Trail Dancer Kennels now offers Featherlite trailer conversions (custom dog boxes built into a gooseneck or bumper pull trailer) in partnership with Harmony Trailer Sales. Conversions can also include living quarters and or equipment storage.

In a recent interview, here's what Gavin had to say about his dog boxes. NOTE: You'll find pictures of some sample boxes, doors and other features below.

Q: What makes your dog box special?
I think it comes down to quality materials and craftsmanship. I’m a carpenter. I do this every day. Design and build. I take pride in paying attention to detail. For example, all my screws line up. These little things matter. When I manufacture something, I want it to have the quality of a brand new vehicle – show-room quality. One thing I strive for is that 5 years from now, a well-maintained box will retain all of its value.

Q: What are the features?
BOX: PVC coated mahagony plywood, which is different from spruce plywood, there’s a lot less movement. The PVC coating, like those on windows, stands up to weather conditions, and there is less movement than vinyl, and it holds up better than fiberglass; it doesn’t delaminate. It’s on both sides, so it makes the box washable. You can take it to the car wash on the outside and take a hose to the inside. You can disinfect them.

DOORS: Recently, I began using Outlaw dog doors, so I can frame up a door like you might in a house. They’re tubular aluminum, so the dogs can’t destroy them. They include a door cover if you want to use them. They work great on the truck when you may not have the dogs and you want to keep dirt out of your box. With the bigger boxes, I have storage doors with lockable T-handles.

ROOF: The roof is solid aluminum with all the corners welded. It’s completely waterproof. You can keep it outside without a tarp. It has aluminum trim all around the box, with welded corners. I’ve found that only the welding prevents water from penetrating the trim. So, I use a heavier gauge aluminum and welded corners, which creates a beautifully finished box.

The rack for the sleds include a couple of options. Lately, I’ve been using a 1 inch tubular aluminum rack that’s quite versatile and adapts to the variety of changing sleds. This is very important given the various styles of sleds used today.

ATTACHMENT: The boxes are attached to the truck box very firmly using nubs that fit in the truck's stake-holes, and then I use a special clamp that is beefed-up steel that keeps the box firmly attached to the truck box.

Trail Dancer Kennels