Dog trailers - Page 1

I am looking for info on dog trailers. I've found website with tons of options, but almost none of them have prices. I'd be more interested in a place to find used trailers for sale, as I have a bit of sticker shock from the new ones I've seen priced. I'd be interested in anything from 4-8 dog capacity. How are dogs typically kept cool/warm in these? I have to say, I am totally ignorant to them, but think that one might be exactly what I need.

Love 'em!  Mine is old and needs work, largely home made by Egon Vollrath 20+ yrs. ago, but still serviceable.  The neatest features are the fact you can pack them up with all your gear, don't have to load and reload your vehicle every time you use that. Just hitch up, load the dogs and go! Locking barred inner doors are a big plus, as are tandem axles, so if a tire goes flat you don't lose control. Most are well-insulated, have at least strong extractor fans to remove hot, stale air, some even have propane generators with RV heat & a/c units mounted on top, on-board water supplies plumbed into boxes.

Another big PLUS: a four dog trailer can usually be pulled with a much smaller vehicle than one would need to haul 4 #500 crates inside, allowing the owner to save fuel, still transport passengers in fuel-efficient vehicle when not hauling dogs.

You can find used dog trailers listed for sale by doing a broad google or yahoo search, on E-bay sometimes, on this site, and by contacting manufacturers like Jones, WT Metal (East and West) and on hunting & sled dog sites.

Get me a newer one too, while you're at it, hey?

:) SS

Really good used trailers are hard to come by. There are not that many people who have them, and those who do, do not often part with them. I have an excellent stainless steel, 6 stall trailer, extra large stalls, separate bar doors on the doors so the solid door/windows can be open, a high capacity fan and a few other options. Believe me, it cost me a fortune. When I was looking i did contact Jones and others to see what they had in the way of used trailers. Most had none or there was a long waiting list. If I sold my trailer I could expect to get back every penny I paid because it is stainless and has appreciated in value. Checking eBay periodically is also an idea, but be careful about what you buy. Some people do not take good care of their things, and other stuff is homemade and can be junk. Whatever you do, you want to be able to look at it or go with a company that is long established. Jones, for example, has been in business for many, many years and is a primary contractor to the military, police and private individuals.

Stainless is the best and all Jones units are insulated. There are many options to choose from. I live in a very cold climate during the year and there was no need for extra insulation. As well, I have never used the fan and even though the temps can climb here in summer, I have never felt a/c would have been necessary. If you park sensibly, at an angle to the sun, keep doors open like I can, the dogs are fine. In a climate with high humidity perhaps one would think differently about a/c but I believe a/c gives people a false sense of comfort about how the dogs are. And a/c can fail without warning and result in tragedy at times.

Prices at Jones probably now range from $5,000 on up for smaller, non-stainless, and probably in the range of $9,000 on up for stainless or larger units. Having looked at every brand, there was no substitute for quality I saw in my Jones unit and that is what I chose. Fortunately, they were also closest to me and the expense of pickup or delivery can add a considerable sum, along with tax and license for your plates. Some people have tried to tell me quality has fallen off at Jones, but i can attest to excellent workmanship in my trailer. It is as new as the day I bought it 5 years ago, except for a few small dings from some softball sized hail that hit one year. One must look at it as an investment and probably there is no need to have one unless one has a lot of dogs. But then it is invaluable.

A used Sperrin 3 dog trailer here.  www.k-9classifieds.com/k9-for-sale/l0223.php

I did something a bit different.  I bought a Wells Cargo trailer, added windows, roof venting, side awning, front sidedoor and double back doors, and 6' ceiling height.  With a 10' trailer, I easily fit 6 extra large aluminum crates, stacked two high and strapped into place.  One wall is used for hanging harnesses, leashes, vest, tugs, sleeves, people and dog first aid kits.    There's room for extra shoes, boots, rain gear, chairs, cooler for lunch and drinks.  In a hot area is would be fairly easy to add roof air,  I'm in the Pacific Northwest, I did fine with crate fans and when trips to to hot side of the state were made (95 degrees plus) added bottles of ice hanging beside the fans and put two water buckets, one water, one ice, in each crate.  And the trailer cn be used for more than one purpose then.

I've seen a few cargo trailer conversions here in the East. VERY nice, extremely clever.  Also saw a couple of horse trailers pressed into service providing a good safe environment for transported dogs lately.

Another kind of "neat" answer to long-haul dog transportation we saw in San Jose was a travel trailer with a rear cargo area behind the living quarters, (like for a race car? atv's?, shop?) drop down rear ramp door, with good old Bob McKee aluminum crates stacked inside. Pretty cool solution, probably not economical/realistic for daily training transportation.  I wondered if they rented/borrowed it for the event?

SS

I had a Joes trailer, and liked it, however with A/C generator, etc, it was pretty heavy. I sold it and when with an inclosed trailer, which turned out very nice. I paid extra for insulated walls, roof vents, side vents, etc and it works GREAT and looks very nice too.

Jeff Turner

K9 Solutions Center

www.dopedog.com

Nice thing about the enclosed cargo trailer idea: you can use it for other hobbies/projects/camping/etc.. Just take the crates out.

I could see building a fold-down bunk on one side over the crates for naps en route.  I never stop long enough to justify the expense of a motel anyway... usuallly cat-nap at well-lit truck stops, fill up, use the bathroom sinks for a quick wash or use the pay-showers when/if necessary, find a nice place to air the dogs while I chomp down something for breakfast, slurp coffee, and move right on down the road towards my destination.

SS

I have a two Dog WT Metal  and it is first class. well made and easy to clean

Steve

If you have a pick-up truck, I have seen some neat slide in cargo inserts that have onboard water, electric, etc.