Traveling with a dog in a campervan is a dream come true for many adventurers. Waking up to fresh air, exploring trails together, and sharing quiet moments in nature — these experiences become even more special with a canine companion. But for all the joy that comes with vanlife and dogs, it also introduces a new set of logistical questions. One of the most important: how do you safely and comfortably incorporate a dog crate in our campervan?
We faced this exact challenge during our van conversion. Our goal was to create a functional space that worked for both us and our dog, without sacrificing comfort, safety, or mobility. After much research, and some trial and error, we discovered a solution that completely changed our setup: Impact Dog Crates.
Why We Needed a Dog Crate in Our Campervan
When you live in a small, mobile space, every design decision counts. At first, we debated whether we really needed a crate. But as any vanlifer with a dog will tell you, a dedicated space for your pup becomes essential. Here’s why:
- Safety during transit: In motion, a campervan is full of unpredictable movements. A crate keeps your dog safe in case of sudden stops or sharp turns.
- Comfort and routine: Dogs thrive on consistency. Having their own crate—something familiar and secure—helps them settle more easily, especially in new environments.
- Organization and boundaries: Crates help define personal space in a shared area, making the van feel more structured and less chaotic for both dog and humans.
- Regulatory compliance: Some campgrounds require dogs to be contained when unattended. A crate gives us flexibility while following rules.
How We Designed Our Campervan Layout with a Crate in Mind
During the design phase, we made a list of essentials: a bed for two, a small kitchen, storage for gear, and a crate that could fit under our bed platform. We didn’t want the crate to dominate our living space, but we also didn’t want to compromise on quality.
We looked at several crates: collapsible soft crates, basic wire crates, and a few heavy-duty plastic options. None of them checked all the boxes. Most were either too flimsy for daily travel, too noisy when driving, or not suitable for long-term use.
Discovering Impact Dog Crates
That’s when we came across Impact Dog Crates. We noticed other vanlifers and professional dog handlers talking about them—particularly in situations where strength, portability, and long-term durability were non-negotiable. Once we took a closer look, it was clear these crates were on a different level.
Key Features That Caught Our Attention:
1. Aluminum Construction
Unlike wire or plastic crates, Impact crates are built from aircraft-grade aluminum. They’re strong, lightweight, and resistant to wear—even after rough roads and months of use.
2. Stackable and Space-Smart Design
Some Impact crates are collapsible, which is ideal for storage, but even the non-collapsible models are built with tight dimensions and clean lines. We were able to slide ours under our bed platform, leaving more room for other van essentials.
3. Quiet and Secure
Noise matters when you live in a van. Rattling crates can get irritating quickly. Impact crates stay quiet during travel thanks to their solid construction and design. They also have escape-proof latches, which gave us peace of mind when leaving our dog alone for short stretches.
4. Comfortable for Our Dog
The crate feels more like a den than a cage. With ventilation holes on the sides and a padded crate mat inside, our dog quickly adopted it as her go-to resting spot—even when the door is open.
Real-Life Use: How the Crate Fits Into Our Daily Routine
Whether we’re on a dusty desert trail or parked by a misty alpine lake, the crate has become part of our dog’s daily rhythm. After hikes, she goes straight into the crate to nap. During long drives, she stays safely inside with no stress or movement. At night, the crate becomes her bed—a quiet retreat that gives her comfort even in unfamiliar places.
What’s more, it makes our lives easier too. With her gear stored nearby and her sleeping area defined, we spend less time managing dog-related logistics and more time enjoying the adventure.
What We’d Tell Anyone Considering a Dog Crate for Vanlife
If you’re planning a van conversion and wondering whether a dog crate is worth the space — the answer is yes. But it’s not just about getting any crate. The difference between a basic model and something like an Impact crate is noticeable from day one.
Here’s what we learned:
- Don’t compromise on quality. In a small space, a poorly made crate becomes a daily frustration.
- Design your build around the crate. If possible, allocate space from the beginning. We were glad we planned ours to fit beneath the bed.
- Think long-term. We’ve used the same crate across seasons, terrain, and countless miles — and it still looks and functions like new.
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