Pet Trailer

[irish2themax]

I am a 65-year old widower whose only companion is my Golden Retriever "Harp" (named after the Irish beer). I would really like to take him on extended trips so I've been looking at options.

Came across this site... WAGS (http://www.wagstrailers.com/large_pet_trailer.asp)

Not sure who may be interested.

1616

[dltang]

I have the same issue and have been talking about it for a while now. We still would like to do something but I am not sure I would go the route of WAGS. Here are some photos of how we would eventually like to customize our trailer if we are able.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/24c06d6d.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/e0f7066c.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/e533924e.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/a3ab80be.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/36fa1cd2.jpg

[bjt]

Just to clarify, I don't think we have anything against the WAGS trailers but $4,000 is a bit out of our price range right now for a (mostly) dedicated pet trailer. We were looking at cheaper trailers in general and found a used Bushtec for $2,000 that we may somehow modify with a dog top.

:shemademe_smilie: EDIT: Okay,she corrected me and said she wouldn't use a WAGS no matter what as she had a concern with the venting and heat build up in an enclosed trailer.

[irish2themax]

Are those pics the modified BUSHTECH trailer?

Edit: I'm not thrilled with the price tag on the WAGS either. Interesting article (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-pet-carrier/)

[bjt]

I don't think any of those pictures are of a Bushtec trailer. We visited Bushtec while heading out to Gatlinburg last year and they told us that they were thinking of making an official dog trailer mod to their Turbo 2 trailer. He was talking about a cutout in the standard top that could be securely closed to keep items in the trailer safe and dry when not transporting a dog(s). They had made a special order dog transport trailer a few years back for someone and they said they are getting more requests for a pet trailer.

[dltang]

Are those pics the modified BUSHTECH trailer?

Edit: I'm not thrilled with the price tag on the WAGS either. Interesting article (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-pet-carrier/)

No, this is a company from Quebec http://www.fibroconcept.com/en/index.cfm that has an accessory known as a dog hatch. Here is a link to a thread from last year when we were first talking about this. Dog Trailer Thread (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6458&highlight=trailers) But, Bushtec did say they could probably do something like this and they were thinking about it as they have had multiple inquiries. I know they can do it as a special order but I am not sure if or when they would add it to their accessory page.

[MSGTDOC]

FOLLLOW THIS LINK FOR AN IDEA. THEN JUST BOLT A PET CARRIER TO THE TRAILER

http://www.gadgetjq.com/trailer.htm#roll
:dontknow:

[Firefly]

The WAGS would be the only safe way to take your dog in tow - which is still going to be somewhat dangerous. Of course most people don't crate their dogs while in their car either. Ever have one go flying up and hit the windshield? Not a fun thing to see. Crate is much safer, just as the WAGS would be.

An open ****pit with the dogs head sticking out just isn't safe. I believe Lamonster can attest to what it feels like to take a bee in the face - don't want that to happen to Fido either.

If the WAGS could serve as a camper also - I'd consider one!

[bjt]

The WAGS would be the only safe way to take your dog in tow - which is still going to be somewhat dangerous. Of course most people don't crate their dogs while in their car either. Ever have one go flying up and hit the windshield? Not a fun thing to see. Crate is much safer, just as the WAGS would be.

An open ****pit with the dogs head sticking out just isn't safe. I believe Lamonster can attest to what it feels like to take a bee in the face - don't want that to happen to Fido either.

If the WAGS could serve as a camper also - I'd consider one!

It can if you are really short or double jointed. :D

[dltang]

After further review of the Wags trailer, I agree it is a good way to transport your dog. I did not realize there was a solar powered fan in them. I have trailered horses for years in this style trailer and I know it can get very hot in those trailers even with all the windows and vents open. I was afraid that in a smaller version of the horse style trailer it would get downright suffocating. I see that does not appear to be an issue.

Firefly, you are correct in stating this is probably the safest way to tow your dog but as you mentioned people in cars usually do not crate their animal. Also, it is possible for road debris and insects to get to the dog when their head is sticking out. The same could be said for dogs that are allowed to stick their head out of a car window. But the just love it and that is why they do it. As for the trailer scenario, I imagine on longer hauls many of those dogs would curl up and lay down for a portion of the trip.

At this point, if and when I am able, I still plan on getting a top or hatch for my current top that fits on my current trailer. I think for the hauling of my pet that I am planning, it would work out just fine.

