If you’re looking for the best dog crate for the back of a truck, you’ll definitely want to get the most durable and safest crate available. Most regular crates will provide little to no protection for your dog when they are traveling in the back of a truck. That’s why it’s important to get a crate that is specifically designed to fit securely in your truck bed to ensure your dog is properly protected.
In the following article you will find the best truck bed dog crates and SUV Dog Crates on the market, so no matter what type of truck you have you can find a crate that will work well for your situation.
Dog Crate for Back of Truck
| Image | Name | Truck Type | Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Owens 55080W Dog Box | Pickup |  | |
 | Owens 55077 Dog Box | Pickup |  | |
 | Variocage Single Crash Tested Dog Cage | SUV | | |
 | A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate | SUV | | |
 | Dogit Deluxe Soft Crate | SUV | |
Truck Bed Dog Kennels
Owens 55077 Dog Box
The Owens 55077 Dog Box (Buy Online) is an excellent dog crate for pickup trucks if you want to travel with up to two dogs. This crate measures 36” L x 48” W x 20” H, and it weighs in at 85 pounds. This crate can hold dogs that weigh up to 80 pounds as long as they are short enough to stand up and move around.
The walls of this crate are made of durable thick aluminum sheet metal. Since this crate is made of aluminum it will not rust or corrode when it is exposed to the elements. In addition, every wall has a diamond-tread pattern imprinted on them that will help prevent denting and buckling over time.
Each of the dual compartments in this crate has a lockable slam-latch door, so you can rest assured your dog will remain safely in this crate at all times. Your dog will also be able to breath easy in these crates thanks to the large oversized rear and side vents.
Each one of the vents also comes with a removable cover, so you can keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the fall and winter. The covers will also help protect your dog from strong wind and rain, so no matter how bad it is outside your dog will be protected when they are inside this crate.
Zinger Winger DX5000 Deluxe 5000 Aluminum Dog Crate
The Zinger Winger DX5000 Deluxe 5000 Aluminum Dog Crate (Buy Online) is a great dog box for a small truck. This crate measures 28” W x 32” H x 40” L, and it weighs 47 pounds. The Dx5000 crate is suitable for medium to large breed dogs, as always just make sure there is enough room in the crate so your dog can stand up and easily turn around.
This crate is made of lightweight rustproof aluminum which makes it easy for a single person to load this crate in and out of a truck bed. In addition, this crate also has a number of ventilation holes on every side which even further reduces the weight of this crate. Out of all the metal crates we have reviewed this one is the most portable truck bed crate you can.
While most of this cage is made of lightweight aluminum they locking mechanisms and mounting hardware are all stainless steel. Each of the stainless steel slam-latch’s can be locked separately, so you can be sure no one will walk away with your dog when you are not around.
The added ventilation on this crate will also be a godsend for your dog if you live in an area with extremely hot summers. The vents located on the back and side walls of this cage will help create a cross breeze that will keep your dog cool no matter if they are standing up or sitting down. The large front door will also let in lots of fresh air, and it will give your dog a chance to look around at whats going on outside.
The only downside to all this extra ventilation is that this cage is not suitable for use in inclement weather. If you want to travel with your dog in the rain then this cage might not be the best option. One workaround would be to cover the top of the cage with a tarp when it is raining and leave the bottom vents open.
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Owens 55006 Dog Box
The Owens 55006 Dog Box (Buy Online) is one of the best truck bed dog boxes on the market. This crate measures in at 48” W x 45” D x 18” H, and it weighs 110 pounds. Each of the dog compartments measures 24” W x 44” D x 18” H. This crate is suitable for any medium-sized dog as long as they can stand up and turn around when they are placed inside.
Like all other Owens dog boxes, this one is made of rust-proof aluminum with a diamond-tread pattern on its exterior. The one feature that sets the Owens 55006 Dog box apart from the other Owens dog boxes is the storage compartment located on top. This storage box measures 48” W x 45” D x 6” H, and it can be accessed simply by opening the large hinged top panel. This storage box will provide ample room to carry any tools, hunting gear or dog supplies.
