Traveling With Two Dog Crates

Munson

New member
Did a quick forum search and couldn't find much on the topic but I have to large dogs, 50 to 65lbs, that I enjoy traveling with. Problem is their current crates do not fit side by side in the back of the 4Runner due to the wheel wells. Is anyone running dual crates in the "large" side that that fit flush? Any pictures, ideas, or recommendations welcome. I was looking at creating a shelf to try and get more room between the wheel wells but even going up three inches would only add about 1.5 inches of total width.

Picture of younger doggo not wanting me to leave on a work trip attached.
 

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Did a quick forum search and couldn't find much on the topic but I have to large dogs, 50 to 65lbs, that I enjoy traveling with. Problem is their current crates do not fit side by side in the back of the 4Runner due to the wheel wells. Is anyone running dual crates in the "large" side that that fit flush? Any pictures, ideas, or recommendations welcome. I was looking at creating a shelf to try and get more room between the wheel wells but even going up three inches would only add about 1.5 inches of total width.

Picture of younger doggo not wanting me to leave on a work trip attached.

Do they have to be in separate crates? Or can they be in one large crate? I know a girl had a setup on here before with the large crate, and I bought one. It fits perfectly between the wheel wells and my dogs fit in it comfortably. Let me see if I can still find the link from my Amazon orders.
 
Here's a picture of what it is. Hope this helps. My dogs were about the same size as yours.
 

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Here's a picture of what it is. Hope this helps. My dogs were about the same size as yours.

Awesome, thanks! I was actually on Amazon looking at those. The younger/smaller doggo (in the picture doesnt mind traveling and lays down most of the time. The bigger one is nervous and always moving around and stepping on her. I was hoping to get two separate ones but everything I have looked at seem to be too small to fit both of them.

M
 
Awesome, thanks! I was actually on Amazon looking at those. The younger/smaller doggo (in the picture doesnt mind traveling and lays down most of the time. The bigger one is nervous and always moving around and stepping on her. I was hoping to get two separate ones but everything I have looked at seem to be too small to fit both of them.

M

This comes with a divider as well, so maybe you could utilize that? I think it's a great price with free shipping and all. I've read nothing but good reviews on them before I bought mine.
 
I travel with 2, 75-80 Lb. German Shepherds. For under 30 minute rides, I put them together in 1 crate and use tie downs to secure the crate. For longer trips, I put a blanket down to protect the plastic and collect hair, and use shortened leashes connected to the tie downs to keep them and me safe in the event of a crash.
 
Checkout this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/207980-dog-proofing-my-new-4runner.html

for dog crates I would talk to [MENTION=112177]4RnR Grl[/MENTION]

I show and attend canine performance events, so my dogs are in the truck a lot!

I have the Canvasback liners which are great... however.... the velcro does not extend fully down the sides, so some hair will get under there. But they are excellent at keeping mud and dirt off of everything. I would still highly recommend them.

For traveling there are several options... My dogs ride in a crate 90% of the time in the truck. You can fit a 42" long wire crate between the wheel wells. I get one that has two doors (made by Midwest) and use the side door option. They also sell SUV (or side-by-side) crates. These are only 21 inches wide and they do fit between the wheel wells side by side. They are heavy duty, but not cheap. They are an investment. Some folks prefer the airline style crates for traveling because they do contain the hair better, however, it is difficult for the air to circulate with that style crate because of the plastic more confined walls. There is also some difficulty fitting more than one crate because of the design. I have looked at a crash tested crate.... and I would love to have one for shows and events.... but they are NOT cheap. Regardless of what you use... make sure the dog is contained and if you use a crate, strap it down (I use ratchet straps). Being involved in rescue for many years I can't tell you how many dogs are lost because they got scared and bolted when someone got into an accident.

When my dogs ride in the seats on occasion I use a waterproof seat hammock, combined with a crash tested car harness. The hammock protects the leather and also contains their hair a bit better. It has straps that just loop over the headrests, and holes for the seat belt buckles which you will use for your harness, to tether the dog in place.

I encourage everyone to somehow secure their dog in the vehicle... for their and your safety.

Good luck!
 
Good luck. I've been experimenting with two dog crates just replacing the back seat, I never use it anyways. I have a sling cover over the seat now, but I'd looking to better utilize the storage available. Hoping it helps with the hair...I love the pups, just can stand the hair
 
Did a quick forum search and couldn't find much on the topic but I have to large dogs, 50 to 65lbs, that I enjoy traveling with. Problem is their current crates do not fit side by side in the back of the 4Runner due to the wheel wells. Is anyone running dual crates in the "large" side that that fit flush? Any pictures, ideas, or recommendations welcome. I was looking at creating a shelf to try and get more room between the wheel wells but even going up three inches would only add about 1.5 inches of total width.

Picture of younger doggo not wanting me to leave on a work trip attached.

OP, you have two options. Midwest makes suv crates. They fit (two) side by side in the cargo area. I use the 36" length for my 75lb girls. Amazon here. Only caveat is you cannot use the rear seats.

Second option is a 42" length crate with double doors. It also will fit perfectly, but both dogs will have to go in the same create and share space. Amazon here.

Those are the easiest options.
 
I know other members are using Ruff Tough Kennels. Their large crate is L 35" x W 22" x H 26.25". I don't remember the width between the wheel wells, but do you think two of them side by side will fit? You can also get a coupler kit to keep them connected.

First picture copied from MTN4RNR
 

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Just the wife and I and a family Doberman, so we made our v6 RAV4, a 3 passenger SUV.
- folded rear seat back, now covered with an LLBean dog bed
- jumping into the front buckets option, is eliminated ... so is dog toe nail damage to leather & console top
My free Mod. attached.

Kelly's family has a newer SUV (2008 Toyota RAV4) and Dad doesn't want to clean nose prints of front windows, on a daily basis:

So I cut the padded shoulder strap off an old & damaged golf bag.
- used the re-purposed harness to restrict girl from jumping into leather bucket seats, at will
- the shoulder harness on junked golf bag, had 4 nylon anchor straps
- 2 straps were threaded around the top head rest posts / other 2 straps (longer) were threaded on the back seat frame brackets, on the floor

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Check out the variocage double. The center divider is supposed to be moveable to give one dog more room and is crash tested. The only down side is they aren’t cheap.
 
View attachment 288581@Munson, I just received my Ruff Tough kennel in the Large SUV size. Fits like it was custom built for the 4Runner. Plenty of room for two side by side.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I saved a few dollars on the price of the kennel, and significant dollars on shipping by purchasing from this vendor: https://www.lcsupply.com/
Interestingly enough, the kennel still shipped directly from the manufacturer.
 

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View attachment 288581@Munson, I just received my Ruff Tough kennel in the Large SUV size. Fits like it was custom built for the 4Runner. Plenty of room for two side by side.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I saved a few dollars on the price of the kennel, and significant dollars on shipping by purchasing from this vendor: https://www.lcsupply.com/
Interestingly enough, the kennel still shipped directly from the manufacturer.

Thanks for the link! I bought the same one you have! it was about $50 cheaper then through the oem
 

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