Dog boxes are a great way to equip your truck or SUV for your canine companion. They provide a safe enclosure for your pet while you travel, without having to let him sit in the front seat. Not only will this make you happy, your dog will feel safer and more comfortable in a familiar enclosure. You can even outfit it with a nice dog bed and a chew toy to keep him busy on longer trips.
Instructions
Frame
1. Measure four 23-inch sections of 2-by-2 from the 8-foot-long board and cut them with a circular saw. Retain the scraps to use later.
2. Measure four 20 1/2-inch sections of 2-by-2 from the 8-foot-long board and cut them with a circular saw. Retain the scraps to use later.
3. Measure four 26-inch sections 2-by-2 from the 10-foot-long board. Cut these sections with the circular saw. Retain the scraps.
4. Create the front and back end frames by assembling two 23-inch pieces and two 20 1/2-inch pieces in a rectangle. This rectangle should measure 23-by-23 1/2 inches. Secure the frames with wood glue and 3-inch wood screws.
5. Slide a 26-inch 2-by-2 between the ends of the two frame end rectangles. Attach it with wood glue and 3-inch wood screws to create a 29-inch side. Repeat this for the remaining three 26-inch 2-by-2s to finish the dog box frame.
Exterior
6. Cut a sheet of 1/2-inch plywood into two pieces measuring 2-by-8 feet.
7. Measure and cut two rectangles measuring 24-by-30 inches from one of the 2-by-8s. These will be the top and bottom of the box. From the remaining scrap, cut a 24-by-23 1/2-inch piece for the back of the box.
8. Cut the other 2-by-8 into two 23 1/2-by-29-inch pieces and a single 24-by-23 1/2-inch piece. Once these cuts are made you will have a front, back, top, bottom and two sides.
9. Attach the top and bottom -- the 24-by-30-inch pieces -- and two side panels -- the 29-by-23 1/2-inch pieces -- to the frame with wood glue and 1 1/2-inch wood screws. The panels should be screwed down tightly so they end up flush against the frame. The top panel should overhang the front of the box by 1/2 inch.
10. Attach one of the 24-by-23 1/2-inch pieces to the back of the box in the same manner.
Door and Windows
11. On the other 24-by-23 1/2-inch piece of plywood, measure in 2 inches from each side and draw a rectangle. It will be 20-by-19 1/2 inches. Cut this piece out with a circular saw. Retain the cut out to be used as the door.
12. Measure in 2 inches on the cut out 20-by-19 1/2-inch piece and create an 18-by-17 1/2-inch interior rectangle. Cut this out with a circular saw.
13. Attach the 24-by-23 1/2-inch door frame to the front of the box with wood glue and 1 1/2-inch wood screws.
14. Screw the hinges and bolt lock to the frame of the door. Attach the door to the open end of the hinges. Attach the bolt mechanism to the door.
15. Cut a piece of 19-by-18 1/2-inch screen door mesh and secure it to the interior of the dog box door with industrial staples and a hammer.
16. Cut a 2-by-10-inch window in each side of the box 2 inches from the top. Cut screening mesh to cover the holes and secure it in place with industrial staples. This will ensure that your dog gets enough fresh air.
17.Flip the box over and attach scrap pieces of 2-by-2s to make feet. This will lift the box off the back of the truck bed and eliminate the chance of moisture getting stuck under the bottom of the box, eventually causing molding.
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