A friend of ours keeps their large Newfie in the TT while it is being towed. He weighs about 150lbs and won't fit in their extended cab pick up. I have always been hesitant to keep pets in TT while it is being towed. Am I being too anal about this?
Vanda and Dave Ludwig (Vandave) & world's laziest Bassett Hound, Daisy Mae, 6 month King Charles Spaniel, '06 2500HD, 4WD, EC, SB, D/A, 30U Arctic Fox, Equalizer hitch, Prodigy.
I think the ride in a trailer is TOO rough for animals, and people for that matter. I think it borders on animal abuse. Plus it may be really hot in there. It is a bad idea all around. It is just my opinion, others will say it is ok.
25 ft. Gulfstream Conquest
Chevrolet Suburban 4x4
Reese Dual Cam WD Hitch
Prodigy Brake Controller
I set a cup of tea on the counter at a stop and forgot it. 200miles down the road I remembered to get it while fueling. Not a drop had spilled. The ride is not too rough for an animal, I just wouldn't trust one back there. How does it let you know when it is time for a restroom break?
I can't imagine hwy being rough. With open vents, there should be enough air circulation. Plus, if one makes stops every couple of hours, it is a perfect time to stretch your legs and let the dog out as well.
While travelling, one of those spill proof water bowl would be nice to keep the dog hydraded.
Don't know how hot it gets in the trailer in the middle of the summer while travelling, but one way to check would be to leave one of those digital thermometers in that will register highest and lowest temperature.
I think if the dog is lying down, restint, there should be no concern. I would only worry if the animal tried walking around and lost it balance due to a moving vehicle...
My general rule is, if it's too dangerous for people, I don't subject my dogs to it. (flamers, take note, I didn't say my dogs were people... that's just my safety guideline). Since it's illegal for passengers to ride in a TT in my state, I wouldn't let a dog ride back there either. If these folks have a TT, then maybe the best place for the dog is in a crate in the back of the pickup. If they're pulling a 5th wheel, then that's not an option, but I'd say the dog would be safe enough in the 5er, as long as it was crated there as well (with windows & vents open, and a water bowl in the crate). And I'd stop every couple of hours, as somebody else suggested.
Samantha (the poster)
Tim, spouse and driver of the Corgi-Bus
Beth, Buddy, and Pippin - Pembroke Welsh Corgis
1988 Bounder Ford 460
Some owners do and some owners don't. If done with great care and attention to safety it works for some. Me, I would not do it under any circumstances.
IMHO I think that the possibility for a highway accident to occur involving the trailer is of a higher incidence than the TV.
But that's because "I" am anal about that.
Many owners travel numerous miles without an accident and both arrive safely at their camping destination, I try to keep that happy thought in my mind when seeing it.
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 Blue Ox We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
The ride isn't rough and yes, I have rode in a camper. Crank up a TurboMaxx and the trailer will stay well ventilated. Maybe the Newfie lies on the bed and is happy as a pig in mud to be by himself and nap. They know the temperment of their dog. Just like with a kid each one can and must be treated differently. Could you do that with a Jack Russel...definately not. If it works for them then great.
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
The Paw Pack (Freckles, Stinky & Ranger)
'96 Monaco Windsor 36' DP 8.3L Cummins
Ready Brake w/ Demco Excali-bar
'03 Ford Explorer (Toad)
'04 Honda Insight
'04 Volvo S80 AWD
'74 Dart Swinger Drag Car
14' Boat 9.9 Mercury
Keep an eye on the temps otherwise the critter will be fine.
Thats not to say that some folks you meet won't think you are subjecting your critter to cruelty.
I myself was once confronted for animal cruelty by a "concerned citizen" because I left my dog in my car after sunset while I bought a drink at a 7/11. The fact that the sun wasn't in the sky didn't seem to influence their thinking that the car would magically get to hot. Maybe it would be heated by moonlight :-)
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