Dogs and rooftop tents

[bigreen505]

For those of you with dogs and roof top tents, how exactly do you get the dog in the tent? If I had a pickup with a bed mounted tent, no problem, but I keep wanting a roof tent, but not sure how it would work for me. I guess I could just leave the dogs in the car, but I can't imagine they would be happy. Sometimes letting them sleep on the ground is okay, sometimes I want them off the ground for the same reasons I want to be off the ground.

[Charger92]

I have a RTT with the shower/change room hanging off the bottom when flipped open. My dog likes to sleep in his own bed in the change area. Nice big dog pillow and a yellow sleeping pad doubled up under it.
I usally setup his bed area as soon as I do ours early in the day. He also has a old sleeping bag that we use for him as a toss around camp and that gets put out with the camp chairs that we use.
If I don't get a chance to get his bed setup because of my wife changing, or helping friends setup etc, and he wants to go to sleep, I hear about it.
He gives a grunt bark at the change area and paws the ground wanting his bed. He also can't wait to roll on his back when I am putting his pillow out and nudges me to move, so he must like it in the change area.
At night I leave the zippered corner door open just enough so if he has to get out he still can.
My wife and I sleep up top.
I have layed on his bed and I must say it's real comfortable. I checked it for dampness a few mornings, even after a night of rain, and there is absolutely none. It's far dryer than a tent inside due to condensation.

Here is my tent setup and Newman on his sleeping bag toss (He is a spoilet dog)

[SinCity4r]

My dog sleeps in the truck. No way I'm pushing a 95lb dobe 7 feet up a ladder.

http://joelrasmus.com/gallery/d/9890-2/DSC_8468.jpg
(there are barriers now)

Really seems to like it back there also. Kinda like her little cave.

[DesertRose]

Be sure to ask Paul at Equipt about what happens when your happy lab spends all day running around playing with Cherokee (goodtimes' fabulous dog) chasing sticks and gobbling sand . . . and then gets put to bed in the uber-nice Land Cruiser - so she can barf all that sand and dog food up all over the leather seats in front!!

(of course, now that i think about it, if she had been in the roof tent with Paul . . . .):smilies27

This thread will be great - Custom builds for our pets!

Our spoiled border collie used to get to sleep on the queen-sized bed in the Four-Wheel Popup with us because he would NOT even consider for one moment sleeping on the floor, no-sir-ee. But he was always quiet as a mouse, happily keeping me warm. And we only had one barf episode in the 6 years we had the popup.

[DesertRose]

At night I leave the zippered corner door open just enough so if he has to get out he still can.


I assume you've not had skunk problems?! What a good dog Newman is, for not running off, too. And lucky - wow!

[Colorado Ron]

Hmm. Not sure. I have a real dog, he sleeps outside.

[DesertRose]

Hmm. Not sure. I have a real dog, he sleeps outside.

You mean this isn't a real dog?

Well, I think he agrees with you - he thinks he is one of us.:p

http://www.jandrhanson.com/rh/robsofa.jpg

[grouch]

He looks just like Judge, my college room mate's border. Fantastic dogs.

[Dave]

Well, I think he agrees with you - he thinks he is one of us.:p

That must be a trait with border collies. Our BC, Gabby, is quite positive she is people. It probably has nothing to do with how we spoil her.

http://www.ilikecoconuts.com/gallery/d/3456-4/DSCN1244_001.jpg

The dog will have to be a consideration when we decide to upgrade to vehicle based sleeping quarters.

[Bergger]

Just be careful about feeding your dog camping scraps then putting him in the truck to sleep. My neighbor did this when we were camping last year. Well the dogs, yes 2 of them, both crapped all over the inside of the truck then proceeded to step in it and smear it all over everything. :eek: Lets just say the ride home for them was a little unpleasant to the nose!! My 95lbs Malamute refuses to sleep inside any type of tent or dog house. Doesn't matter if theres a foot of snow outside. The 85lbs Husky however, will never turn down a nice comfortable bed or couch.

[bigreen505]

Hmm. Not sure. I have a real dog, he sleeps outside.

And you don't worry about coyotes, etc.? Part of it is a temperture issue. In the winter they are usually okay because they have winter coats, but in the other three seasons, they don't and it still gets cold. The last trip each dog went to bed wearing a fleece sweatshirt and a fleece vest. That was just about enough and it wasn't even that cold out (above 25 for sure). In fairness to them that was the first outing with a new tent and it is not warm at all (Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3).

