Gun Dog Forum

So I'm thinking about ditching the grandpa cap and going with a dog box. I'm not sure which dog box, or options, I would want and I'm sure many of you have gone through this. I like the crossover boxes, but I'm going to need a regular tool box to carry around some other stuff, so that rules them out unfortunately. I would like the dog box to have storage for hunting and training supplies. Bottom storage looks easier to get to get to. Any input on top vs bottom storage? I'm looking for a 2-3 hole box. Have been looking at the Diamond Deluxe boxes the most. I would appreciate any input.

I’m not qualified to speak of which brand because I have not owned any major manufactured brands. Most of mine have been custom made of sheet metal. I can help with some of the options that I would want included or ideas. Defiantly would want an insulated box with small fans mounted in the back wall with ventilations. There are several occasions here in Kansas in September and October that I would like to do some dog work away from the kennel grounds but don’t in fear of the dogs overheating in the box. With that in mind the small fans and ventilation are my #1 and #2 options. For storage you could go ahead and buy a box with top storage and then build a wooden platform for the box to sit on that has a slide out compartment with the platform. If money is no object (not my case) you could look into the truck vault systems and then sit your box on that. These are just a few ideas that have crossed my mind with pondering ways to better my system.

Thank for the input. I would kill for the deerskin box, but I'm afraid to know what they cost.

I have a Owens Pro Series Big T that has served me well for approx 7 years. I absolutely love it. Plenty of top storage and can easily fit 4 dogs in it. However, The drawbacks of it are as follows:

1) Its huge.
2) Its heavy, even unloaded.
3) Its always bolted down and its a PIA to move. Especially by yourself.
4) No onboard water storage.
5) Its uninsulated

So..... Just the other day I ordered another box. (That way I'll always have one on each pickup) I will put the Owens Pro on my flatbed and put the new box in my black pickup. I ordered a custom Deer Creek dogbox. Its basically the 46x46 Houndsman Deluxe (Black and Bling) except they are customizing it with the locking T door handles, 6 Gallon onboard water tank, and a Rigging Rack to be fitted with Lights. I am pretty stoked about it.

The Houndsman Deluxe comes insulated too, so thats another plus. For the price I couldn't turn it down. I ordered it the minute they gave me the price quote. Can't wait till the begining of November when its ready for me to pick up.

BTW, I've never had bottom storage units, just top storage. I assume its just a matter of personal preference. I am 6'2" so I don't have much of an issue reaching anything, unless its in the middle.

Is a 20x28x18 compartment big enough for an EP? Having a hard time imagining the box size.

Well, for comparison my Owens box compartment dimensions are 24"W x 44"D X 18"H and I can fit 2 dogs in each one. I have on occasion put my Pointer Stud (whos around 65 lbs) and my Lab together in the same stall.

Hope this helps.

A friend of mine got these this summer from GA. Here is a link on this forum with pictures.

They are light to move and still very sturdy and they can make like these as much ventalation or as closed as you want.

viewtopic.php?f=112&t=36396

Worth checking out.

i have never seen one of these boxes, but i remember someone posted that they where very happy with the box, and the cost, just an idea, i just like the way there built from what i can see on the net, http://www.dura-custom.com

hi tailyn beat me to the submit button, yep thats the post i was thinking about, that box looks great and sounds like they will custom build you a box

The guy will make pretty much anything you can think of in a box.

A pro friend has them in his horse trailer, Mule, Ranger and back of his truck. Easy to move around and have insulation factor in how the metal is put together.

The guy even built in kennels that open to the outside of the horse trailer.

If you can think of it, he can make it.

He is very reasonable in price.

Thanks guys, I'm really rethinking a crossover type box now. Thinking I could still fit a decent amount of stuff in the top storage and throw any other supplies either inside the truck or in a rubber maid tote, and I would still be left with more than half the bed. Rather than having a tool box and dog box that would take up the whole bed.

I'm also considering keeping the cap on as well.

I have a tool box and a dog box in mine. I like being able to keep my tools etc in the box and don't think I could give it up. Come fall I usually put my dog box in and leave it in until spring unless I have to take it out. I have 2 trailers I can use to haul stuff if need be. Having both gives me plenty of room to carry what I need. Next truck will have an 8' bed so I will have more room between the two boxes for hauling stuff. I have a 3 hold diamond delux and couldn't be happier with it.