We are packing up and going on the road. Just trying to figure out the beat way for the dogs to travel with us. Any advice would be great. We have two dogs 50 lbs and 75 lbs. we are debating on kennels in the bed of the truck with or without a soft top. Or harnessed in the bed with cushions and a soft top. We have two kids in the cab already. Thanks for any recommendations

I would suggest crates - with solid walls, not wire, if you don't have a camper shell over the bed. If you do have a secure shell with back door, then loose with beds available would be comfortable....but not safe if you were in an accident....Also, beware of heat issues if confined under camper shell...

In the Summer in the Midwest in crates during the daytime in an open truck bed? You are kidding, of course.

Ed_Gee wrote:I would suggest crates - with solid walls, not wire, if you don't have a camper shell over the bed. If you do have a secure shell with back door, then loose with beds available would be comfortable....but not safe if you were in an accident....Also, beware of heat issues if confined under camper shell...That's a good idea for the kids. The dogs will be more comfortable in the cab. :B

Sounds like you're a prime candidate for a Class A motorhome!

Heat would be a major concern under a topper. To hot out especially without air movement. I carry my two Collies in the A/C crew cab. I about lost a Collie carrying them in a topper to heat stroke. First and last time I did that.

Taking the dogs with | Good Sam Community

Ed_Gee
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2020
I would suggest crates - with solid walls, not wire, if you don't have a camper shell over the bed. If you do have a secure shell with back door, then loose with beds available would be comfortable....but not safe if you were in an accident....
Also, beware of heat issues if confined under camper shell...
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2020
In the Summer in the Midwest in crates during the daytime in an open truck bed? You are kidding, of course.
gbopp
Explorer
Aug 15, 2020
Ed_Gee wrote:
I would suggest crates - with solid walls, not wire, if you don't have a camper shell over the bed. If you do have a secure shell with back door, then loose with beds available would be comfortable....but not safe if you were in an accident....
Also, beware of heat issues if confined under camper shell...

That's a good idea for the kids. The dogs will be more comfortable in the cab. :B
RetiredRealtorR
Explorer
Aug 15, 2020
Sounds like you're a prime candidate for a Class A motorhome!
colliehauler
Explorer III
Aug 15, 2020
Heat would be a major concern under a topper. To hot out especially without air movement. I carry my two Collies in the A/C crew cab. I about lost a Collie carrying them in a topper to heat stroke. First and last time I did that.
dturm
Moderator
Aug 15, 2020
There are some state laws that may affect your plans depending on where you plan to go. Animal law

Heat is an issue, as has been pointed out. I read a study a couple of years ago that measured the CO levels in the bed of the pickup and the levels could be a problem with extended exposure especially with a dog that has other medical issues.

Doug, DVM
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2020
I would never put my pets anywhere I wouldn't put the kids.
bgum
Explorer
Aug 15, 2020
In the cab with the rest of the family. You can make it work.
ppine
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2020
We travel with 3 dogs. They ride in the cab of the pickup. It is okay to bring a crate or two if they are crate trained. Not good in hot weather.

The best thing is to blend them in with the rest of the family.
BCSnob
Explorer
Aug 16, 2020
Bird Freak wrote:
I would never put my pets anywhere I wouldn't put the kids.
i think of you put your kids in crates you’d go to jail.:)