On a warmer night or when I'm not worried about them finding a low position on the food chain they will sleep in the vestibule and come and go as they please, particularly if there is water (lake, stream, big puddle) or other dogs around.

Ultimately, there are nights when I want them in the tent and I'm not sure how to do that with a roof top tent. They are pretty small doggies at about 55 lb. each.

[Charger92]

I assume you've not had skunk problems?!


No problems with skunks. I have had a couple of racoons once. We were camping with my wifes parents in a park camp ground. As much as I hate the graveled flat, golf cart wood seller, optional area for full hook up, type of camping, we did it anyway to do some wine tours in the area. The camp has no bears and is patroled.
I left his dog food storage container out with a 15lb rock on the lid wedged under the picnic table seat and the ground. I was thinking if any other wondering dogs or racoons came it would not be a problem. In the middle of the night I hear crash and Newman starts barking. I jump out of bed and shine my light looking around, Newman has his body out the front change area but his hind end is still in, I see it's just racoons at the edge of the camp site and say Go get em!
He takes off and chases them out.

In heavy bear areas and all the time out, everything goes in a sealed kitchen only box in the back hatch. If you feel they still may come around bring a zip lock bag of moth balls. Scatter around the camp and pick up when you go. They last several outings.
I also have used a gassy smelling rag hanging from the truck when I forgot the moth balls.


What a good dog Newman is, for not running off, too. And lucky - wow!
Thanks, He really is a good dog. He was a little spry the first 2years of age but always has been a real people dog. If another dogs come around he goes for a wag and sniff then comes right back by us as lays down. He likes to say hi but also, yeh, I've had enough leave me alone.
Now he's 10yrs old and is a little less spry but he still can climb a 6hr mountian hike and will be ready for another the next day. He does real good off leash in the city, always on my heal even when other dogs are by or if we have done the walk he will go a head about 20ft but stops at every corner till I say, OK!
He just picks it up with out training or if I do try to teach him something it's like I show him 3times and then knows it.
The neighbor had picked up a kitten a couple of years back. At first the cat was unsure of who he was and did the arch hair up thing. He ended up crouching real low and sniffing. Now after maybe 17 times of being around each other she will walk righ up to him and he puts his front legs flat on the ground hind in air wagging creeping forward and they touch noses, she will rub her head on his. Such a gental mentality.
I couldn't of asked for a better close friend.

If you check out this you will get an Idea of similar traits in Newman. I guess some dogs like to be more human. My sister inlaws dog is a bit well, we'll leave it at that. My other 2 dogs previous to Newman were nothing like this either.
And he was the runt of the litter that no one wanted. We did and we got lucky. Ment to be.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5249518974978628334&q=skidboot&hl=en

Sorry for off topic. Back to regular programing.
Note:
I have tried plastic tarp under the dog bed but it tends to walk around. I find a yellow sleeping pad cut in half and doubled up works good for keeping the wet ground away from the bed and it's extra comfy.

[blupaddler]

The dog will have to be a consideration when we decide to upgrade to vehicle based sleeping quarters.

Ha! :xxrotflma

The REASON I drive an 80 is because of my dog. We had a 90 Toyota xcab. But she was outgrowing the space. That and she wanted to be able to stick her head out the window...So we sold the truck and bought the 80. Which ended up being better, although at times I miss the Wildernest camper.





O.k. Back on track...I, as many of you may know, have been debating a roof top tent. My thought is, to have a tent (i.e. eezi awn) flip forward, over the hood. This way I can use the ladder to the bull bar. I can then have Bella up in the tent via a lower angle, or at least a two step process (bull bar, then up to the tent).

Of course we could try the option of US (the wife and I) up in the tent, and Bella in the 80. :confused: Or I will finally get around to building a drawer system, and we'll just sleep back there.

[Dave]

That and she wanted to be able to stick her head out the window

Yes, Gabby was not too pleased the first time she climbed into the cab of my truck and realized that she could not hang her head out the window. She's learned to tuck her head between my seat and the pillar to feel the wind, but when Natasha is not riding shotgun, Gabby takes advantage of the empty passenger seat.

