A little background: I have an '04 GMC Canyon with a 4' bed that is covered with a matching fiberglass cap. I have very, very limited space inside the cab. I can fit all three dogs in there, but it is tight and they all have to ride loose. I cannot fit even a single crate that is big enough to house 1 ACD in the cab.
At least 2 days out of the week, I spend about an hour in class and then head straight to my dog park job. It would be great if I could have the dog(s) hang out in the truck while I'm in class so that they can join me at work. I do not have the time nor the extra gas money to run home and get them, but the socialization and exercise is much better for them than sitting at home. I'd also like to set it up for trials, hiking, ect, ect. This would also be ideal for me to possibly do overnights at shows and such. I can just camp out with them instead of tenting or needing to stay in a hotel. Also, I can take everyone to work so that we can run at the park after, but I don't have to have everyone inside at the same time.
So basically I'm looking to fab up some sort of situation where I can have it cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. I'm thinking if I insulate the roof and possibly down the sides a bit that should give me a start. Then, I can build a raised platform (the floor is rubberized, to start) and possibly insulate that as well. I'm not positive I'm going to do this just because I am thinking about eventually doing a variocage. I also think I can fab up some insulated crate covers and possibly make a box which I can put straw in.
I'm thinking about installing a roof fan and hooking it up to a 12v battery. In addition, I can cover the windows with a reflective insulation, and buy a reflective cover to put on top for the summer. I can also run separate fans off a different battery and open up windows. If I'm right there and can watch the dogs (such as a trial), I can open up the window and the tailgate as well. I've debated getting cooling coats as well.
Do you guys think this would work? Any other suggestions?
At least 2 days out of the week, I spend about an hour in class and then head straight to my dog park job. It would be great if I could have the dog(s) hang out in the truck while I'm in class so that they can join me at work. I do not have the time nor the extra gas money to run home and get them, but the socialization and exercise is much better for them than sitting at home. I'd also like to set it up for trials, hiking, ect, ect. This would also be ideal for me to possibly do overnights at shows and such. I can just camp out with them instead of tenting or needing to stay in a hotel. Also, I can take everyone to work so that we can run at the park after, but I don't have to have everyone inside at the same time.
So basically I'm looking to fab up some sort of situation where I can have it cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. I'm thinking if I insulate the roof and possibly down the sides a bit that should give me a start. Then, I can build a raised platform (the floor is rubberized, to start) and possibly insulate that as well. I'm not positive I'm going to do this just because I am thinking about eventually doing a variocage. I also think I can fab up some insulated crate covers and possibly make a box which I can put straw in.
I'm thinking about installing a roof fan and hooking it up to a 12v battery. In addition, I can cover the windows with a reflective insulation, and buy a reflective cover to put on top for the summer. I can also run separate fans off a different battery and open up windows. If I'm right there and can watch the dogs (such as a trial), I can open up the window and the tailgate as well. I've debated getting cooling coats as well.
Do you guys think this would work? Any other suggestions?