[fieldchmn]

I have just ordered a 2016 Transit Wagon 350 XLT, medium roof, long wheelbase. One of our primary uses of it will be to transport our dogs to the field trials in which we compete. We chose the Wagon over the Van for the rear air and insulation.
We will be removing the seats (anyone in the market for seats ?) so as to have open floor space in which we will set up crates for the dogs to ride in. The Transit and similar vehicles are becoming popular in the dog world for taking dogs to field trials and other events, so I'm hoping that there may be some other Transit "dog transporters" in the forum. If so, I'd be very interested to know what other owners have done to their interiors to make maximum use of the space for crates and gear for the dogs.
Thanks in advance !

 

[jhtransit]

We carry five retrievers to various dog events as well as training. Traded a 5.5 yo Sprinter PV for the Transit. Kept the Sprinter seats in our living room so did not want a PV again. Also did not want all that glass heat gain. We have rear air and the ability to run it parked as well as no a/c mound on the roof. Can pull into service stations without having to search for diesel pumps (except for trying to avoid them so the diesel folks can fuel). There are concerns about field training and testing in pastures but will not spend 12k for 4wd. LS without TC works so far but I don't push it. Miss the interior head room but the Transit fits in the garage! Off to an obedience trial this pm after a 130 mile trip for radiation treatment for one dog this am. A versatile vehicle.

 

[RustedRoot]

Interesting that both of you opted for wagons instead of a van which I have on order with rear a/c. I will add insulation after delivery. I had considered a large minivan, but I thought why do that when I'm just going to take the seats out. (!) What advantages to the Transit wagon could I be missing?

I am having a divider/separator built behind the sliding door (I considered the dual-door version, but the wait is too long) and will be able to put four crates in front of it (stacked with the mid-roof) for our 2 shorthaired pointers and 2 Portuguese water dogs. I need the bulkhead for our move to Tucson from CT, multiple times.

 

[Mdnewfies]

We will be picking up a Transit 350 Extended HD High roof wagon soon to transport usually 3 to 5 Newfoundlands to dog shows. We show both in the Obedience and breed rings along with water rescue and draft training. Will be installing 2 roof top Maxxair fans, custom platform over the wheelhouses, with storage under the platform, L-track, side awning and possible rear awning. Side, floor and roof installation, extra interior and exterior lighting. 30 Amp Power distribution system. A 13,500 BTU roof top AC unit is being planned. Currently working on how and where to install a 5.5 KW Onan generator.

 

[Mdnewfies]

RustedRoot


The reason we are going with a wagon vs. van configuration has more to do with the wife. She gets clastrophic in the Van model without side windows. We have not been able to locate a 350 extended highroof van with rear AC and windows anywhere on the east coast and are not willing to wait the 12 + weeks to special order one. Then add the time I need to build out the unit for dogs just not in the schedule. I’ve actually have found several vans with rear AC but no windows. I’ve contact CR Laurence about buying side windows for the Transit and they have not yet been able to successfully fit a in house developed window. Also talked to several custom Auto body shops, Ford Auto body shop and they don’t want anything to do with cutting and installing either a generic fit window or even attempt to install OEM glass.

 

[jhtransit]

We have a CV not a PV! I will not insulate glass again as in the Sprinter. There is a huge heat load from the windows. Besides I can't have my dogs looking out windows at hunt tests.

 

[dfwmiket]

You can see in my prior post that we build riser platforms to allow us to store equipment, crates, and gear underneath where the dog crates are...we have 5 crates in ours and left the jump seat. We have the low roof and it works great.

 

[Mdnewfies]

DFwmiket
Do you have any photos of your platform. I'm thinking of extending mine the length of the floor down the driver side, and it will be about 40 inches wide. This will get the dogs off the floor and provide under platform storage.

 

[dfwmiket]

Here ya go:

 

[dfwmiket]

12" high platform, FYI.

 

[ilovehotshot]

On the way to a dog show and you have to stop somewhere, do you leave the generator and air conditioner running? How do you avoid people calling the police from you leaving dogs in the car?

 

[Budsky]

Someone would have to pretty stupid to call the police when they hear the generator and the air conditioner running.
Oh wait....

I built systems in 2 of my other vehicles to leave them running, A/C on, doors locked, no keys in them, can't be driven.
I also placed a placard on the dash stating the vehicle and A/C were running to keep the dogs cool and if there was a problem to call my noted cell number.
I also built a system using 2 way radios to activate a transmitter in the car when sound or high temp was detected.
More than once I came running out of restaurant when excessive barking alerted me!
Even with all this I don't think we ever left them unchecked for more than a few minutes to grab a quick meal.

 

[ilovehotshot]

Budsky, I would love to know more about your 2 way radio system.

 

[Budsky]

Just simple FRS radios- the one in the car is set for VOX so when the dogs bark it keys the radio and I hear them. Have gotten a few funny looks when the radio on my belt started "barking".

The temp is from a speaking thermometer that can you can set the temperature on- so if I set it to 70 and it gets hotter than that it announces "temperature alarm" This is of course placed where the mic on the radio picks it up. I used a Radio Shack unit that is no longer available unfortunately as I'd like to buy an extra.

 

[ilovehotshot]

Thanks. Great idea and information!

 

[dfwmiket]

We also use a "bucket swamp cooler" as auxillary/backup source of cool air as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSLbpAwibg