Hopefully this is the right forum for this. Starting to figure out how to fabricate a dog crate to put on the my ATV for the upcoming grouse season (Sept 10 in this part of the woods). It is a 550 Polaris two up, the rear seat removes and that is where it will go. My dog is about 35 lbs. I was hoping to pick people's brains on this one and maybe save myself a few headaches down the road.
ATV dog crates?
- Thread starter Bland
- Start date
Yeah, I don't know if there is actually a proper way to haul a dog on an ATV. They can't hold on for themselves when the trail is rough so to me enclosed is the way to go (remember if they fall of when moving you could run them over) as far as the open concept goes. Enclosed forces them to lay down, make it small you don't want them to bounce around, pad the bottom like crazy for comfort. I use a sturdy plastic kennel, lined with a thick foam pad, that is securely fastened to my rear rack and kind of rests where my back seat goes on my Can-Am. I also drive extremely cautiously when my dog is with me no high speeds, avoid rough terrian if possible, a roll over with a dog and kennel would be good for neither you or them. Good luck on your reaserch if you come up with something real good let me know. Safe hunting.
Get a small crate to put the dog in. My brother-in-law used to carry 2 crates on the ATV for his dogs. One morning after driving on a rough trail his old male setter got out of the crate and started pissing blood, all the room in the crate left lots of space for the dog to bounce around. After that it was 2 dogs to a crate. They will get themselves in there and get comfortable, safer for them.
Intermediate crate will still hold both dogs, white one is full grown now. 52 and 40 lbs.
Intermediate crate will still hold both dogs, white one is full grown now. 52 and 40 lbs.
I use a Mud River crate cover, what I like about it is that it has tie down rings, that I use cam straps with to tie it down. Use a crate on the smaller size, and I reccomend using a very generous amount of hay for bedding, it's warm in the winter , comfortable year round and most importantly it will cushion the dog from being bounced around. When I first put my hay in my dog crates it looks like the dog won't be able to fit in, and then it compresses making a kick ass bed. Change the hay monthly unless it gets wet, then do it more often. The added bonus is the dog smells nice after bedding down in it.
Thanks again for the input. I do not think a normal dog crate will handle a roll which is what bothers me. I might get a metal roll cage built around around an appropriately sized crate. The attachment points are easy once I remove the two up seat. The factory jobs online are way out of budget. The open ones look OK but Harley flipped off the back the other day and caught one of his legs in the rear bumper. Nothing broken but could have so I am leaning towards enclosed. The tip about close quarters will help a lot for sizing.
I made a wooden one with no back, and the front is high enough to come under their chin and the sides are a bit lower. I have two golden retrievers and one stands on each side facing front. I have a short rope with a snap for their collars. I'll post a pic if you want. I don't drive fast with them on, maybe 20 -30 kph at the most
I have made wooden and steel dog boxes for the ATV and the best thing I have found is a plastic 45 gallon drum with a door cut in one end.
Attach it with ratchet straps and it is easy on easy off and the round corners of the drum will not catch the brush.
Attach it with ratchet straps and it is easy on easy off and the round corners of the drum will not catch the brush.
Looks like I am going with a basic dog crate. One of my mates is a backyard welder and he will fabricate a roll cage around it. There is a quick release system on Polaris ATV decks and it will be handy to remove to put the two up seat back on when the better half comes along for the ride. I will spend another hour or so and hopefully figure out how to post photos once it is done. Wish me luck.
Make sure he doesn't make it too heavy, some of those welders get carried away with stuff they have laying around which is too heavy for the job.
Look forward to seeing your pictures.
