Last Updated on March 30, 2025 by Caesar
Living and traveling in a campervan with a dog comes with its own rhythm — early morning walks by the lake, spontaneous hikes, and evenings curled up under the stars. But to make this lifestyle sustainable and stress-free for both us and our four-legged companion, one thing became essential: a dedicated dog crate in our campervan.
We knew from the start that a crate wasn’t just going to be a convenience. It had to be a safe space, a secure travel solution, and a cozy den for our dog — all within the compact, multi-functional environment of a van. After a lot of research, trial and error, and a few poorly built crates that didn’t hold up, we discovered Impact Dog Crates, and they’ve changed how we travel with our pup entirely.
Why a Dog Crate Is Essential in a Campervan
Life in a van is inherently dynamic. You’re in different places, environments, and weather conditions each day. For dogs, that can be exciting — but also overwhelming. Crates help provide consistency and comfort no matter where you park for the night.
Here are a few reasons why a crate quickly went from “nice to have” to absolutely necessary in our setup:
- Security while driving: We didn’t want our dog moving freely while we were on the road. Sudden braking or sharp turns could lead to injuries. A crate keeps them safely in place.
- A retreat during overstimulation: Whether it’s too much foot traffic at a campsite or thunder outside, a crate gives your dog a familiar, quiet space to relax.
- Protecting the van interior: We’ve spent time and money building out our campervan, and when left unsupervised, even the most well-behaved dogs can chew or scratch out of stress or boredom. A crate eliminates that worry.
- Campground regulations: Many places require pets to be secured when unsupervised. A crate helps us stay compliant.
Why We Chose Impact Dog Crates
We started with a soft-sided crate, thinking it would be easier to move and store. But after our dog escaped twice and chewed through the mesh within a month, we quickly realized that durability mattered more than lightweight design. We also tried a folding wire crate, but the rattling noise during drives was unbearable — not to mention the crate itself bent after just a few uses.
That’s when we discovered Impact Dog Crates, and they checked every box we were looking for — and then some.
1. Built to Last
Impact Dog Crates are made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which means they’re incredibly durable but still surprisingly lightweight. We’ve taken ours down rough forest roads, over mountain passes, and through summer heat without a single issue. The material doesn’t warp, bend, or rust, even with daily use.
2. Perfect Fit for a Campervan
Space is always at a premium in van life. One of the features we love most about our crate is that it’s stackable and available in different sizes, which made it easy to choose one that fit under our platform bed without compromising sleeping or storage space. Some Impact models are collapsible, too — ideal if you want a setup that disappears when not in use.
3. Secure and Escape-Proof
Our dog is generally calm, but she’s still a dog — and that means she has moments of anxiety. With reinforced doors and industrial-grade latches, there’s no chance of her breaking out during transit or when left alone for a short time. That peace of mind is worth everything.
4. Well-Ventilated but Not Overexposed
Unlike wire crates, which leave your dog exposed on all sides, Impact crates feature strategically placed ventilation holes that provide airflow while creating a cozy, enclosed feel. Our dog sleeps better in the crate than anywhere else in the van — and that says a lot.
5. No Noise, No Fuss
Van life has enough background sounds: wind, gravel, engine noise. We didn’t want a crate that rattled every time we turned a corner. The solid frame and door construction of the Impact crate means zero rattling, even on bumpy roads.
How We Integrated the Crate Into Our Build
We built our bed platform slightly higher than standard so the crate could slide underneath. With locking wheels added, it rolls in and out easily. We also placed a memory foam mat inside the crate and included a water-resistant crate cover for insulation during colder nights.
We’ve added a few storage pouches nearby for leashes, treats, and waste bags, so everything dog-related is in one accessible spot.
Whether we’re in a national park or boondocking by a river, the crate helps our dog feel like she’s “home” — even when we’re miles from anywhere.
Life On the Road with a Crate-Comfortable Dog
We’ve noticed real changes in our dog since making the switch to a better crate. She rests more soundly, settles faster after long hikes, and seems less anxious when we leave the van briefly. Having a crate that functions like a den — not a cage — has helped her understand that she has a place of her own, no matter where the wheels take us.
And for us? We no longer worry about her safety while driving, her comfort during sleep, or whether she’ll chew through another seatbelt. It’s one less thing to manage — and in van life, simplifying matters is always a win.
