FIRBRO

Hunters and field trial handlers have always been looking for better ways of transporting their dogs safely. Some prefer carts that can be used on airplanes while others have a bigger problem--too many dogs to move at one time. Today we find all sorts of different options on the market, including choices for the trainer that needs to move multiple dogs for training or travel to- and -from trials.

To find out what is available, one only has to pick up any dog-related sporting magazine to find countless ads for all sorts of dog trailers, boxes and crates. The real trick is to determine what is best for your situation and to determine how much you can afford to spend to satisfy your current and future needs. New manufacturers come onto the scene every year and they offer different styles as well as different options from which you can choose. To the untrained, it is a world of sales brochures and terms that don't mean much, but to the pros, it is a different matter.

Some have been down the road with trailers and toppers that just didn't hold up over time while others have discovered that the unit they bought just didn't have the right options. In an effort to make sense of these and other factors, we will look at several current offerings that have the dog's safety and comfort in mind. We will look at the structural components and the problem areas that are inherent to traveling with your dogs. Some of these products are similar in design and, for the most part, are constructed from similar materials, yet, each has it's own differences and benefits.

With today's modern design and construction, trailers are safer than ever before. However, one must keep in mind that they are like any piece of equipment--they need to be maintained. You must check the tires and springs, the bearings and hubs, the coupler and hitch, and countless other areas of the trailer to insure that your trailer is ready for the road. With toppers, the problem is a little different as they are usually made for one style of truck and may not fit properly when you decide to trade it in for a new truck.

Another problem to consider is simply how safe and easy is it to get a dog in or out of the topper. Any dogs that will be transported in them depend on your inspection for their safety. If you are an upland hunter who needs space for multiple dogs, your needs will be different than the waterfowler that may only need to transport one or two labs to the field. Let's turn our attention to the currently available products to see how your special needs for transporting your hunting dogs can be met.

FIBERPRO
Fiberpro offers sportsmen high-quality innovative products that are made with fiberglass components. They offer a full line of boxes, kennels, toppers, and trailers that have been designed for the protection of your dogs. They provide safe and comfortable transportation for your dogs and are offered in many different styles and sizes to fit your needs. Fiberpro's hand-laid fiberglass construction will last for years and they have blended the basic needs of your dog into all of their designs.

Whether you need a single box for one dog or a trailer that will hold eight dogs, quality and safety are their key considerations. The Double Decker is designed for full-sized pick-up trucks and is a great way of transporting six dogs and still allowing ample bed space for extra gear. It measures 73 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 48 inches high and weighs 160 pounds. This fine unit must be bolted into place to prevent sliding or tipping in transit.

Fiberpro also offers a line of trailers that have been produced for over 35 years and are made of fiberglass mounted on a steel trailer frame. The Standard Sportsman and Extended Sportsman trailers are great examples of their work. They are offered in solid colors and in an exclusive camo inlay. At the present time, they offer these and other dog-related products in Fall Flight, Real Tree and Mossy Oak patterns.

The Standard Sportsman shell is 7-feet 4-inches long by 5-feet wide by 26-inches high, which allows you to carry up to six dogs if you like. Each compartment has a fiberglass door and chrome vent. The storage rack on the top of the trailer is designed so that you can take extra gear along, such as wingers. Weighing only 490 pounds, the Standard Sportsman was designed to be pulled by small vehicles and will tow level, even full of dogs and gear. It has easy clean-out drains and can be outfitted with fans and other options. Each of the six compartments is large enough for big labs as they measure 29-inches wide by 30-inches deep by 25-inches high.

If you need a trailer for eight dogs, Fiberpro offers the Extended Sportsman that weighs 540 pounds and has 13-inch wheels mounted on a 9-feet 3-inches long standard axle with matching leaf springs. The compartments are 28-inches wide by 30-inches deep by 25-inches high and have fiberglass doors with vents mounted on the roof for each compartment. They can also build these with an optional storage box mounted in front if desired. This is a fine trailer that is well-vented and built for rugged use with a sporty design that you will like. It is easy to clean and cost effective.

Fiberpro also offers boxes for those of us that only need to transport one or two dogs to our hunting areas. They are hand-laid fiberglass and have rubber gaskets around the doors. They have also placed rubber boots on the bottom to prevent them from slipping around in the back of pick-up truck or SUV'S as you drive down the road. The doors have full-length chrome plated hinges and handles and some of their fine dog boxes even have storage compartments right on top for easy access.

They offer these boxes in several colors as well as in their exclusive patented camo patterns that are built right into the box and not painted on. Seven-inch vents are standard and options like fans can also be added. One of their most popular models is the BB1-s that measures 36" x 36" x 24" and offers storage and comes in your favorite camo patterns. Call FIBERLITE at (800) 536-4604 and ask about all of their outstanding line of dog boxes and trailers and determine what fits your needs. You can also write to them at 4950 County Road 1510, Pomona, MO 65789 or see their full line on the web at www.fiber-pro.com.

CROW RIVER

CROW RIVER FABRICATING
Crow River Fabricating was started in 1995 with the concept of taking the old wooden kennel to a higher level by manufacturing them of aluminum and stainless steel. The idea for developing trailers soon took hold and today they produce several different models for sportsmen and professional trainers. Crow River offers their fine line of trailers and toppers in two different materials, diamond plate aluminum and stainless steel. Both of these are used with a one-inch polystyrene panel of insulation in the walls and ceiling of their trailers and toppers to help keep your dogs warm during cold weather and to reduce the heat build-up in the summer.

To help control road heat build up and further protect your dog from the elements, they have placed 3 inches of insulation in the floor area. They also offer rubber matting for comfort and each box area has louvered doors so you can control heat loss or offer greater air circulation for the dog's comfort. Options included on their models include metal boxes for holding birds, 12 volt systems for power, stainless steel cleaning tables, fans, screens for the doors to help control insects, water tanks, exterior lighting, and boat racks.

They have standard models but also will customize a trailer for your individual needs if desired. Regardless of whether you choose stainless steel or diamond plate aluminum, these fine trailers are all welded to insure years of service. Inside, partitions are built with rod dividers to provide adequate inside cross ventilation. The all-metal flooring eliminates rotting and is easy to clean with a hose.

Each trailer comes with torsion axle suspension and EZ-lube hubs with 15-inch white spoke wheels that make this trailer track right behind your car or truck. Pop-up roof vents for cooling are standard but can be changed to power fans if desired. They have added 16-gallon water capacity in an all-welded tank for use in the field where water may not be available.

For ventilation, louvered kennel doors and rod dividers for partitions are standard equipment on all of their trailers. They have installed rubber-mounted taillights and side markers so you can see the trailer when backing and have placed a tongue jack with a caster on the trailer. The standard stall size is 24" wide by 24" high by 36" long, which allows plenty of room for large dogs. Stainless steel hardware and gas struts on the storage lids are standard. This is a fine trailer so give Crow River a call at (800) 230-4023 or write to them at CROW RIVER FABRICATING INC., 150 Swendra Blvd., P. O. Box 939, Cokato, MN 55321. They can also be found on the Internet at www.crowriverfab.com.