My minivan fits two large crates really nicely. I also have used the collapsable mesh crates for the back of the van, for short trips. You can't leave them in the van while you're gone because they'll chew through.

This might be a bad idea, but if your truck can't fit two crates, what about one really, really big one and put them in the same crate?

Or what about putting the two crates sideways, so the door of the crate faces the side of the truck. But in order to get the dog in or out you may have to slide the crate so that the door faces the tailgate, then once the dog is in slide it back?

???

I have had a few different options for 2-4 dogs. For 10 years I had a pickup truck with a cap. I got a light colored fiberglass with a sloped roof so you don't have to crawl in and windows that could open while on the road. Put a 4" high platform covered with carpet in the bed so the dogs do not slip and I had a storage space, placing the airline crates on top. Fiberglass is worth the cost and cooler. It looks better and you'll feel better. When your not transporting dogs it has a million other uses that a dog box will get in the way of.
I now have an Explorer, and 4 medium to large dogs. I cannot squeeze 4 crates in so the "crate hater" rides loose. Riding loose or even in a harness is dangerous and sloppy - should see my windows. I can keep them warmer and or cooler while traveling in the SUV. Heat is only a concern for a month or so here, sub-zero for 5 months, different concerns.

Even after all of that I can't think of the best solution for all situations. All in all I'd prefer the truck with a boot in the slide back window to circulate heat or air conditioning. I hate to consider a minivan -ech!
FYI- There have been some stories about dogs dying after pulling into and parking in a closed garage. Either heat or exhaust caused the death.



http://www.alaskadognews.com

Sorry about the minivan remark. If we move south I'll probably end up with one...I love my dogs more then my image....

Carolyn,
I too almost had your issue. Almost bought a Tacoma Double Cab (deal fell through) and would have to accommidate atleast 2 kennels. What my plan was, was to put a fiberglass cap on the truck to enclose the bed. To fit 2 kennels side by side I would build a platform at wheelwell height and put the crates on that. There's more room between the bed rails than the wheelwells. Using ratchet straps to secure so they wouldn't slide around would still make them removable when nessarsary. I believe even the shortbed would still have enough room for a 3rd crate sideways if needed. Under the platform would be used for gear storage. But like I said, deal fell through, so I'm still driving a pickup that I cannot put a cap on (work truck). And winter's coming. The adult rides nice in the cab. The puppy's nuts though and haven't tried her up front yet. This could be a dilemma...
Regarding the Ford Transit, I'm sure I saw one on the local dealers lot. They've got to be available now.
Let us know what you come up with, and I'd be interested in hearing others' solutions.

Carolyn,
I too have a Ford Explorer(98) I have a Gsd and a mix breed,I fit 2 vari kennels,a extra large and medium. in it using the 60 part of the 40/60 split back seat.That can also accomidate 3 humans then.I would imagine if you used metal/wire crates you may even have more room.I have seen 2 crates in a volvo station wagon,vans(I agree ugh)I have wondered about an extended cab with a cap,would a/c heat reach to the back?

So is it best to place the crates at the front of the bed (against the cab) or at the back against the tailgate?

I'm gonna have to learn how to load / strap down things...

Is a cap necessary if you have the crates (like varikennel not wire) strapped down? Is it for temperature or protection? I guess I was thinking one or the other. The platform is a good idea!

wow thanks for all of the replies!

If I`m hauling 1 or 2 I strap them to the front. I was in an accident where a kid ran a stop and I t-boned him. Both those guys got to fly to intensive care where they both spent a couple weeks. I broke some bone in my hand, tore a rotator cuff and had knee and ankle injuries. My dog was unhurt. The crate didn`t budge.
In winter I use the insulated crate wraps like cabellas sells.

that's interesting nancy re the mileage. i drive 70 mi/day to work and back, am currently driving an 8-cyl crown vic, and really don't think the mpg is bad a bit.

was thinking of 6-cyl pick-up just for some savings on gas, but if it doesn't really make a diff, i'd go w/the 8-cyl. where i live, i'll need 4WD, that's the main thing. and that WILL affect MPG. but would need it on a limited basis 5 months/year.

this is a great thread--it's helping me narrow down truck requirements!