Anyone Built Their Own Dog Crate? - Page 1

I need to buy two GSD sized dog crates that will fit in the back of my Ford Ranger (has a cap). I'm in school full-time so the cost of a well made crate just makes me wheeze whether it's aluminum (ie. Kustom Krates- love this site!) or even plastic (Ruff Tough Kennels- love the field test video!; not sure that the Large is big enough in size).

It occurred to me that I'm married to a mechanical engineer who can design and build just about anything (he even has access to welding equipment). So, I was wondering if anyone here has built their own crates and was willing to share photos or plans. Success and failures welcome!

Here's one person's homemade crate that I found:
http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/equipment-how-use-where-find/171451-super-strong-dog-crate-2.html

Thanks!

Laura

Just read about the Owens DIY kit on FB. Could be a serious contender. :)

http://www.owens-pro.com/gallery_dogboxes.php?showonly=Do%20It%20Yourself

My best friend built his own. It's gorgeous...more like a piece of fine furniture than a dog crate. He used all high quality solid oak from a sawmill, not a lumberyard. The problem is that it's sooo heavy a small truck would probably lose some gas mileage. He has a huge diesel so it doesn't make much difference, but it's not going to be something you can lift with a couple people to take it out and put it back in. I will see if I have any pics of it. 

Thanks Jenni. Pictures would be super.

Looking at the Owens DIY kit for a small truck in more detail, I'm worried that the dog compartment is too small for a GSD.
Dog Compartment Dimensions: 18"W x 46"D x 23"H

Jenni is right. The nicer hardwoods are heavy. Plus, you need to do heavy sealing to keep their beauty. If I was going to make one with wood, I'd use cedar. It is light, nice looking and lasts in the elements. Also, it is easier to get. Most hardwares stock cedar for decking. Besides, Oak is so 1991. I built a two box crate for my pickup years ago. I used 1/4 sheets of plywood and had it insulated well with 2" foam. Ventilation is the biggest thing.

Chaz- "I used 1/4 sheets of plywood and had it insulated well with 2" foam. Ventilation is the biggest thing."

Can you elaborate on your ventilation issue a bit more?

Well, in the summer, you need plenty of ventilation. I don't use airline crates in the summer because they hold in too much heat.

Check out some of my old threads, Ruger1 put a picture of what I was talking about. Where do you live? I will search through my old threads but the man fabricates out of iron. And if you see the pictures this crate can be a single but the one shown is a double that takes up half of the bed (front to tailgate. There's a "T" handle that opens the side door for the front crate and then a swing door that opens the back crate. The man custom builds to any demensions but the double in the picture was @ $1,200.00 and in my eyes worth it. And you can take it out if needed. This crate was secured to a drawer underneath. I'll do some checking and if you really want the info get back to me. He is out of Frederick, Maryland which is an hour away from me. 

Hmmm, doesn't go back far enough, (my threads). But I found the company; "Performance Designs" out of Frederick, MD. and they show some photos. Good luck

Not a climate that needs much insulation...but that's a big concern in most areas. This one is more "jail style" and while the gaps vary, it's not really meant to be an all-weather shelter for long truck trips or anything. I don't have pics of it, but you can see parts of it in this. You can get an idea of size and strength, too. I am trying to attach one that shows 4 GSDs lying on it but it won't let me. Big dog box, though. It wasn't quite finished when I took this shot. It's a great box for security as it's pretty escape-proof. the latch is on a flat panel outside on the door and the nearest opening isn't close enough for them to reach a paw around to open it. Chewing it to the point of escape would take a year. It had to be put in the truck using 2X4s...one at a time to hoist it up.