I honestly don't think Gabby would have too much trouble getting up a ladder as long as it wasn't straight up. She can climb the slimy swim ladder on my parents lake dock by herself, even with a toy in her mouth. Getting down the ladder would be the challenge. Hell, some nights she would probably be better at climbing the ladder then I would... :beer:

[Brian McVickers]

I use this for Oliver

http://www.ruffwear.com/site/display/WMR_200.jpg

Ruffwear makes some impressive products! This harness is a stand alone harness, the one Oliver has is the model used with the backpack saddle bags. Just like the one pictured but his is all black with some extra buckles.

I often use it without the saddle bags since it gives him a handle athat allows me to pick him up, over obstacles or away from danger.

I have used a roof top tent once with Oliver and the handle allowed me to pick him up and into the tent!!

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_DCP_0988.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_DCP_9385.JPG.jpg



:elkgrin:

[Bergger]

[QUOTE=bigreen505]And you don't worry about coyotes, etc.? Part of it is a temperture issue. In the winter they are usually okay because they have winter coats, but in the other three seasons, they don't and it still gets cold. The last trip each dog went to bed wearing a fleece sweatshirt and a fleece vest. That was just about enough and it wasn't even that cold out (above 25 for sure). In fairness to them that was the first outing with a new tent and it is not warm at all (Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3).

QUOTE]

If you have smaller dogs then I would definitely keep them in the tent or very close by. Small dogs are easy pickins for Coyotes. Mine are 85 and 95lbs respectively and I'd be more worried about he Coyotes than the dogs. I never let them sleep outside when they are loose. I usually tie them up on a short cable and keep them under the camper or in the bed of the truck. Actually my main concerns are the porcupines and mountain lions. The last trip my Husky came real close to getting into it with a porcupine. And I don't care if you have a 150-200lbs dog. No single dog can fight off a hungry Mountain Lion.

[flyingwil]

I know that Ruff Ware (dog equip) used to make a dog ground tent. I wanted to stock and carry them, but they no longer make the tents. With some kennel training a smaller dog tent would make the dog(s) rather comforable, and help simulate the "den" natural instincts.

If anyone finds a source for the dog tents please let me know.

[Charger92]

Check here:

http://www.rei.com/product/47883251.htm

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?product_id=8742-301

[FlyingWen]

When our Eez-Awn arrives, I want the dogs sleeping in the tent with us (hubby objects) HOWEVER, I plan on this:
The PetStep II: When unfolded and extended it is 70" in length. You can buy a carrying case and floatation bouys for it also.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/nanuk2121/dogramp.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/nanuk2121/Dogs.jpg

We have older dogs and I do not want them jumping out of the tent and risking breaking something.
At night, we can just slip the ramp into the truck bed!

See, Wil.. I have it all figured out! .. you poor guy :jump:

[bigreen505]

Wil, REI has a kid tent that is shockingly similar to the Ruffwear tents of old.

Bergger, my dogs are not lunch size, but are not big enough to scare off anything mean. A few years ago our camp got stampeded by a heard of Coyotes and I can't imagine what would have happened with a dog tied up to a tree or even just hangin' in the vestibule. That is what sparked this thread.

Brian, that harness idea is a good one. Do they sell that separately, or only as part of the packs?

[SinCity4r]

Do they sell that separately, or only as part of the packs?

Here is the harness:
http://www.ruffwear.com/Web-Master-trade-Harness?sc=2&category=16

[DesertRose]

That must be a trait with border collies. Our BC, Gabby, is quite positive she is people. It probably has nothing to do with how we spoil her.

Nope - we NEVER spoil our dog. Never. Ever.

BTW, the "spineless sleep" thing must be border collie, too - before he got old and arthritic, he would twist in the weirdest contortions for sleeping!

[The photo, by the way, was snapped when I got home and found him - illegally - on the couch; he had just opened his eyes and saw me, and there was this hilarious progression of expressions from "Yawn. . ." to "Uh, OH...." to "Sh!t - mom's home" to a slither off the couch and a sheepish wag and that expression: "Guess I can't blame it on the cat, huh?"]

[SLOwag]

I have used a roof top tent once with Oliver and the handle allowed me to pick him up and into the tent!!

I knew someone who ran rivers and used that harness on his dog....the handle made it easy to pluck the dog from the water and not waste time while he tries to scramble into the boat.

[DesertRose]

And he was the runt of the litter that no one wanted. We did and we got lucky. Ment to be.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5249518974978628334&q=skidboot&hl=en

Sorry for off topic. Back to regular programing.


We saw the Skidboot video - dang, it made me cry and cry. Our pooch is really really old (nearly 16) and blind and deaf and creaky as heck . . . but he's still happy (senility has its merits).

