which dog crates fit in the e53?

[hayaku]

hey gang

i need to fit 2 large dog crates for my german shepherd pups when they grow up. I'll be taking them to schutzhund class and crates are mandatory for safety and other obvious reasons. is it possible to fit 2 crates in? I saw Last5oh's thread on his GSD crate and it looks like only 1 of those crates will fit?

Or does this mean i have to get rid of the x5 for a bigger truck?

thanks gang

[Last5oh]

I don't see how one can fit 2 adult GSD-sized crates in the X5. I doubt that 2 will even fit into a pre-2008 Explorer (the 2008's are even smaller inside).

If you want an SUV you'll have to look at the full-sized models - Expedition, Yukon - and you might find good deals on those these days.

Check out the forums at www.germanshepherds.com (if you have not done so yet). There are some folks there who had custom crates done for a Tahoe to for 2 dogs side-by-side.

[hayaku]

Thanks, I have been scouring all the GSD websites and forums. I'm not interested in a crate that's fitted into the car permanently as i will need to have the crate out in the field when we are training or having the dogs on trial. so something i can easy move around and put in the field would be ideal...

most of the people in the sport have regular trucks where they put the crates in the bed of the truck. since these are also my babies, i rather them be inside the car

[realchef]

A. I have a pre 08 Exploder and with the seats down, 2 crates will fit.
B. On the X, with the seats down, 2 crates will fit but it depends on the height.

[hayaku]

i was also thinking getting a small trailer for the back where i can strap the crates on and keep the pups inside the trunk area with the space divider... hmmm

[Last5oh]

Originally Posted by realchef

A. I have a pre 08 Exploder and with the seats down, 2 crates will fit.
B. On the X, with the seats down, 2 crates will fit but it depends on the height.

Yes I agree... 2 creates with the seats down.

Here's my 2002 with the dog crate in back 2nd row seats UP (no 3rd row seats)


Create is a Pet Porter XL 40Lx27Wx30H. 2 of these crates WILL NOT fit side-by-side in the Explorer.

In the X5 its a SNUG fit (height) after dropping the 60% rear split. The crate ends up slightly tilted (higher in front). I also find that I can't drive the X5 the way I want to drive it with the dog in the car. That wasn't an issue with the Explorer.

For safety reasons, I no longer transport the dog without the crate... used to until she was 8 months old... that's when she decided it was time for her to 'drive'.

[odo]

Originally Posted by hayaku

i was also thinking getting a small trailer for the back where i can strap the crates on and keep the pups inside the trunk area with the space divider... hmmm

I have two weimaraners (95 and 85 pounds). They ride in the back with the seats folded down. Even that is kind of small for them. I wouldn't ake them any long distance in it. I like the idea of the trailer. Two crates of any size will not fit in the X5. Plus taking the crates in and out will do lots more damage than the dogs will... probably. There's plenty of room in the back of my Yukon and in the back of my ext cab GMC pickup with the seat folded up. GM is offering great deals on 2008 Yukons until 1/5/08... and probably after. They are $8000 to $10000 off. They are very nice trucks, and I guarantee they will be in the shop less than your X5. I speak from experience.

[realchef]

Originally Posted by hayaku

i was also thinking getting a small trailer for the back where i can strap the crates on and keep the pups inside the trunk area with the space divider... hmmm

I have the Barrier in the X; if loose and acquainted, 2 dogs would stage in there but it will be tight with seats up. The Mesh Barrier is quite strong and unrolls to work in the forward postion with the seats down as well.

Have you looked for a dedicated small pet trailer? There's gotta be one. Might be the best overall compromise, especially if it has lockable storage for bowls, leads, food etc...

[hayaku]

Originally Posted by realchef

Have you looked for a dedicated small pet trailer? There's gotta be one. Might be the best overall compromise, especially if it has lockable storage for bowls, leads, food etc...

If there's not one, i could build it from a simple harbor freight trailer like this

just weld up some square tubes for box frames and the plastic dog crates could slip right in and get locked down securely and build some storage as well. Or i could do it cheaper with just wood on a trailer like this as well


looks like i get to keep the x5 after all.. plus i could really use it for any other car when we go to the shows and trials with the whole family...

[realchef]

Now that's some problem solving!!

Wasn't that an episode on Monster Garage!! Keep your plans, you might be able to sell a few and recoup some $$$!!

I would go with steel/Alum.