How to Build a Double Dog Box for a Truck

Many people allow their dogs to ride in the back of a pickup truck without any restraints. This is unsafe, as dogs may fall out while the truck is in motion. Building a double-dog box for large breeds is a fairly simple task that only requires a few carpentry tools, plywood and hardware.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 sheets of 4-by-8 foot plywood (1/2 inch thick)
• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Drill
• 1-inch nails
• Hammer
• 2 hinges
• 3/8-inch screws
• Latch

Cutting the Plywood

1. Cut the top and bottom. Use a circular saw to cut two 3-by-4 foot rectangular pieces from the plywood.

2. Cut the sides and the center divider. Cut three rectangular pieces of plywood that are 2-feet-11-inches wide and 4 feet long.

3. Cut a 3-foot square piece of plywood for the back.

4. Cut the box's rectangular door. Cut a plywood rectangle that's 2-feet-10-inches wide and 3 feet long.

5. Add air holes in all of the pieces, except for the bottom piece (cut in Step 1). Drill random 1/2-inch holes throughout each piece, leaving 1 inch of uncut area around the edges for the nails.

Assembling the Dog Box

6. Place the top and bottom pieces parallel to each other and 3 feet apart on a 3-foot edge. Stand the two side pieces up on a 2-foot-11-inch edge between the top and bottom. Drive five 1-inch nails along the ends of the top and bottom into the sides.

7. Align the back piece over the top of the frame. Drive nails into the back piece around all four edges.

8. Sit the box on the bottom piece (without any holes). Slide the center divider down into the center of the box until it hits the back. Drive nails through the top, back and bottom to secure the divider.

9. Attach two hinges to the remaining piece of plywood with 3/8-inch screws. Fasten a hinge 4 inches from each 3-foot side so the hinge barely hangs over the edge.

10. Fasten the door to the front. Screw the other halves of the hinges to the left front edge of the frame so there is 1 inch under the door to allow it to swing freely.

11. Attach the latch to the right side of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious when using power tools.