Dogs in TT's

[dvitale300]

I know this is kind of an odd question, but we're dog show people new to RV's and will be leaving in a few days for our first dog show with our Travel Trailer. Are there folks out there who travel, leaving their pets back in the trailer when you drive? If so, any tips on how you make things safe for them? Any bad consequences besides the obvious?
thanks

[Wishbone51]

Terryallan wrote:

MFL wrote:
Our little one always rides in the cab with us, she likes to help drive!

My wife will not drive, with the FW hooked up, so it's nice to have the little one for a co-pilot.

When I get tired driving, I can set the cruise, and my little Angel will stand on my lap and steer, while I catch a few Zzs!:B

Jerry

You are kidding of course. No one is stupid enough to let a dog sit on their lap while driving.

No. They switched seats so the dog could steer and he could sleep.

[Terryallan]

MFL wrote:
Our little one always rides in the cab with us, she likes to help drive!

My wife will not drive, with the FW hooked up, so it's nice to have the little one for a co-pilot.

When I get tired driving, I can set the cruise, and my little Angel will stand on my lap and steer, while I catch a few Zzs!:B

Jerry

You are kidding of course. No one is stupid enough to let a dog sit on their lap while driving.

[Army11Bravo]

rbpru wrote:
We travel with a 62 lb. Golden Doddle.

A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle? I think they rejected the alternate name... a POO RETRIEVER! :W

[dvitale300]

Thanks - not that big of a deal - we're gonna put them on the back seat (crew cab) and deal with it. Will make sure to re-evaluate when I buy my next truck.

[handye9]

hawkeye-08 wrote:

dvitale300 wrote:
Actually, I took a look a few minutes ago. The tanks are behind the electric hitch - which is what is actually in the way - so that's a entirely different issue. Doesn't, to me, look fixable. Oh well, we'll work around it.

Sometimes you can rotate the electric tongue jack so things clear it. Sometimes you can replace it with one that is taller, putting the big part up out of the way.... or you can get a shank that moves the ball back enough to allow things to open...

Besides these options, there may be another jack that has a smaller head.

[MFL]

Our little one always rides in the cab with us, she likes to help drive!

My wife will not drive, with the FW hooked up, so it's nice to have the little one for a co-pilot.

When I get tired driving, I can set the cruise, and my little Angel will stand on my lap and steer, while I catch a few Zzs!:B

Jerry

[rbpru]

As I said earlier , there is no question that our dog travels in the cab because that is what we and he likes to do.

Some of my hunting buddies spent enough on their comfortable truck bed dog kennels that you would think it came with a dog Masseuse for a rub down after a hard day in the field. It is their dog's sanctuary.

I think it is important that people understand what is involved in pet travel so they can decide what is best. I am sure our old barn cat would have no problems bouncing down the road in our TT but he stays at home to catch mice and pester the neighbors at feeding time.

Our dog is totally different, he wants to be with people and considers the back seat of the cab his domain. Every animal is different that is for sure.

[jaycocreek]

dvitale300 wrote:
I know this is kind of an odd question, but we're dog show people new to RV's and will be leaving in a few days for our first dog show with our Travel Trailer. Are there folks out there who travel, leaving their pets back in the trailer when you drive? If so, any tips on how you make things safe for them? Any bad consequences besides the obvious?
thanks

I am a dog lover and would never be without one.I have tried traveling them in a pickup camper and motorhome and the motorhome worked best because we were there to help them settle down.The pickup camper didn't work so well when the cupboards would open or something rolled spooking them.

Myself,I would not put my dogs in a travel trailer simply because of exhaust fumes.But thats me.As for in the back of your truck,about every pickup around here has cow dogs in the back of an open truck..I have tried it with a Lab/Doberman hitting the pavement at 45 mph so no more for me.

Best bet for me would be a pickup shell with a boot to take multiple dogs.Our two now ride in the back seat.

[ScottG]

rockhillmanor wrote:
The thread is not spiraling anywhere.:R

The OP asked a question and forum members are giving their opinions and experiences which is what the OP asked for.

Hardly.
The OP asked a question but in no way asked to be scolded.
Suggestions that she doesn't care about her pets and that she's has such low regard for her animals that she should just get rid of them are the farthest things from a helpful answer.

You talk about voicing opinions, well there is mine and I suspect the OP appreciates it more than some of the attacks she been subject to.

[BurbMan]

One solution might be a Hensley Arrow hitch. Aside from the anti-sway benefits, the hitch assembly is longer than the standard WD hitch and will allow you to open your truck tailgate when hitched. I have plenty of clearance to open the barn doors on the Suburban while still hitched.

Riverside RV at one time actually built a TT with an optional kennel from the factory, although I don't think they still offer it.

Two main issues with pets in the trailer: climate control and movement. If you plan to tow in the summer, the TT can get very hot if closed up, so air movement is a must, and even running the a/c from a generator underway is needed in hot climates in the south during summer. The other issue is that passengers in a TT cannot see traffic or what the driver is doing. Regular stopping and turning can be dangerous if someone is up and about in a TT, so a good kennel in a designated area and permanently mounted to the floor of the TT would be a must.

If I did want to carry pets in the TT while towing, I would want a customized and dedicated kennel area in the front part of the TT ahead of the axles sinec that is where the ride is smoothest. Anything behind the axles gets a lot of bounce, even if you have shocks installed on the TT.

Since most TTs are front bedroom, making proper accommodations for pets is just not practical. Horse trailers are designed with windows that can be fully opened and secured to the side of the trailer for towing, allowing a lot of ventilation, and the horse stalls are somewhat confining so the horses don't move around a lot, and can't be caught off balance if the driver has to brake suddenly. Horses can stand comfortable for long periods, not so much for dogs.

All in all, I would look at either a different hitch or some kind of a different configuration that will enable you carry the dogs in the truck. In the end it's cheaper and safer than trying to make safe accommodations for them in the TT.

You could also look at removing the truck bed and replacing with a custom kennel setup that will allow the dog s to exit the side of the truck.

[irish4]

We have 2 rescue dogs that weight 100+ pounds each. We travel with them in their air crates strapped in the bed of our truck w/topper. The only reason for this is our 10yo and 2yo by law have to ride in the cab of the truck with us 🙂

[blangen]

RN wrote:
Friend of mine had the same problem when he bought a new F150. Hitch extension solved the problem.

Be careful with that. I've read that hitch extensions are for bike racks, etc and NOT for trailers with significant tongue weight.

[RN]

Friend of mine had the same problem when he bought a new F150. Hitch extension solved the problem.

[Hondavalk]

Understand my wife and I ride both ride motorcycles so all this trailer talk seems rather low risk to me. I've also ridden in the back of my horse trailer with a horse and I can tell you for a fact that the ride is much worse then it is in the back of the TT. I really wonder how many people have actually ridden in their TT. It's not a terrible experience. While I won't be cooking dinner going down the road, sitting at the table or taking a nap in bed is enjoyable. Everything in life carries some sort of risk and its up to the individual to decide if its worth the chance. To the OP I would make sure the temperature level is ok and do what works for you.

[kameronth]

I also have a St. Bernard. She rides with us in the cab. She takes up the whole back seat but loves to be around us. She would be a nervous wreck left in the TT by herself.