And FlyinWen - love the dog ramp and doggie pictures! I'd recommend the Ruffwear handle that Brian and Amy use for Ollie, too - it worked great (we saw it in action). I need to get one for our pooch, who too often thinks he's 4 again and tries to zoom off and I have to grab at whatever part of him is nearest lest he plunge off a ledge or into a cholla . . .

[goodtimes]

I have the same ruff-wear harness for Cherokee. While she no longer uses the "saddle bags" that came with it due to her knee injuries, the harness comes in real handy.

As for dogs sleeping in the beds...forget it! They are dogs. Dogs are not allowed on the furnature, period. Cherokee has her own bed at home, and I have a blanket for her to sleep on while camping. But she is not allowed on my "bed" (sleeping pad) while camping, just like she isn't allowed on my bed at home.

As for getting one in and out of a roof top tent....good luck with anything over about 50 pounds, without a LONG ramp. Also be sure you have a way for the dog(s) to get OUT of the tent...in a hurry if needed. It is a long way from the top of a vehicle to the ground. Jumping may not be the best thing...

[Brian McVickers]

They sell it as a stand alone harness
and
they use the same harness for the saddle bags, with some mods made.



Wil, REI has a kid tent that is shockingly similar to the Ruffwear tents of old.

Bergger, my dogs are not lunch size, but are not big enough to scare off anything mean. A few years ago our camp got stampeded by a heard of Coyotes and I can't imagine what would have happened with a dog tied up to a tree or even just hangin' in the vestibule. That is what sparked this thread.

Brian, that harness idea is a good one. Do they sell that separately, or only as part of the packs?

[bigreen505]

Also be sure you have a way for the dog(s) to get OUT of the tent...in a hurry if needed. It is a long way from the top of a vehicle to the ground. Jumping may not be the best thing...

That is an interesting point. I've had to kick a soon to be barfing dog out of the tent more than once.

[flyingwil]

When our Eez-Awn arrives, I want the dogs sleeping in the tent with us (hubby objects) HOWEVER, I plan on this:
The PetStep II: When unfolded and extended it is 70" in length. You can buy a carrying case and floatation bouys for it also.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/nanuk2121/dogramp.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/nanuk2121/Dogs.jpg

We have older dogs and I do not want them jumping out of the tent and risking breaking something.
At night, we can just slip the ramp into the truck bed!

See, Wil.. I have it all figured out! .. you poor guy :jump:


Yeah, That might work, pending the angle of the ramp is not too steep. If some people have their rooftop tents mounted on their roofs it might not work. Good thing that you can buy floatation buoys for when we camp in the middle of the lake! HA! (just kidding)

Crap! I might be sleeping on the couch tonight when I get home from work, now...

[blupaddler]

Question for both GT and McV...

How much do your dogs weigh?

[goodtimes]

Cherokee was down to ~55 pounds when she was at the vet last year. Lite enough I can pick her up with the harness pretty easily to get up/down/over stuff that she won't do on her own (cattle guards, large vertical steps on hiking trails, etc). But not light enough that I would want to carry her up a ladder to a roof top tent...

[Brian McVickers]

Question for both GT and McV...

How much do your dogs weigh?


Oliver is 60lb
I use the harness much like Brian, to help Oliver over obstacles on the trail...
Note that the roof top tent that I have hoisted Oliver into was on to p of an Adventure Trialer so I was probably standing on the ground to lift him! Going up the ladder would not be too bad although it has the potential for some funny home video opps!

[DesertRose]

With the harness, you could always rig a pulley system!

;)

[ZooJunkie]

My dogs only weigh 7lbs and 21lbs, and we call the 21lbs dog FAT! :p

I guess that's what I get for getting a Chihuahua and a Welsh Corgi.

[Super Doody]

If I had a roof top tent, I would have no problems with Indy in the cab or in the shell. He loves the cab. Its like his crate. Even if the truck park in the driveway and the door is open, he will jump in. When go snowboarding, he usually sleeps in the cab with his fleece ruffwear jacket and I check on him during lunch time.. My GF always that the passenger seat is his. : D.

[Sgt Grunt]

Hi all! This is Mrs. Sgt Grunt -

It's funny to watch my husband wrestle our 75lbs yellow lab Molly up the ladder while I'm already in the RTT and waiting to start pulling her from the ears to help get her in! I must admit, it's a pretty funny sight - all I see from the top is flailing legs and tail!! :jump: