We Tested the 5 Best Dog Crates for Truck Beds in 2022!

Whether you’re heading to the great outdoors for a weekend getaway or visiting friends in the next town, the dog crate you use will make or break the trip for your dog. When traveling in the bed of a truck, you want your furry friend to be comfortable and safe during the journey! 

Finding the best dog crate for your truck bed can be difficult, and you may not even know where to begin. That’s why we’ve searched through hundreds of pet crates to fully test 10 of the top contenders and compiled this list of the best dog crates for your truck bed.

To help narrow down your search, we tested the top-rated dog crates available for your truck bed to ensure fun for every member of the family on your next adventure or getaway! These crates are our top 5 picks.

Our Top Picks

	Product	Details
	Best Overall: UWS 2-Door Dog Box	This crate is great because it has dual compartments plus a cold climate design. It works wonders for those who want to take their dogs out for an adventure through the snow safely	Check Price
	Most Efficient: Midwest Portable Tent Crate	This soft canopy design is a major plus for those who want to take their dog on the road without adding a ton of extra weight to the truck bed. We love the easy installation and weather-resistant material.	Check Price
	Most Versatile: VidaXL Dog Crate With Double Door	This dog crate features aesthetically pleasing plastic corner connections and is best suited for a large dog or two small ones that are happy traveling together.	Check Price
	Most Weather-Proof: UWS Southern 2-Door Deep Dog Box	This is the most durable dog crate we tested and it performs well under the most hostile weather conditions. Made in the US, this dog crate gives your dog the ventilation it needs while keeping the sun and rain away.	Check Price
	Most Heavy-Duty: LUCKUP Heavy-Duty Dog Crate	This dog crate is the most heavy-duty with its chew-proof and rust-proof rugged steel design. Featuring locking caster wheels, you can be sure this crate won’t roll around in the back of your truck on your next outing with your pup.	Check Price

How We Chose the Best Dog Crates for Truck Beds

We considered some of the leading dog crate companies and their best products to find the top 5 contenders for your truck bed.

This included Owens Dog Boxes, established in 1965, one of the leading forces in the automotive aftermarket with products like running boards, toolboxes, dog boxes, and custom-made products. 

Another dog gear manufacturer, UWS, takes runner-up for one of the best dog crates for your truck bed. UWS is a designer of USA-assembled products ranging from toolboxes, dog boxes, and a variety of truck storage options.

We also took a look at dog boxes from other companies such as Bushwacker with their soft canopy version of truck bed boxes for your dog. This option is also considered the most cost-effective with its minimal materials.

Lastly, we searched the internet for top products that dog owners across the nation loved from favorite online shopping sites like Amazon and Chewy. Here we compared ratings and reviews of 45 dog crates for truck beds to see which boxes we wanted to test out.

From all of the dog crates we researched, we chose to test 10 of them, and these are 5  of the best dog crates we could find.

READ MORE: The Best Airline-Approved Dog Crates. Keep your dog safe in the air with these reliable and compliant dog crates.

Best Dog Crates for Truck Beds

1. Best Overall: USW 2-Door Dog Box

Product Ratings

Sizes: 48” x 48” x 31.25” | Lockable: Yes | Brand: USW | Weight: 30 lbs | Features: 2 compartment divider | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds 

We love the USW 2-door dog box for its size and storage features. It has a top lockable storage compartment where you can store accessories and small items along with your dog. This is great because the dog crate takes up truck bed space, so a lockable storage area is a nice bonus in our opinion.

Size & Pricing

Pricing on this crate is not exactly the most wallet-friendly, however, you can be sure that this dog box is going to be around for the long haul. The extra cost is the only reason this crate didn’t take the top spot.

We love that you can fit two large breed dogs alongside each other in two different compartments for ease and comfort during travel. 

Whereas the USW 2-door dog box boasts spacious room for your dog, it is only 30 lbs making it efficient to haul in the bed of your truck. This is fantastic for loading and unloading as well as maximizing truck payload.

