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I couldn't find a subject where this topic would fit, so I hope no one minds it here!

I'm searching for a new vehicle, and I'm having a difficult time choosing between a truck and an SUV. Truck = better gas mileage, however, will it be too hot in the bed, and too rough of a ride back there? There will be a cap on the bed and the dog will be in a crate. And, if I do go with a truck it will have a rear sliding window so that the A/C can flow to the back. Does anyone do this? Does the bed get cool enough for the dog? How does everyone else transport their dogs? I only have one dog, and will only have one dog for a long time, so I don't need a very large vehicle. I plan on building my own crate. Any pros/cons on each vehicle type would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for the help!

BTW, I'm 21, so don't recommend a minivan! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks again,
Jackie

I prefer a SUV. Better climate control, more comfortable, the dog is 'with' you and you don't have the concern of exhaust filtering into the truck bed. Believe me, every time you stop, the exhaust will sneak in the bed. And if think you are going to drive down the road with the rear topper flap open, you are just asking to suck in the exhaust while driving. A Vari- kennel is also idea for a travel crate, it contains the hair better than the wire mesh ones.

And while I too prefer a SUV, vans are so much more versatile.

Another vehicle to look at are the subarus. The outbacks are not geeky at all and you can get a crate in the back seat. Plus, you get all wheel drive! Insurance is less than most SUV's and gas mileage is pretty darn good too.

Austrailian accent not included.

A pickup with the extended cab will handle the crate easily.

Just wondering WHY you say that a P/U gets better gas milage than a SUV? IMO this is NOT necessarily the case. Unless you are talking about a small 2 wheel drive truck (Like a Toyota, Nissan, or Ranger). The size of engine it has is what makes the difference, not whether it is a p/u or SUV. IMO, a SUV is MUCH better for what you want. (We have both). But I drive a 4Runner. Gets GREAT gas mileage, goes most anywhere and is a good "dog mobile". Personally I would think that it would be too hot in the back of a truck, even with A/C and a canopy. Especially since the air can get out thru the space between the cab and canopy, AND unless you do some customizing, the back will not be insulated. That and the fact that I would think that in oredr to get it cooled off in the back of the truck, you would have to run the A/C wide open, which will freeze YOU out.

Yes, I was referring to the smaller pick-ups. Ranger, Tacoma, Frontier, etc. What is the mpg for your 4-Runner? Thanks to all those who replied, keep them coming! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ohhh, we recently picked up the ultimate dog vehicle : O Dh has a full size truck w/shell and we were really uncomfortable w/it in the summer taking them to Sch, even at 6 pm, going thru the low desert it is still too hot back there and we hated not having them closer.

So, dh spotted the perfect truck at a junkyard, no kidding. They have ex Border Patrol units for sale, we got a '98 Expedition, 4x4. Enough room for 4 500's, suitcase full of equipment, 2 rear a/c systems (this was the deal maker), lots of rugged parts on the thing.
Acourse, it aint pretty, but that is a plus in itself, doggie hair, spilled water or puppy barf is of no concern in this vehicle. It had 100k on it, which here in SoCal is considered just out of break in. We paid $6000 for the beast, it runs great and blasts ice cold a/c on the dogs.

Personally, I like the big old cow catcher on the front : )

I was skeptical at first when dh came up w/the idea, but it was a really good purchase. The same lot also sold full size Broncos but the Expo had more crate space.

Ooops, almost forgot. The gas milage totally sucks. But not as badly as dh's GMC 4x4 truck which actually gets even worse mileage. It's a trade off, I suppose.

And then there is the dreaded van....

I have a jeep and husband has the van...

I have a F150 Ford extended cab pickup, had to remove rear seat for crate to fit, but once that was done it works great.

Owen