Dogs and trucks

[wavking]

Been lurking on and off for a while. I’m a 19 year truckload/LTL veteran considering expediting in a year or two when my second son finishes school. I’ve been a fan of Phil Madsen (A-Team) since he started considering a change of careers and posting in usenet. Not a fan of reinventing the wheel, I prefer to use other people’s proven plans. My wife and I would start with a 40/60 split at first, staying out as much as possible for a year. Then if we decide we want to stay at it, we would have a moving sale and become “technically homeless.” We just rent now so it’s not hard to simply move out without moving in anywhere new. We’re just waiting for our kids to be self sufficient.

But one potential hurdle is our 2 dogs. They are members of the family and must ride with us. One is a Dalmatian and the other is a Mini Aussie Shepherd. I know that riding with pets will reduce our availability for certain types of loads and that’s ok. I’m wondering if anyone here rides with two medium dogs and what’s that like?

I’m also thinking about sleeping space. Not for the dogs, just me and my wife. How large do beds go in D units? Can you get a queen size mattress or just go with two twins, upper and lower?

 

[purgoose10]

Been lurking on and off for a while. I’m a 19 year truckload/LTL veteran considering expediting in a year or two when my second son finishes school. I’ve been a fan of Phil Madsen (A-Team) since he started considering a change of careers and posting in usenet. Not a fan of reinventing the wheel, I prefer to use other people’s proven plans. My wife and I would start with a 40/60 split at first, staying out as much as possible for a year. Then if we decide we want to stay at it, we would have a moving sale and become “technically homeless.” We just rent now so it’s not hard to simply move out without moving in anywhere new. We’re just waiting for our kids to be self sufficient.

But one potential hurdle is our 2 dogs. They are members of the family and must ride with us. One is a Dalmatian and the other is a Mini Aussie Shepherd. I know that riding with pets will reduce our availability for certain types of loads and that’s ok. I’m wondering if anyone here rides with two medium dogs and what’s that like?

I’m also thinking about sleeping space. Not for the dogs, just me and my wife. How large do beds go in D units? Can you get a queen size mattress or just go with two twins, upper and lower?

As far as the dog goes I have an Aussie, he's not by any means miniature but he loves his C/Van. He goes everywhere I go and can't wait to hit the road. As far as sleepers go, I had a D unit with a 100" sleeper unit on the back with everything on it. The best thing to do is search the dealers that sell them and look at them (in person) and find the one your comfortable with. Don't buy one because it look good in a picture, be comfortable with it (you and the mrs, her mostly). If your going to live in it (you will be if expediting) get the best. Your looking at $150-$175k for a new package with the works. I would not spend that much starting out because like anything else on wheels once your off the lot it O'Boy here we go. When you have something like that, the mascots will adjust and yes they will take over and make it their place not yours. Get a big mattress.

 

[greg334]

The mattress are usually twin size. If you want to spend the money on an apartment on wheels, do so after a few years of doing this so you get a grip on your business.

IF you are going to do normal stuff, don't worry about the dog issue, many companies will allow you to work around it or not even worry about it. Some places won't let you in with animals in the vehicle so treat it as a business, don't worry about turning down loads that don't fit your requirements and enjoy the road time with the family.

By the way, got to warn you, other people's proven plans are not all that proven nor work for anyone else. Do the right thing and learn all kinds of people who have been doing this for a while and especially those who step out of their comfort zone to learn and try different things. It is them who you should follow.

 

[asjssl]

Well I am in a c/v..so when I looked @ getting a furry friend I thought small:...so I ended up w/ a chiauahu/weiner dog ...or as I say a chiwinne....he's great after 1 1/2 yrs out here only 2 loads I couldn't do because of him.....can't imagine being out here w out him now....
Posted well with my Droid EO Forum App

 

[TeamCaffee]

We have been traveling with a dog for the past ten years and for a few of those years two dogs until one passed away.

Do both dogs have to sleep with you? When we had the two dogs one liked her doggy bed she would sleep in or she would sleep on a front seat.

if you want the dogs with you where there is a will there is a way. When Bob ran for USX we slept together in a twin sized bed with a ****er Spaniel and made it work.

There are many tips on traveling with dogs in the forums as the health of the dogs becomes very important as a sick dog in a truck is not good.

Not many owners are very excited about having drivers with one small dog much less two bigs dogs. You do not mention how old your dogs are, but running team and getting bigger dogs enough exercise is going to be tough.

We have pictures of Molly all over the United States and she has been a joy to travel with. Molly is now officially a senior citizen and has turned 15 we have many more worries keeping her healthy on the road. Molly has found that she much prefers to be in the truck than at home as she is always the center of our attention. I am sure your dogs will find that the being on the road with you guys is the only way to go.

 

[wavking]

we slept together in a twin sized bed with a ****er Spaniel and made it work.

gotta love stupid censorship bot

 

[layoutshooter]

For newbies in trucking or as dog owners keep one thing in mind. Puppies need TONS of exercise. Some breeds need more than others so do your research. Getting a dog that is breed for going into holes after foxes and killing them (jack russel) could cause problems. Look for breeds that do better in an environment where they are not able to burn off energy. No dog that I have ever owned would have "enjoyed" the trucking lifestyle as a pup or till they were AT LEAST 8-10 years old.