Forum Discussion

MJO21's avatar
MJO21
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013

New RV'ers...???

We are new to this. After a few years of tent camping we changed our future thoughts from a family cruising boat to a camper. We just bought a 29' Trail-Lite 5th wheel. As we are setting everything up and looking at this thing in the driveway we are itching to go for a short weekend trip.

My first question ( of maybe hundreds in my head) is about dogs.

I am not worried about the campsite restrictions, as my dogs are good on leashes. I am worried about transportation. I honestly don't know as this is our first ever camper so don't roast me. We have two kids 11 & 8, and a quad cab truck. We also have two dogs a lab and a mutt.

I was wondering if it would be acceptable to put the dogs in their kennel in the camper as we were driving?

I wouldn't have a problem with the kennel in. The back of the truck except with the 5th wheel I am afraid that their might be too great of a risk of exhaust being pulled up in the draft between the camper and the truck....if the kennel would even fit back there...
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2013
    While the ride of a 5th wheel isn't the same as the back seat of a pickup truck - it IS how many animals (including valuable show horses) are hauled. I agree - maybe hop in the 5er and go for a ride down a less-busy road after dark, and see how it feels?
  • cdlaine's avatar
    cdlaine
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    Mike,

    As you are "new to this"...another thought... first few trips,
    kennel the pets/or house sitter with the pets. Work out the kinks,
    get the lay of the land and make the experience more enjoyable for
    family and pets. Not a popular option with some, but worked for
    us.

    Charles
  • RollandB's avatar
    RollandB
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    About once a year we will two grandkids, but our furkids and squeeze into out truck which is an extended cab. Once we planned it and too our other car, the other times its been more spur of the moment so we make it work. Once we had all squeezed in for a two hour drive, both grandkids in their car seat with one dog between the two, the other dog on my wife's lap. Bot furkids are Shelties.
  • ontariofarmer's avatar
    ontariofarmer
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    We put our daughters lab in the trailer for a 2 hour drive home.......took a break about half way to let her stretch and do her business. When it was time to go back in the trailer, she hopped right in and in her cage. So I guess she didn't mind it.
  • The_Mad_Norsky's avatar
    The_Mad_Norsky
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    There is another option:

    kennel boxes, placed in the box of the pickup.

    Here a link to one made by Highway Products, some of the best quality tool boxes and accessories one can buy:

    Highway Products Kennel Box

    I really don't think exhaust gasses would be a problem, unless there is a leak in your system somewhere forward of the exhaust outlet.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Oct 31, 2013
    I agree with WT, that you should ride in the coach with them, just to see how they handle it.

    It is much more noisy, and rougher riding, than you would think.

    My little one rides in the cab, with the two of us. I know she would not like going down the road in the FW.

    Like people, pets have their own personalities.

    Jerry
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    In some states it is legal to ride in a 5ver going down the road. I would suggest you riding in it with your dog for 50 miles then decide. My humble opinion, I love my dog, probably is emotional, but he rides with me where ever that is. I guess it just makes me grumpy to see dogs tied, and caged. That is one of the reasons it would be hard for me to full time. My dog has freedom to run and enjoy himself on the ranch, not so much in an RV park. Before we got the MH the dog had the back seat of the pickup. Sometimes even part of the front seat. He doesn't do any of the driving yet.:B
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 31, 2013
    Transporting of pets...that's a personal choice. One that YOU have to make
    The dogs are your property so you can transport them how you like.
    You will get all kinds of do this, do that, DON'T do this etc.
    Folks get real emotional when it comes to pets.
    We have run into some spirited opinions/comments during our travels. But we do what WE choose with our dog.....regardless of comments cause them folks don't know us or how we care for our dog.



    When traveling our dog is in the truck cab in a harness strapped in.
    Her survival odds are better.
    BUT we have that option as it is just us 2 and the dog...she gets the whole backseat. No sharing.

    If we had 2 kids........and 2 dogs we would probably opt for kennels in trailer vs truck bed.
    Guess you could sit 3 across. 1 adult, 1 dog, 1 adult AND 1 kid, 1 dog, 1 kid
    But then there is the window access issue and he touched me and the drool :B

    Hey....you know your dogs. Choose......then go camping and have fun!

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