DIY dog box for the car

[Pedro]

So, in lockdown mode, but with my mind wandering, I started thinking about dog transit boxes. I know there's at least a couple of good makes out there that make good kit. And there's some more it seems that don't look as good, but for all I know are quite adequate. But whatever you go for, they do cost quite a few bob.

Has anyone gone down the DIY route? All the companies seem to make them out of sheet metal and grills for doors etc. Which makes sense as they are easier to clean. But I suppose wooden ones might do the job. Probably wouldn't last as long though. Anyone had a go, or have any plans/instructions to make one?

 

[.308]

to be honest i have a homemade metal one, its ok but the plastic ones are most certainly the best for cleaning durability life expectancy animal safety and comfort. A wooden one would absorb moisture etc and smell rot etc i use a metal one with rubber on floor but could defo do with a plastic one in future

 

[n3al]

Have a look on ebay for kennel bank dog boxes, made of aluminium and reasonably priced.
I can't comment on quality yet, but I will be ordering one when I get my new vehicle.

 

[pendle]

I have made a few wooden ones over the years.

I would look on Facebook mkt place for a reputable make .some come up at reasonable prices
I prefer lintran dog boxes easy to clean .

 

[yellow belly]

Unfortunately no I haven't, however......Transk9 dog boxs! Plenty pop up for sale on fb after people change motors. Crash tested and powder coated for ease of cleaning with a power washer or hose. Currently on my third due to vehicle changes over the years. With a false floor made up over my back seats I can have the dog safely behind me instead of the load bed!

 

[Jagare]

My English mate in Sweden makes dog boxes. Most are custom made and he does part exchange when you need to change cars. Hundgubbe Hundburar till bilar

 

[marrajack]

The kennelbank ones are very similar to the trans K9 and less cost.
stock board is not expensive and I imagine would make a great box as well - may be worth buying pvc welder ?

 

[Sonicdmb73]

So, in lockdown mode, but with my mind wandering, I started thinking about dog transit boxes. I know there's at least a couple of good makes out there that make good kit. And there's some more it seems that don't look as good, but for all I know are quite adequate. But whatever you go for, they do cost quite a few bob.

Has anyone gone down the DIY route? All the companies seem to make them out of sheet metal and grills for doors etc. Which makes sense as they are easier to clean. But I suppose wooden ones might do the job. Probably wouldn't last as long though. Anyone had a go, or have any plans/instructions to make one?

I did although I do have access to a fully equipped joiners shop so maybe not diy in the strictest sense.
I built it out of thin (quality) ply with re-enforcing batons in the corners. Glued and nailed (bradgun) then the wood sealed to stop it absorbing smells and water etc.
I used the door off a plastic airline type crate. It was made to fit behind my seat in the pickup purely for a holiday which involved a lot of travel.
The things to bear in mind are using quality materials and seal it with a pet safe paint.

 

[Willie]

I have a large Lintran box for sale in the classifieds. It comes with a divider, top shelf, mud guard, rubber mat and a fan all bought from Lintran. The condition is very good and would save you a lot of woodwork - just saying.

 

[Pedro]

Thanks for the replies. Just creating jobs for myself really and thinking ahead. Might just buy one, or a second hand one anyway. But seeing my next dog, if he actually exists is probably only a few millimetres long, there’s no big rush...

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Thanks for the replies. Just creating jobs for myself really and thinking ahead. Might just buy one, or a second hand one anyway. But seeing my next dog, if he actually exists is probably only a few millimetres long, there’s no big rush...

You’ll be surprised how quick it will pass.

 

[splash]

Lintran make custom boxes if their range doesn’t cover your needs

 

[reddog]

I would avoid sheet metal cages like the plague.

My mate had one custom made out of aluminium/alloy chequer plate and to be fair it looks the business. Only problem is that 2 minutes after putting the dogs in they are absolutely freezing, the metal just draws any heat out of them. Tried different types of bedding but there's no improvement, they always clam up in it.

Make one out of decent ply it's far better for the dog. Seal it with varnish or similar and it will last for years, won't smell and can be washed out as often as needed. Put a double layer of vet bed in the bottom and the dog will curl up as happy as Larry in it.

 

[Dickie]

I would avoid sheet metal cages like the plague.

My mate had one custom made out of aluminium/alloy chequer plate and to be fair it looks the business. Only problem is that 2 minutes after putting the dogs in they are absolutely freezing, the metal just draws any heat out of them. Tried different types of bedding but there's no improvement, they always clam up in it.

Make one out of decent ply it's far better for the dog. Seal it with varnish or similar and it will last for years, won't smell and can be washed out as often as needed. Put a double layer of vet bed in the bottom and the dog will curl up as happy as Larry in it.

He could try a equafleece dog jumper for keeping the dogs warm and also good for drying after a days work.

 

[RifleTuner]

This is a crate I made last year. Its all off-cuts from my work, so no actual material costs. Took me about a day to make. Its lite enough that I can move it in and out of the vehicle myself (without a dog in it). It stays in place pretty well since its wedged between the seats & the rear door.