Owens 55080W Dog Box
The Owens 55080W Dog Box (Buy Online) has all the benefits of the Owens 55006 but it can carry larger dogs. This crate measures in at 45” L x 46” W x 33” H, and it weighs 175 pounds. The internal dimensions of each dog compartment are 44” L x 23”W x 23”H. The added height inside this dog box makes it suitable for medium to large dogs, as always just make sure your dog will easily be able to stand up and turn around when they are inside.
This big dog box offers all the same great features as other Owens dog boxes, such as aluminum construction and a diamond-tread design. It also has the same secure slam-latch locking mechanisms, so you can rest assured that your dog will always remain safely inside.
The thing that sets the Owens 55080 Dog Box apart from all the other Owens dog boxes is the large pullout storage compartment incorporated into its design. This compartment measures 41” L x 36” W x 5” H. This compartment is large enough to carry all of your hunting gear and dog supplies with room to spare. In addition, since the storage compartment is on the bottom of the unit and it is a pull out drawer you won’t have to stretch and strain to get any item out no matter its size.
SUV Dog Crates
A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
The A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate (Buy Online) is just the right size for an SUV or any other type of enclosed truck. This crate comes in three different sizes, there is a 24 inch, 31 inch and 36 inch model available. The small 24 inch crate is perfect for small to medium dogs. While the 31 inch and 36 inch models are suitable for medium to large dogs respectively.
The A4Pet Dog Crate is a collapsible soft-sided crate that can easily be set up or taken down in about 45 seconds. That means you can keep this cage in your truck at all times without taking up a lot of space in the process. This crate also only weighs about 9 pounds, so it should be easy for anyone to pick up and move around.
The A4Pet crate also has an easy to clean leak proof floor, so if your dog has an accident it won’t end up all over your interior. Another thing this crate has is excellent ventilation since it has mesh panels on multiple sides. In addition, one of the sides of this crate has a built-in storage pouch, so you can keep anything you need to care for your dog close at hand.
Dogit Deluxe Soft Crate
The Dogit Deluxe Soft Crate (Buy Online) is another excellent soft sided dog kennel for the back of an SUV. This crate comes in a small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large version. With such a wide selection to choose from you should be able to find a crate that fits any size dog.
This fabric crate is made of waterproof materials so it can be used both indoors and outdoors. The waterproof nature of the fabric will also help contain any accidents that happen inside the crate from making their way outside. The exterior and interior are also very easy to clean with a damp cloth, or if you have a big mess to clean up you can hose it out if you like.
This crate will also collapse down for easy storage when it is not in use, and then when you need to use it again it pops right up in no time flat. You also get some added storage located on the outside of this crate. There is a pouch to store your pet supplies, and a water bottle holder so you can keep your dog hydrated during the ride.
Petsfit Soft Portable Dog Crate
The Petsfit Soft Portable Dog Crate (Buy Online) is a large soft-sided dog crate with a unique design. This crate comes in two sizes, you can either get the 30” L x 24” W x 25” H model, or the 35” L 29” W x 30” H version. The first one is suitable for dogs that weigh up to 40 pounds, while the second one is large enough to hold a large dog that weighs up to 80 pounds.
This crate is made of a durable fabric with mesh walls on multiple sides. The mesh walls provide superior ventilation, and they will allow your dog to see out almost every side. Inside this crate, there is a soft plush mat so your dog will be very comfortable when they lay down inside. The mat is also very easy to clean since it is machine washable.
The domed top not only gives this crate a little character it will also add to the overall headroom your dog will have when they are inside. There is also a convenient handle located on the top of the dome so you can easily pick this 12-pound crate up and move it around. In addition, this crate can be folded down flat when it is not in use, and then it can be stored in the included carrying bag.
MidWest Side-by-Side Double Door SUV Crate
The MidWest Side-by-Side Double Door SUV Crate (Buy Online) is specifically made with the back of a truck in mind. This crate comes in two different size models, you can either get one for medium-sized dogs that measures 36” L 21” W x 26” H or you can get the 4 2” L x 21” W x 30” model for larger dogs.
