Looking for others opinions on running a dog box vs crates.
I currently have 1 5.5yo GSP(70lbs) and have a new pup I picked up a few weeks ago as well. I expect him to be around 50ish lbs. I currently travel for work so the dogs come with. At the moment I do 2 intermediate rufflands stacked in the back seat.
I have been looking at potentially getting a BPro 3 hole dog box. It can have the lucky duck fans hooked up, has storage and charging on top.
I am looking at a 3 hole as when I am done traveling so much for work I will likely get another pup as I am getting into trials with this one.
Have also considered a topper for the pickup, and running the crates in there but worry about heat during the warm months. Could also get fans hooked up on the rufflands.
Thanks!
Dog Box vs Crates
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Garrison
- Rank: 5X Champion
- Posts: 1220
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:29 pm
- Location: Winchester CA
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
I have two Ruffland Intermediates as well as a metal two hole box. I have a small SUV for daily training and a diesel Excursion for my dog rigs, so the dogs are always in a conditioned space. Besides the one time we ran into a skunk, I really like being able to keep them in the truck. There are pros and cons with both.
Ruffland- Main benefit is they are easy to move on my own without throwing out my back when I need space in the back of the truck. Versatile for a lot of applications, home, office, road, truck etc. With the mud river cover and some grass bedding it is plenty warm even in the negatives, and they have doubled as dog houses with the doors removed and flaps left loose on several occasions.
Metal Box- It becomes a semi permanent addition to the truck during hunting season and on destination hunting trips. It saves space in the back of the truck for other gear. Dogs have the same amount of space but the box is a smaller footprint than two separate crates. Nice for a young pup because I can throw an old blanket over the whole thing and the big dog heats up the space.
My last truck had a camper shell with two large operable side windows. It was a really nice set up, because you are always going to have some gear that doesn’t fit in the storage. Shade is also very nice. If the truck is a dedicated dog rig, than a box is great. If you are going to be using your truck regularly for other truck activities, it can be a real pain.
Garrison
Ruffland- Main benefit is they are easy to move on my own without throwing out my back when I need space in the back of the truck. Versatile for a lot of applications, home, office, road, truck etc. With the mud river cover and some grass bedding it is plenty warm even in the negatives, and they have doubled as dog houses with the doors removed and flaps left loose on several occasions.
Metal Box- It becomes a semi permanent addition to the truck during hunting season and on destination hunting trips. It saves space in the back of the truck for other gear. Dogs have the same amount of space but the box is a smaller footprint than two separate crates. Nice for a young pup because I can throw an old blanket over the whole thing and the big dog heats up the space.
My last truck had a camper shell with two large operable side windows. It was a really nice set up, because you are always going to have some gear that doesn’t fit in the storage. Shade is also very nice. If the truck is a dedicated dog rig, than a box is great. If you are going to be using your truck regularly for other truck activities, it can be a real pain.
Garrison
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wihunter
- Rank: Just A Pup
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2023 12:37 pm
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
Thanks for the input garrison.
The in and out part of the box wouldn’t be a huge deal as if I buy it, it would likely be in my truck most of the time besides if I need to put a snowmobile back there. Even that I can put in the trailer.
I would leave it in the back as they would be in it when I travel for work. For example since January 3rd I have been in Virginia, Wisconsin(home), and North Dakota. Box would not have left the truck for any reason since then so far this year as they are in their Rufflands in the truck almost every day as it is as some point so the box would just take that place
The in and out part of the box wouldn’t be a huge deal as if I buy it, it would likely be in my truck most of the time besides if I need to put a snowmobile back there. Even that I can put in the trailer.
I would leave it in the back as they would be in it when I travel for work. For example since January 3rd I have been in Virginia, Wisconsin(home), and North Dakota. Box would not have left the truck for any reason since then so far this year as they are in their Rufflands in the truck almost every day as it is as some point so the box would just take that place
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gypsy
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:52 am
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
I removed the back seat in my Super Duty and installed a custom built dog box. Dogs ride in comfort in all weather. Send me a private message with your telephone number and I will sent you lots of pictures.
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TheMorningRise
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Sat May 06, 2017 2:48 pm
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
I'm in the exact same boat!
Currently have a RAM with 151,000 on it. Great truck. Will be in the market in the next year for a new truck. Thinking of keeping the current truck for work and the new truck as a primary dog truck.
I've thought about a fiberglass topper, with Dakota or Gunner kennels. I've thought about a 3-6 hole permanent box. I've thought about a trailer with closets.
Trying to figure out the best option that allows for; hauling dogs, training gear, camping gear for testing and trials and then for hunting.
I still have not decided.
Currently have a RAM with 151,000 on it. Great truck. Will be in the market in the next year for a new truck. Thinking of keeping the current truck for work and the new truck as a primary dog truck.
I've thought about a fiberglass topper, with Dakota or Gunner kennels. I've thought about a 3-6 hole permanent box. I've thought about a trailer with closets.
Trying to figure out the best option that allows for; hauling dogs, training gear, camping gear for testing and trials and then for hunting.
I still have not decided.
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wihunter
- Rank: Just A Pup
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2023 12:37 pm
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
I ended up going with a BPro box. I think I’ll be happy with the decision. Lots of options with them that made it seem like the way to go for me.
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TheMorningRise
- Rank: Junior Hunter
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Sat May 06, 2017 2:48 pm
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
Keep us (me) posted on this one.
I was looking at those.
But I really like the Mountain Top boxes and I'm looking at a guy in Michigan who does custom work.
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wihunter
- Rank: Just A Pup
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2023 12:37 pm
Re: Dog Box vs Crates
I know of a guy selling the same Bpro that I ordered. Didn’t find out until I had ordered and Ben had ordered the material so not gonna try to cancel it. Real good deal. If you’d like information on it let dm me and let me know. I believe it is in Wisconsin.