Material & Quality

USW produces a wide range of utility boxes for your truck, including the 2-door dog box. The material is durable, high quality, and built to last. This dog box includes a top rail that is welded on to provide extra areas to tie down and secure the cargo. 

Its extra-thick aluminum design, with stainless steel t-handle locks, put this dog crate firmly onto our list of the top 5 best dog crates for your truck bed. We love this crate for its high-quality material and efficiency. 

2. Most Efficient: Midwest Portable Tent Crate

Product Ratings

Sizes: 42” x 26” x 32” | Lockable: No | Brand: Midwest | Material: Vinyl | Features: Synthetic sheepskin dog pad | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds 

The Midwest Portable Dog Crate for truck beds is one of the best buys if you’re on a budget! It comfortably fits large and small breed dogs with its wide canopy design. 

Size & Pricing

Being one of the most budget-friendly options, we think the Midwest tent crate is the most efficient buy for those wanting to travel with your dog safely in the bed of your truck to any outdoor adventure. 

Perfect for backyards, camping, and truck beds, the Midwest dog crate is easy to assemble with its easy folding steel frame.

Material & Quality

The material of this dog crate is made out of durable vinyl and mesh making it tear-resistant while being easy to clean. We love that the breathable mesh material makes this dog crate comfortable for our dogs to ride in during warm weather conditions. 

We use our dog crates as pup tents while we camp in the mountains. This particular soft crate is not the most secure option for keeping our dog in during the night, but it is especially comfortable and we love that we can fold it down when we’re done.

Midwest Homes for Pets brand makes durable, lasting dog tent crates and other pet transportation options for your vehicle and the great outdoors. The quality is high performing for its considerably low price. The Midwest tent crate is the most efficient and convenient buy in our opinion. 

3. Most Versatile: VidaXL Dog Crate with Double Door

Product Ratings

Sizes: 37” x 34.6” x 27.2” | Lockable: Yes | Brand: VidaXL | Weight: 42 lbs | Features: Double door | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds 

We love the VidaXL dog box with double doors on our list of top 5 dog crates for your truck bed because of its high-grade and aesthetically pleasing design. 

Size & Pricing

Two large breed dogs can fit in this dog crate or multiple small breeds. We wish that it came with an interior divider so we can travel with two dogs that don’t get along perfectly. Even the best dogs can squabble if they slide around in a crate, so a divider would be nice.

This dog box features a unique shape and easy assembly. It is definitely worth the price compared to other leading dog crates for your truck bed. We love the VidaXL because its heavy-duty, contemporary design makes it simple and efficient to take your dog on the road with you.

Material & Quality

We voted this onto our list of products due to its high-quality design. MDF and aluminum comprise this dog crate making a seamless, smooth finish perfect for your home or in the bed of your truck. And, despite its heavy-duty design, the VidaXL dog box is well ventilated for warmer months of travel.

There was no skimping on quality with this dog crate. Our testing showed the value of the easy-to-clean design, comfortable riding, and overall longevity of the box. 

4. Most Weather-Proof: UWS Southern 2-Door Deep Dog Box 

Product Ratings

Sizes: 48” x 48” x 29.12” | Lockable: Yes | Brand: UWS | Material: Aluminum and stainless steel | Features: Folding T-handle lock | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds 

The UWS Southern 2-Door Deep Dog Box is excellent for its size and price and it provides some weather protection which we appreciate. 

Our only complaint with this box is that it does not include a floor, so dog paws can slip down the truck bed grooves and under the crate. It also makes it unusable outside of the truck for a camping crate unless you bring something clean to set it on.

Size & Pricing

You can fit up to two large-breed dogs comfortably within the box in the back of your truck.

We consider this to be a moderately economic-friendly buy and is a good middle-ground for someone who wants to splurge a little without going overboard.