The thing that makes this crate different from other wire crates is the double door design. The dual door will allow you to load your dogs into this crate from either the front or the side. Loading your dog from the large side door will make it easier to get your dog into and out of the back of an SUV. It will also let you place the cage in your SUV lengthwise so you won’t have to fold down a row of seats.
This crate also has a solid plastic floor pan which will help contain any leaks. The pan can also be removed if you need to hose it off to give it a deep clean. In addition, when this crate is not in use you can fold it down flat in order to save a little space.
Variocage Crash Tested Dog Cage
The Variocage Crash Tested Dog Cage is one of the safest dog kennels for the back of an SUV on the market. This crate is one of the only dog crates that meets the crash test rating standards set out by the government. This dog crate has gone through rigorous crash testing and drop tests to ensure this crate will hold up during almost any situation.
Variocage Single Dog Cage
The Variocage Single Dog Cage (Buy Online) is made to hold a single medium to large size dog. This crate measures in at 40” L x 27” W x 28 H and it weighs about 60 pounds. This cage like all other Variocages can be extended via its telescoping design to easily fit into any size crossover or SUV. It also comes with an included rubber mat that will help keep any liquids from leaking out of the cage.
Variocage DOUBLE Crash Tested Dog Cage
If you need a larger cage that can hold up to two dogs the Variocage DOUBLE Crash Tested Dog Cage (Buy Online) is your best option. This cage has all the same features as the single model it just has about double the amount of internal space. This cages most unique feature is the built-in divider that gives each dog their own personal space. The divider will also keep the dogs securely in place during an accident so they won’t go flying all over the cage.
Top Features of Truck-Bed Dog Crates
Strength
One of the most important things you need to look for in a truck bed dog crate is strength. A good crate will be made of a strong durable material like stainless steel or aluminum, so it can withstand the rigors of being transported in the bed of a pickup
Durability
Any crate you put in the back of a truck will also need to withstand years of abuse throughout its life. In most cases, the crate will have to handle things being dropped on it, and it will even be hit by rocks and other debris as you drive. In addition, the crate will have to stand up to the abuse of being loaded and unloaded from the truck which can also take a toll on a lesser crate.
Size
Choosing the right size crate for your dog is one of the most important decisions you can make. If you don’t get that part right all the other features of a crate will be irrelevant. Always make sure that your dog can stand up and turn around inside their crate. For the most part, it is a good idea to get a crate with a little extra room in order to be sure your dog is comfortable and safe.
Anchor Points
A good crate should have anchor points so you can tie it down in order to make sure it stays safely in place. This is very important since your dog can seriously get hurt if your crate or dog box moves around when you are driving at high speed, or if you are on rough terrain.
Weather Protection
Any crate you put in the back of a truck should also keep your dogs safe from the elements. That means it should keep out rain and snow in order to keep your dog dry at all times when they are in the crate. A crate should also have enough ventilation to keep your dog cool in the summer, but you should also be able to seal off some of the vents the keep them warm during the winter.
How to Transport a Dog in a Truck Bed
If you want to transport a pet in the bed of a truck you need to take a few things into consideration. The first and most important thing you need to worry about is your dog’s safety. If you have to transport a dog in a truck bed you need to make sure your dog is kept securely in place. That means you can’t leave them running around loose in the truck bed, or they could end up getting injured, or they could even be killed.
The best way to secure your dog while they are in the bed of a truck is to put them in a crate or a dog box. This will ensure that they at least stay put as you drive around as long as the crate is securely mounted.
You also need to make sure whatever crate you put your dog in is well ventilated and protected from the elements. The weather can be one of the biggest dangers to your dog when they are outside on a truck bed.
Hot weather can cause a dog to overheat, and rain and cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia. And these dangers will persist even when your truck is at rest. That’s why it is important to get a dog box that has adequate ventilation and protection from the rain, so your dog will always remain protected and safe.
You also need to keep your dog safe from thieves and anyone else with ill intent. Locks on your crate will help deter thieves to a certain degree. While protecting your dog from people who might try to harm them can be harder to achieve. The only real way to protect your dog from these dangers is to only leave your dog unattended for short periods of time, and you should always park in a place where you can see your dog if something does take place.
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