Taking the dogs with

BCSnob wrote:

colliehauler wrote:

BCSnob wrote:
Actually, the dogs will be safer in an accident in a well built dog box in the bed of a truck than loose (being thrown around, or ejected) or even in a harness (exposed to flying debris) in the cab of the truck.

Not from a heat standpoint, when this was originally posted are area was experiencing record heat over 100 degrees, big difference in location that you did not consider. I about lost a Collie to stupidity on my part.

Big difference in hauling dogs in a hunting box in the fall compared to the hottest part of summer.

In my mind were people in Texas I know who transport dogs to events all year long.

So many of us seem to forget that humans and dogs/canines have survived for centuries in hot climates long before AC was invented. The keys are shade from the sun, good ventilation (a breeze), low activity, and access to water. If this didn’t work coyotes wouldn’t be able to live in places like Death Valley. The problems to address with dogs in contained spaces (like vehicles or dog boxes) are preventing solar heating (shade from the sun/ good insulation) and good ventilation.

Brachycephalic breeds are another matter when it comes to the environments they can tolerate.

This is not very scientific but it does raise questions on how dog box construction (single wall vs double wall) can impact interior temperature while sitting out in the sun.

Video

The OP inquired about using a truck topper which I have done and will not do again. On returning from my trip I sold the single cab truck and purchased a new crew cab. You can do as you wish but my Collies will never be subject to that again.