Caravan suitability for dogs.

marill replied on 29/01/2017 09:52

Posted on 29/01/2017 09:52

We come from the "roughing it" end of caravanning. Sites with caravans all in neat rows, mown lawns, shower blocks, community centres etc are an anathema, and we would rather stay at home. Give me a rough field and a water supply and l am happy. Give me great dog walking nearby and life is complete.

But where is the caravan that matches these slightly spartan requirements. All caravans are built with a view or eye towards luxury.  Nothing wrong with luxury, don't get me wrong, I enjoy it as much as the next man. But where is the praticle caravan for the doglover? Where is the caravan with vinyl floors throughout for easy wiping clean, the upholstery that is not velor trimmed or deep pile. Where is the caravan with a locker easily accessible from inside and out for leads, dog bowls, muddy wellies etc. Where is the caravan with all lower surfaces finished in melamine or vinyl so dogs can sleep or lean against it and thier dirt and grease can easily be wiped away. Where is the caravan with a "reverse stable door" so the bottom can be used as a dog door.

Country caravanning and dogs meld together beautifully. But the caravan that would make this perfect is yet to be built. 

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 01/02/2017 19:16

Posted on 01/02/2017 19:16

My C/van was bought new, I removed the carpets to under the bed. I bought an Awning for the clutter, I 'fleece rugged' it out to enable my 2 Dogs access to all seating areas. I had it 3 yrs & lost a couple of grand on the sale. I think most C/Vans can have that minimalist of changes done to be honest. Dog friendliness is down to the inventiveness of the ownersmile

nelliethehooker replied on 01/02/2017 21:46

Posted on 01/02/2017 21:46

When we got our latest new caravan I removed the loose carpets, then fitted the floor with a piece of cheap carpet, roll end. We then cover this with a rubber backed runner with we can was after each trip. All our seats are cover and then have extra throws on top of the covers. All gets washed after each trip.

huskydog replied on 01/02/2017 21:49

Posted on 01/02/2017 21:49

We don't put throws on the seats as the dog is not allowed on the seats,they are for humans.  The floor and a basket is for dogs cool

DSB replied on 01/02/2017 22:32

Posted on 01/02/2017 22:32

We put throws on our seats, but our dog is only small so it's not bad at all.  I think most caravans these days have removable carpets with a wipe able surface underneath.  Very useful if you have a dog and it mears you can take the carpets up for cleaning if you wish to leave them down.  We only have a very small dog, but the caravan works for our dog.

David 

briantimber replied on 02/02/2017 00:00

Posted on 01/02/2017 21:49 by huskydog

We don't put throws on the seats as the dog is not allowed on the seats,they are for humans.  The floor and a basket is for dogs cool

Posted on 02/02/2017 00:00

You're a hard master huskycool

richardandros replied on 02/02/2017 06:11

Posted on 02/02/2017 06:11

I don't agree that dog-friendly caravans aren't already around.  We have a Bailey Barcelona which has most of the features the OP is seeking.  We have removed the carpets, revealing the vinyl covered floor - which we cover with three cheap runners from one of the cheapo shops.  The seating isn't velour or anything similar but, like others, we cover them with throws.  There is a shoe cupboard next to the door and another opposite in which we store all matters 'doggy'.  Plus, there is a stable door and a fly-screen across that door which can both be used to keep the third member of our family confined if required. We also like basic sites and inevitably Meg, our Cockapoo, gets muddy - but we always wash and dry her paws in a bowl outside the van before she's allowed inside and she knows she isn't allowed on the seats until her feet have dried!  There's also plenty of room for her own bed on the floor.  The van gets a thorough clean every time we have been away (every month for the last two years) and it still looks brand-new inside.

The one big advantage we have is that, being a Cockapoo, she doesn't shed, so we don't have the problem others may have with dog hairs everywhere.

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 02/02/2017 08:43

Posted on 02/02/2017 08:43

With a well thought out Human/Dog friendly design within the C/van Dogs can access all areas(if your attitude allows) without the Van suffering. No Dog of mine has ever been just a Dog marill so all areas are for all not just Humans. It can & does worksmile

huskydog replied on 02/02/2017 08:50

Posted on 02/02/2017 08:50

Anyone who own's a Husky will know how much they moult ,hence the reason for not allowing them on the seats cool

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