Okay, I need info on who makes the best (for the money) dog box....I am looking for a 2-hole box that slides into my 1/2 ton truckbed....

Oh...I am putting a camper/topper on the truck...so if anyone knows of a company that builds them custom (or at least keeps this in mind..if I send them dimensions)....it would be a big help...

I have heard deerskin is a good brand...what do you guys/gals think?....anyone selling one by chance???

Thanks,

Robert

I'm looking to sell a two hole dog box that I used before I purchased my current box. It is made by D-lux sp? boxes and is great shape. PM me or email me if you want more information.... robgash at hotmail dot com

Robert, a lot of guys I see are just using the regular wire crate/kennel boxes when putting on the topper. Good circulation and airflow for the hotter months. Plus they are inexpensive and do the job since your only talking two dogs. You can save money and then buy more training gear and spend your money on gas to travel to hunt tests lol.

the wire and plastic kennels are cheaper, but what happens to the dogs if you have an accident ...all that training and money go down the drain.  I don't have a dog box yet, but if I had the money would sure invest in one ...just my 2 cents

I have been in two major accidents with my dogs in Vari Kennels and have seen several major accidents with dogs in wire crates. My dogs came through both accidents I was involved in without a scratch. The Vari Kennel flexed which saved both dogs from injury. The accidents with dogs in wire crates both resulted in injury to the dogs. One had a major break to a leg due to the wire crate.... I will stick with Vari Kennels....
Pat

I have a Creative Sports Supply box and I love it. I have it bolted in the bed of the truck and I travel with the doors locked.

http://www.creativesportssupply.com/

 

Another option for you. I get a lot of interest from others when they see my setup. Since you mentioned that you would get a cap I will pass this on. I have the Leer cap with the side "window-doors". You can open these like doors, lock them and they have slide opening with screens for ventilation. Inside I built a deck over the wheel wells about 10" off the bed floor out of green-treated plywood to withstand water then covered it in marine carpet. On top of it I originally just put Pet porters for the two dogs. Later I bought horse gate pannels and made a custom size wire gate kennel setup for three dogs accross the width of the bed by cutting them to size with bolt cutters and removing the sharp ends with a grinder. I attached it all together with zip ties so it is easily removed but very sturdy when installed. Also lined the deck with horse stall mat which is over 1" thick rubber with grooves every 1/2" so the water drains away from them. This leaves room for multiple wingers and a drawer under the deck plus a 24" area between the deck and tail gate in my short bed  if I need to put another pet porter in there to haul a 4th dog (or coolers, bird crates, bumper boys etc..). Total cost under $200. Very comfortable for the dogs and a great use of space. If interested, let me know I will send pics.

I would love to see the pics but dont think I have the "know how" to build much of anything...very well anyhow...maybe....

I do however like the idea of having door/window on my shell....I will check them out..

Here's a couple pictures of my truck setup.  I would agree with Bruce about screening the side windows and lifting the kennels for storage underneath.  Wish I would've done that.

Hey Bruce.... since you volunteered 'em, I'd like to see those pics!!

Robert- I have found that using a couple of the plastic boxes like Doug shows in his pics is best as it give the flexibility to easily bring the box into the hotel room if I want to. Any kind of big double box or custom or homemade set up would be too heavy to easily carry in.

I like the flexibility of having of the plastic "varikennels" but what is the downside? and what is the benefit from a aluminum 2-hole dog box?...obviously the plastic kennels are cheaper and lighter...but less secure...not a huge concern with a camper shell....how about securing them?

The easy to move and re arrange plastic boxes are the way to go IMHO. That way you can just grab them out of the truck and throw it in the hotel room if so inclined. A big box you would never be able to do that. I don't see a down side.

If you look at my picture, you can see the red ratchet strap through the window that goes across the top of the boxes and is attached to the tiedown rings. The boxes don't move around, never been in an accident, so I can't tell you what would happen if we tipped over.

Thanks for all the advice/ideas/contacts....I have decided (actually my wife did) that she wants the dogs as safe as possible...I think that is an alumimum dog box secured to the tie-downs in the truck..

I really like the Patriot dog box....good worksmanship, price, and looks....I am goin to contact them....worried about size for labs and height....

Doug If you tipped over it would hurt!      just kiddin'

The Patroit box is what I want, been looking at them for a couple of years.

They are plenty big for labs, and being all alumimum they won't rot. Give Clayton a call he is great to talk to and will answer any questions.

Check out deer creek enterprises. They have an uplander series with many different styles and sizes. They just came out with a camo one too. I love mine. On their trading post tab you can find some good deals on overstocks or orders that people didn't follow through with.

Ordered my Patriot Dog BOx today....Clayton was a heck of a nice guy and is building one 24" high (inside) for me...I will let you know but I think this will be a dandy dog box...still reasonable on the price too!

Thanks again for all the help!

PtLabRobert- why did you get the box 24" high? Does it have top storage too? or flat top?
Getting ideas probably going to order mine in spring.