Three kids, 2 dogs, TT, choices.

[apr67]

TT is under 8.5k loaded.

Tow TT with Generator running to keep dogs cool using a extended cab pickup.

Or

Tow TT with dogs in tow vehicle, requiring a Van or perhaps Suburban. Van or Suburban will be limited to just the TT we have, not much bigger because they don't seem to be rated higher than about 10k.

Any other choices other than some uber expensive custom job?

Looking for ideas.

[mkirsch]

Your dogs are nowhere near as fussy or fragile as you think they are.

If you put them in the bed of the truck with a topper, as long as they have some airflow while you're moving, they will be perfectly happy and fine. Just don't leave them baking in the back when you're parked.

Get yourself a topper with opening side windows, and maybe a roof vent.

Remember we used to have 4-40 air conditioning in our cars? 4 windows down, 40 miles an hour. It felt good. Feels good to the dogs too.

[IdaD]

Crates strapped down in the back of the truck work well. Just make sure they're high quality. If it's cold out you can put weatherproof covers on them.

[blt2ski]

WHen these questions come up re dogs in rv trailer. The Dogs WILL let you know there answer. I had 2 malamutes. Usually they rode in the bed in crates. One trip it was 100-105F outside. I put crates over the axel of trailer, put them in there. Checked on them at next rest stop. They were asleep, and did not want out of the crates. Put them there for many more trips. They went into crates without a fuss etc. If they are happy and show it in the trailer, put them there!

With four kids, my ext then crew cab trucks were full of people, no room for 120-150 lbs dogs. One does what one will do with them to keep them safe, sound, happy etc.

marty

[TXiceman]

I would NEVER put any living creature in a moving RV trailer. They are loud, shaky and unsafe for accidents.

Ken

[APT]

Great to hear! It should do wonderfully as a tow vehicle.

[apr67]

Just to complete the loop.

We purchased a used Chevy (2014) Express 3500 standard wheel base 6.0l passenger van. We are going to take the bench behind the 1st row out for the dogs. I just got done wiring and installing the hitch on it, and while its ride is a bit harsher than my Nissan Titans was, the room and the distance the kids are behind me has made a big difference in the blood pressure of the driver.

[apr67]

SouthpawHD wrote:

Now as for the dogs riding in the TT, they are dogs, dogs are adaptive creatures and will find a comfortable spot in the TT, as long as the temps are decent they will be fine. Have you thought about crating them in TT? That would minimize the movement of the dogs.

I have, however they REALLY don't like to be crated. Well one of them doesn't.

[CHD_Dad]

3 small boys and 2 large dogs for us. Had the same problem as you, out of room! We actually had everybody in my Tundra Crewmax but it was very snug, too snug. We traded it in on our Nissan NVP 3500 and love it so far after 2 long camping trips. It's rated for 8900# towing and seats up to 12. We pulled the 4th row out for space and the dogs have plenty of room along with the kids.

[SouthpawHD]

the bear II wrote:
Here's what we had when towing a TT.

I had a campershell (cap) put on the truck with a pass through Boot between the back window of the cab and the front window of the campershell.
I attached a 4 foot wide one inch thick piece of plywood long enough to fit from side to side on the campershell lip/ bed rail. I placed 2 inch foam rubber on the plywood and covered it with indoor outdoor carpet. This provided a bed for the two dogs. They used to lay there and look out the through the pass through as we drove down the road.

The air from the dash A/C kept them cool and they could walk around on the bed. I kept a non-spill water dish on the bed in the corner.

This! This is likely your simplest and least expensive option.

Now as for the dogs riding in the TT, they are dogs, dogs are adaptive creatures and will find a comfortable spot in the TT, as long as the temps are decent they will be fine. Have you thought about crating them in TT? That would minimize the movement of the dogs.

[Samsonsworld]

bikendan wrote:
Try riding in your trailer, while moving.
I think you'll change your mind about forcing your dogs to to suffer through it.

Sheesh, next you'll be telling us not to use the dryer after baths.

[apr67]

Probably going with a full size 3500 van. Much easier and cheaper to find that Suburban's and Excursions in this area.

[apr67]

bikendan wrote:
Try riding in your trailer, while moving.
I think you'll change your mind about forcing your dogs to to suffer through it.

I have done it. They sleep on the bed at the front of the TT. Its not great by any means, but its not horrible either.

[apr67]

Ductape wrote:
If you can fit the people in an extended cab then a crew cab will hold the dogs too. Check the size of various makes. Ford supercrew has lots of rear legroom. Ram megacab?

Unless these are huge dogs?

Its already a crew cab. And the dogs are 50 and 70 lbs.

[bfourman]

2 adults, 3 (soon to be 4) kids and 2 dogs in a 3/4 ton Yukon XL towing a TT that weighs ~7500 lbs. It works, but we usually leave the dogs at home if the CG will be busy.

Yukon XL/Suburban 2500s are rated for up to 10k with the right equipment, V10 & diesel Excursions are also.