) pickup, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to carry my two gsd's with me.

Right now I have a tiny saturn, and they both sit in the back seat with their car-harnesses attached to the baby-seat D rings (one to each). We look like the clown car!!

At first I thought I could just strap down 2 hardsided crates in the bed, but there doesn't seem to be enough width in the smaller pickups to fit two crates side-by-side. (at least there doesn't appear to be- I haven't actively measured one so I'm not positive; websites say 40" between wheels). How big does a crate need to be for a 72-80 lb dog for short term transportation? Maybe I'm overestimating the sizes...

Next I figured I'd just have to get something with a crew cab (4 doors) and harness them into the back seat like I've been doing in the car.

Finally, a friend of mine suggested getting a cap for the back of the pickup. He said when he worked with the local PD canine unit they had "canine package" caps installed to carry around their partners in a pickup (not a squad-car). This was 25 years ago though- I have no idea if they make that sort of thing. To be honest I'm not sure how crazy I am about having the dogs sliding around back there; seems kinda scary. The only plus to this would be that I wouldn't have to deal with all the mud and dog hair inside!

Anybody have a better alternative? I really want to make this work safely... and I need to be able to access the bed without too much hassle. An SUV would be great for the dogs, but not my other needs (like home renovation, landscaping and bike carrying).

I can strap down 2 vari-kennel 500 size side by side and can put in 4 total. I was even in a bad wreck and the only uninjured was my dog. Metal dog boxes are another option.

What about getting a Dog Box?

carolyn, i'm in the position you are re pick-up, transporting dogs.

i have considered a number of options, haven't settled on any of them yet (b/c i haven't purchased the truck yet), but some of them have included:

crates w/crate covers that the retriever ppl use, tied down in the bed.

crew cab--like you, lol.

camper top w/crates tied down.

the aluminum dog boxes are way out of my price range, but my sister has a toyota (tacoma?) w/dog box on it that they use to transport their labs, holds 5 dogs and is a sweet set-up. their biggest lab, male, about 75-80 lbs, travels comfortably. though it always amazes me the dogs actually fit and travel quite well.

Roger, what kind of truck do you drive? so two together would be 52" wide, is that right?

Kristel- those are gorgeous but I don't think I'd be able to remove them by myself... I'm definitely keeping them as an option provided they'd fit though. I could always plan ahead and have help to remove them if needed.

I guess I should have also asked, if anyone makes this work, what kind of truck do you have feel free to PM if anyone feels uncomfortable posting about their vehicles.

Thanks!

Hi Ann,

glad to know I'm not the only one! I also haven't bought yet- but my little car is up to 150,000 miles and while I hope it will last a while longer (knock on wood), I want to be prepared!

It sounds like I am overestimating the size crate that they need, and yes those dog boxes are really pricey! I was wondering if I could get that rolled into the loan, lol...

I have a canopy on the back of my truck. I have 2 crates side by side that are strapped into the truck box (I have a 3/4 ton) So I have 1 dog in each crate and then I put these mats down(http://www.greatmats.com/products/dogagility.php) for the last dog who is too big for a crate. She is able to grip the floor so there is no slipping and sliding. I also make a conscious effort to drive sanely when they are in the back

Here is a pic with just one. 2 fit side buy side. I use motorcycle tie down ratchet straps.

I have a Nissan 4 x4 Titan CREW cab pick up. I took out the back seat & put in a false floor to make the floor level & then screwed down the crates onto the flooring 2 - 24" x 36" 3 door wire crates (36" in length front to back in the truck) The side door of the crate opens to the back seat door on each side, to access the dog. This has worked very well for me. The crates are big enough for my 85 lb male & 65 lb female. I have a hard cover on the back of my truck (for training equipement etc) but considered putting on a cap instread, but I like having the dogs in the truck with me. I was not comfortable with them in the back outside of the truck. Inside they have access to the A/C & heat as needed. I can also leave them in the truck with the a/c running when training in the hot weather. This has worked for me for 5 years. I realy like my truck & didn't want to get rid of it & had to decide to do it this way or change vehicles when I went to 2 dogs. My dogs spend a ton of time in my truck & are very comfortable with this size crate.

ETA...my truck is very roomy inside so this works, I don't know if it would work for a smaller vehicle. It may if you use a smaller crate, but that will depend on how big your dog is & how much time they will spend in ther crates. I will also add that the wire crates do let alot more hair fly arouund the truck, but they don't make plastic crates with a side door. The hair is something that I can live with to keep the dogs inside of the truck with me.

While not on the market just yet Ford has a new to the US van called the Transit. For someone with 2-3 dogs this looks like it could be a sweet set-up. Decent price and mileage.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/