[irish2themax]

Thanks dltang...they certainly are cool looking but I note from the other thread that they are about the same price as the WAGS (if not a bit more).

The WAGS has a cooler that I presume fills with ice. They aren't very specific in anything I've found so far.

The suggestion from MSGTDOC is a possibility I'll look into as well

Thanks for your advice!!

[fastfraser]

:2thumbs:
FOLLLOW THIS LINK FOR AN IDEA. THEN JUST BOLT A PET CARRIER TO THE TRAILER

http://www.gadgetjq.com/trailer.htm#roll
:dontknow:

:2thumbs::2thumbs:What a great idea . I really dont need a trailer , but for a 2 - 3 hundred bucks i'm in.

[dltang]

Thanks dltang...they certainly are cool looking but I note from the other thread that they are about the same price as the WAGS (if not a bit more).

The WAGS has a cooler that I presume fills with ice. They aren't very specific in anything I've found so far.

The suggestion from MSGTDOC is a possibility I'll look into as well

Thanks for your advice!!
I agree, if it is sole to pull your pet, the suggestion from MSGTDOC is pretty darn good. For us, having a convertible top to the trailer is our best choice. We can use the trailer for cargo or dog that way.

[Firefly]

I just always think about what if I was in a crash - and how would the dog be safest. The WAGS really would protect them well. Seems they can still stick a head out the side window----

Maybe just get a small dog and cut a hole in the Spyder trunk - :D

[Roaddog2]

It can if you are really short or double jointed. :D:clap::roflblack::roflblack:

[irish2themax]

While I like MSGTDOC's suggestion, I think after reading TONS of information on trailering pets, I'm going to save up for the WAGS. I like the versatility of being able to haul gear (tents, camping gear, etc.) in a watertight trailer when I'm not taking my dog along with me.

[Firefly]

While I like MSGTDOC's suggestion, I think after reading TONS of information on trailering pets, I'm going to save up for the WAGS. I like the versatility of being able to haul gear (tents, camping gear, etc.) in a watertight trailer when I'm not taking my dog along with me.

:agree:

I was looking at getting a Roll-a-Home camper - but now am re-thinking it and looking at the WAGS. Could do camping with dog then.

Would be neat to be able to incorporate some kind of fold out camper----hmmmmm:doorag:

[irish2themax]

:agree:

I was looking at getting a Roll-a-Home camper - but now am re-thinking it and looking at the WAGS. Could do camping with dog then.

Would be neat to be able to incorporate some kind of fold out camper----hmmmmm:doorag:


Get a Sunsetter awning/screen room to attach to the side...LOL

[Questions]

That is a cool trailer. I love my dog and would love to have him with me. Trailering him in the trailer does not seem too safe. Too many things I can see go wrong

[DynamoBT]

I don't know that it would be any less safe than trailering a horse in a horse trailer. Certainly the enclosed trailer is safer than any opening that allows the dog to stick its head out.

[chris56]

I love our dog (maggy) - but I think it would be to stressy for her to spydery.. my idea is to buy a trailer for our car put on the spyder and then she can sit inside like here ??
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/album.php?albumid=139&pictureid=1113
chris

[DynamoBT]

Is she an English ****er?? She looks very sweet. I have a big soft spot for the English breeds. English Setters, English ****ers, Bull Terriers. Mmmmmm apparently there is a block to the first part of the word ***er Spaniel. Hope you can understand what breed I'm talking about.

[SpydeeBite2]

My concern would be putting my dog directly in the line of exhaust. :lecturef_smilie:I would want to know more about exhaust flow in and/or around the trailer otherwise it could be unhealthy for the animal.
Ron

[Smylinacha]

I love your signature:cheers:! Only thing I'd be afraid of is someone in a car hitting you guys from behind. Not sure if the trailer would hold up with a car hitting it?:dontknow:

He is a big dog, not like you can stick him in some little Gucci carrier. Sure would look cool with a child car seat looking thing and have it strapped to the passenger seat and have Harp belted in! That way his knees could be in the breeze too!

Not sure if that is legal or not... would be nice though!:clap:

[bjt]

My concern would be putting my dog directly in the line of exhaust. :lecturef_smilie:I would want to know more about exhaust flow in and/or around the trailer otherwise it could be unhealthy for the animal.
Ron


That's the point I bring up to dltang also, along with the potential road debris kicked up by the rear tire and the noise level (road, wind and exhaust). The dog might be a nervous wreck by the time we pulled over anywhere. :dontknow: