Utili-track system is for the dogs!

Bayou Titan · 02-10-2004, 07:06 PM

Hey Folks, (do not read unless you are a dog lover)

I've discovered a safe way to transport large breed dogs using the Utili-track system. Using this method will keep your dog from jumping out of the bed while you are transporting him and allow you to travel down the highway without fear of your four footed friend getting hurt, or worse, killed.

Here's how to do it: Position a tie-down cleat on the Utili-trac channel behind the cab. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy about 31/2 feet of nylon rope and a spring clasp. They are next to each other on the shelf. The total cost will be only about $2.00. Tie one end of the rope on the tie-down cleat and the other end on the spring clasp. After you do this, clip the clasp to your dog's collar and test it out. Be sure to make it short enough so that your dog can't attempt to jump out and "hang" himself on the side of the truck. This is why you need to center the tie-down cleat in the middle of the cab. After this is done cut off the excess rope. Leave just a few inches so that you can tweak the length if you need to. If you are concerned that your dog will get hit in the eyes with bugs, cut the rope short enough so that he can't put his head around the cab. I don't worry too much about this because the side view mirrors will deflect almost all of the bugs. This set up has really worked for me and I hope that it works for you.

A word concerning safety: I realize that it is safer inside the cab for your dog than the bed. I don't even want to think about collisions, rollovers, etc. However it is not always practical to put your dog inside the cab. My dog loves to go to the lake and play in the mud so the bed is the perfect place for him on the way back. For me to not transport him in the bed would deny him of what he really likes to do. DO NOT put your dog in the bed on a hot summer day without putting down a large piece of scrap carpet for him to stand on. In the summer the bed can get as hot as a skillet. Be sure to touch the bed with your fingers first to test the temperature. Also, do not leave your dog unattended for any length of time in the bed. I wouldn't transport your dog for more than about an hour to avoid too much sun and dehydration. Lastly, do not drive like an idiot with your dog in the bed and sling him around. It might be a good idea to use a piece of scrap carpet each time you transport yor dog so that he will have something for his claws to grip onto.

JetTech · 02-10-2004, 07:15 PM

Nice tip Robert, but will it work for spouses too??

I sure am glad she doesn't read this forum!!!!

rrumaner · 02-11-2004, 08:47 AM

Ouch!! I just got hit in the arm for your comment by my wife. She said it was for you so plan to feel some serious pain in your right arm later today.

Doghouse · 02-11-2004, 09:24 AM

Robert, How about using the bottom Utilitracs to put a carpeted / padded piece of plywood for grip?

Bayou Titan · 02-11-2004, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doghouse

Robert, How about using the bottom Utilitracs to put a carpeted / padded piece of plywood for grip?

Good idea! I'll try to come up with something.

FLfinfan · 02-11-2004, 07:36 PM

Hi, new here, but not to Nissan trucks and dogs. Heres how I rigged up my Frontier to keep my dog secure in the cab. http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL18/6...4/19671925.jpg
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL18/6...4/19671871.jpg
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL18/6...4/15127340.jpg

I call it the K9 cable restraint. Lets him lay down on the seat to sleep, look out either window and secures him so he won't jump out to chase something or get hurt if I have to slam on the brakes. I put a twin fitted sheet over the bottom of the seat all the time and sometime over the top for long hauls. If he is wet I use a plastic fitted sheet. It all fits perfect on the Fronty. The cables are clipped into the child car seat anchor points on the rear bulk head/wall behind the seat. It all hides easy behind the seat when not in use. It washes easy and can be put on real quick.

Doghouse · 02-11-2004, 08:53 PM

FLFinFan: nice Wymer
Robert: Nice golden, good old guy

I have 2 Gordons, and will be building a platform behind the seats, with a ramp that attaches in the back for them to walk up.

FLfinfan · 02-11-2004, 09:07 PM

Heres some good pics of my boy (Shula). Some good ones of him helping me change the oil in the truck.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...9633&members=1

**CaliforniaTitan** · 02-11-2004, 09:08 PM

Awesome Dog...I have wanted one for years but we aren't home enough and went through some destructive habits with our shepards. We now have 4 cats that are pretty self sufficient but I really would love a Wiemer.

Chris

FLfinfan · 02-11-2004, 09:19 PM

By the way, since we are on the topic of dogs, a guy I know runs a t-shirt / sticker business and he made me a sticker for the back window of my truck that says, "Dogs Love Trucks". Red white and blue with USA flag graphics. Kinda like the old Nissan Commercial for the Pathfinder with the oriental gentleman and his little dog. Everywhere I go people ask me where to get one. Especially at truck meets and the pet store/vets office. The guy said if enough people want one he could make up a bunch, won't cost much. He did it for me once for my truck club. Heres a pic of it on my truck, it's alittle blurry, but not too bad. Let me know if you guys are interested.
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL18/6...4/28137776.jpg