samoyedman Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 (edited) I am looking at buying a Hiace campervan. It's got a middle and passenger seat in the front where I could harness-sit the samoyed, however it is an awkward height for him to jump up to and I'm not too keen on always lifting him when he is dirty plus he will eventually mess-up the passenger seat. This leaves the big area in the back of the van. It is laid out in typical camper style with a cushioned bench seat either side running most of the length of the cab and some floor space. He is used to looking out of the window and having air blow on him occasionally in a regular car. i'm not sure he will enjoy long camping trips if I plonk him on the floor in the back of the van and he cannot look out. Does anyone else here own a large-ish van and if so where do you seat your dog? Edited July 13, 2012 by samoyedman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempus Fugit Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 When I bought my small campervan it came with a standard transverse middle passenger bench seat that moves forward and the back then folds down for sleeping. So what I did to carry my GSD was to put the seat down into the bed position and hook a "back seat buddy" doggy seat protector (that I previously used in my car) over the folded seat headrests. This protected the seat and allowed the dog to lay down away from the edge of the seat so he wouldn't fall off when braking plus he could look out the window. I also fastened the dog's harness to the seat belt like you do in a normal car. The downside is that with the seat folded down I can't open the kitchenette drawer where the coffee mugs are kept. Of course if you have longitudinal seats it wouldn't work. I wouldn't carry a dog in the front passenger seat because of the danger from the air bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tralee Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 You should get a Transit van. Then you could put a sticker on the back: "Dogs in Transit" :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Can you secure a crate on one of the back bench seats? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeebie Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Definately go with a metal crate secured by a good method so it cannot slide around in event of braking or heaven forbid accident. I use a small dog crate fan which operates on batteries and hangs on front of crate or side and dogs love it has safety mesh so they can't access and injure themselves. with the crate you have option of collapsing flat if not using at any time and removing from vehicle if dog not travelling. Happy travels :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meea Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I have just bought a Hiace too and am pondering same. I am considering a false floor to take my show/camping gear which will let the young fella gaze out the window. The oldies couldnt care less. Maybe a dickie seat as well. Several cheap on ebay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozzie Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 You should get a Transit van. Then you could put a sticker on the back: "Dogs in Transit" :D I lol'd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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