This post is about how I dealt with two problems, namely Dog Transport and Truck Organization by constructing a drawer unit for my truck. This all started when I watched a Standing Stone Kennels video about the best dog crates. I realized that how I transported the dogs was not safe.
Background
When I bought my 2019 Suburban, it came with a sloping storage contraption that was pretty useless. Not only did it not hold much of anything, but it also sloped down to the back. My solution was to build a simple board with blocks underneath to make it level. Then, I added a kennel and I was all set to go hunting. I used the truck this way for the 2019 season.
During the summer of 2020, I was watching one of the many videos produced by Standing Stone Kennels and Ethan was talking about how important it was for dogs to be safely confined and protected in the event of an accident. He made a lot of sense.
I realized that my setup was not safe for the dogs or me in the event of an accident. I was also struggling with storage in the truck. Anything stored in funky factory contraption could only be accessed by removing the kennel(s) and the board. So I had two problems to solve:
- Readily available storage
- A safe way to transport the dogs.
The Solution
I started by purchasing a pair of Ruffland kennels from Cabelas. They are extremely strong and come with attachment points that allow them to be anchored.
I also had to solve the storage problem. After doing some Internet research I decided that I needed to build a drawer system.
I custom designed a shell that bolts to the truck using existing anchor points. I then built two drawers that mount on heavy duty drawer slides.
Each drawer can extend out almost three feet and is covered by a removable top. The slides will support over 100 pounds so the dogs can walk out on them without any concern.
To access the drawer, I simply lift up the cover. I keep all of the truck related emergency gear in the left drawer including the jack, tire tools, tool set, emergency beacons, jumper cables, dynamic rope, etc. Lots of stuff.
In the other drawer I have seasonal gear. During hunting season it is ammo, bird cleaning stuff, a skunk kit and other hunting/dog related stuff.
The top of the shell has 8 threaded inserts that allow heavy eye bolts to be screwed in. Then I put in a kennel and use ratchet straps to anchor the kennel in place. There is room for two kennels and each is tied down with two straps.
Then I added fans to the kennels for early season when it is hot. The fans connect to wiring that is built into the shell that connects to the truck power through a cigarette lighter plug. I had to use a socket by the rear seat in order to have power, even if the ignition is off. Each kennel has a switch next to the fan.
At this point, I realized that the drawers made an excellent place to clean birds at the end of the day. During late season hunts it gets dark.
So I added LED lights to both kennels. When it comes time to clean birds it is just a matter of touching a switch and we have light. This setup worked really well.
Finished Project
This started out as a project to deal with my Dog Transport and Truck Organization concerns. The drawer system has met all of my expectations. I have ready access to my emergency gear as well as my hunting gear. I am happy with how well anchored the kennels are. The dogs jump right in and by all appearances are extremely comfortable.
When the drawers are pulled out they make an excellent work surface whether it is for cleaning birds or patching up a dog.
Update: As of 2024, the drawers have lived up to expectations. On almost every trip to Iowa, we have cleaned birds. On a couple occasions I have patched up dogs there too. I have even cleaned fish there.
