Quick answer: a good hunting dog box for a ute keeps the dogs secure and cool, and keeps your gear locked away from them. For most hunters, a part canopy, part dog box does both jobs in one unit. Add a jerry can holder and under tray storage, and the rest of the tray stays free.
Whether you run pig dogs, a pointer or a couple of working dogs, here's how to set up your ute.
What a hunting setup needs to do
- Carry the dogs safely to and from the hunt, restrained or enclosed as your state's law requires.
- Keep them cool before and after a hard run.
- Lock up your gear: lights, batteries, tracking collars, first aid kits, knives and recovery gear.
- Be easy to clean after a muddy day.
- Leave room on the tray for what you bring home.
Option 1: part canopy, part dog box
This is the one most hunters look at. One unit gives you a dog section with a mesh cage and a lockable storage side for gear. Our part canopy, part dog box models are 1770mm long, to sit across the tray, and come in:
- checker plate, which hides scratches well
- raw flat plate
- black and white flat plate
- a deeper 1000mm black and white model with an 850mm door opening
Each one has two whale tail locks, four gas struts, a full-length piano hinge and four keys, in 2.5mm aluminium.
Option 2: a full dog box plus separate storage
If you carry more than one dog, or bigger dogs, a full dog box with a swinging internal lid gives the dogs more of the box. Then put your gear somewhere else:
- Under tray toolboxes for recovery gear, ropes and straps, so the tray stays clear.
- A gullwing toolbox if you want lockable storage that opens from both sides.
Every dog needs room to stand, turn around and lie down. Before you load two dogs into one space, measure both. Our ute dog box size guide shows how.
Water and fuel for long trips
Hunting trips often go well past the last servo. Our jerry can holders carry fuel or water outside the cab and the dog box. Our guide on how to fit a jerry can holder covers sizes and mounting. Carry plenty of water for the dogs as well as yourself.
After the hunt: heat, cleaning and checks
- Cool down first. Dogs come off a run hot. Let them settle in the shade with water before the drive home, and keep the mesh clear so air can flow. Our dog boxes have no rubber seal, so air moves through.
- Use a mat. A rubber mat protects paws from hot metal. In Victoria it is required on metal trays when it is 28°C or more. See how to keep your dog cool in a ute dog box.
- Hose it out. Aluminium is easy to wash down. Take out mats and bedding to dry.
- Check the dogs for cuts and ticks before you load them.
- Check the box: locks, hinges and mounting bolts can loosen on rough tracks.
Know the rules
Every state requires dogs on a ute tray to be restrained or enclosed. The exemption for working dogs usually covers livestock work, not hunting. The Northern Territory is stricter again. Read our guide to the rules for dogs on utes in each state before your next trip.
Questions people ask
What is the best dog box for a hunting ute?
For most hunters, a part canopy, part dog box, because it carries the dog and locks up your gear in one unit. If you run several dogs, look at a full dog box plus under tray storage.
Can I carry two dogs in one dog box?
Only if each dog has room to stand, turn around and lie down. Measure both dogs and compare with the box size and door opening on the product page.
Do hunting dogs count as working dogs under the law?
The working dog exemptions in most states are for dogs working livestock. Hunting dogs on public roads should be restrained or enclosed like any other dog.
How do I clean an aluminium dog box?
Take out any mats or bedding, hose it out, and let it dry with the lid open. Check the locks and hinges while you're at it.
Want to see the boxes in person? Visit our showroom at Unit 13, 340 Hoxton Park Road, Prestons NSW, or browse all our ute dog boxes online.