The southern 2-door deep dog box provides spacious and safe accommodations for your dogs while traveling any distance. 

Material & Quality

This dog crate is made from aluminum and stainless steel material that doesn’t compromise on quality. We feel this dog crate option is one of the best choices for hot weather because it is ventilated on all sides.

We like the solid top because it provides shade while traveling in hot weather and can also keep rain out of the crate. It is not completely weather-proof, and additional protection will be needed in severe weather, but it offers the most protection of all the crates we tested.

The Southern 2-door crate features two welded bars along the top that provides a sturdy way to attach to the bed of your truck so you know your dog won’t be sliding around with the cargo.

5. Most Heavy-Duty: LUCKUP Heavy-Duty Dog Crate 

Product Ratings

Sizes: 37.5” x 25.5” x 32”| Lockable: Yes | Brand: LUCKUP | Weight: 56 lbs | Features: Locking castor wheels | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds 

We love the LUCKUP heavy-duty dog crate as one of the best dog crates for your truck bed. Large breed dogs or multiple small breed dogs that get along can be safely stowed away in the same space.

Size & Pricing

This is one of the more affordable options and is a great buy for its overall size. It features a top and front door for ease of access for your dog.

We consider this an economic buy for its high-grade design and quality. The LUCKUP dog crate is of the most heavy-duty frames and includes a removable bottom tray for easy clean up of food and excrements. 

Material & Quality

Made from alloy steel, the LUCKUP dog crate is designed to last. This is why we voted it most heavy-duty on our top 5 dog crates for your truck bed.

It is hard to damage and keeps your dog safe while traveling. The 360 rotating caster wheels make it easy to transport this dog crate, yet features a locking mechanism so it won’t slide around in the bed of your truck.

This dog crate won’t rust, and the alloy steel construction is welded together to last for years to come. 

Comparison Chart

The Winner

Overall, we loved the USW 2-Door Dog Box crate for truck beds. This crate was amazing for dogs of all sizes, offered ample ventilation, is spacious, and overall a heavy-duty product that is also wallet-friendly.

READ MORE: The Best Dog Crate End Tables. We found the best dog crate end tables to blend in with your decor while giving your dog a safe and comforting place to sleep!

How to Choose the Best Dog Crate for Truck Beds

Consider Your Dog’s Needs

The amount of travel you’ll be doing with your dog in tow, weather conditions, and your dog’s behavior all play an important role when choosing the right dog crate.

If you are traveling with multiple dogs, do they need a divider to use the same crate, or will they be more comfortable and reassured if they travel together?

What Are The Weather Conditions?

If you are going somewhere with hostile weather conditions, you’ll want to provide a well-insulated shelter for your dog while traveling. Additionally, you always want ample ventilation and storm covers to help protect your dog from inclement weather.

Be sure that you also consider the temperature. If you are going somewhere cold, insulation is a must. Open-floor dog crates would not be suitable for snowy or cold climates. 

You may also want to consider getting your dog a reliable winter coat to protect them from frigid conditions. We ranked the Best Winter Dog Coats in this guide. Be sure to check it out!

Material

It is best to consider what type of material best suits your needs, your truck’s compatibility, and the comfort of your dog. 

Does your dog get muddy or dirty often? Will you need an easy-to-clean floor that is removable? These are important questions when deciding on a truck bed dog crate.

Also, consider the truck bed. Some of these crates will scratch and ding an unprotected truck bed. Consider getting a bed liner to keep your truck bed looking its best while traveling with a dog crate secured in the back.

For most outdoor adventures, we recommend aluminum boxes or alloy steel frames. This will ensure the longevity of your purchase and is specifically designed to endure all types of weather conditions. 

Sizing Your Dog

Each crate is suitable for small and large breed dogs. If you need one for two large breed dogs at a time, it is best to find a crate with two compartments. Large breed dogs can ride comfortably in both single and dual compartment crates as long as you purchase a crate with dimensions large enough to keep the dog comfortable.