There is nothing quite like the freedom of the open road, especially when your best friend is riding by your side. But for many van lifers, that dream of a "canine co-pilot" often hits a roadblock: your dog hates riding in the van.
If your dog paces, whines, or gets carsick during long drives, you’re not alone. At Out There Vans we know a stressed pup makes for a long haul. That’s why we designed our elevated dog platforms to get your dog off the floor and right where they want to be: by your side and looking at the road ahead.
The Heart of the Problem: Travel Anxiety and Isolation
The inspiration for our signature Dog Platform came from our cattle dog, Dandelion. Like many pups, Dandy loved the destination, but she absolutely dreaded the journey.
Our "aha!" moment (or rather, our "oh no" moment) happened the day we drove to Moab to adopt Dandy from Underdog Animal Rescue. We picked her up in our ProMaster, and she spent the entire ride crouched on the floor between the seats. She was so stressed and carsick that she threw up the moment we pulled into our driveway.
That wasn’t the start to our journey we had imagined.
From Lap-Surfer to Calm Co-Pilot
As Dandy settled into our lives and thrived in her outdoor lifestyle, the van rides remained a pain point. She would spend hours pacing, panting, or trying to climb into our laps while we were driving. We realized the only way she felt safe was in the passenger seat, which is fine until you have a human passenger, too!
Most dogs suffer from travel anxiety because they feel "low" and disconnected from their pack. When they can't see the horizon, their equilibrium gets thrown off, leading to carsickness. They just want to be where the action is: right next to you, watching the world go by.
The Solution: A Dedicated Front-Row Seat
Our custom-fit Dog Platforms are designed to provide your dog with their own dedicated seat in the front cab. By filling the space between the driver and passenger seats, we create a sturdy, elevated perch that raises your dog to window level.
The emotional benefits are immediate:
-
Reduced Anxiety: Your dog can finally see the road, which helps stabilize their inner ear and calm their nerves.
-
Proximity: No more reaching down to the floor to comfort your pup. They are right at arm’s length for a quick head scratch.
-
Safety & Stability: Instead of sliding around on a floor mat, they have a solid, flat surface to call their own.
Technical Precision: Three Models, One Perfect Fit
We don't believe in "universal" fit because every van floor is different. Our platforms are CNC-cut from 3/4" premium Baltic Birch to account for the specific contours of your chassis.
Mercedes Sprinter Dog Platform
Designed for the Van Life Reality
We know space is a premium. That’s why our platforms feature a tool-free, interlocking assembly (think "Lincoln Logs"). When you reach camp and want to swivel your seats, the platform flat-packs in seconds and can be stowed under your bed or in a cabinet.
The Ultimate "Travel System"
A platform is the foundation, but a complete setup ensures your dog is as safe as they are comfortable. To create the ultimate "canine co-pilot" experience, we recommend this essential setup:
-
Your Favorite Dog Bed: While we don't include a pad, we designed our platform toppers to be recessed—sitting about an inch below the front seat cushions. This creates a "nesting" effect that keeps your dog's favorite bed or cushion tucked securely in place so it won't slide off during sharp turns or sudden stops.
-
Kurgo Auto Zip Line: For added safety, we recommend using this zip line restraint tethered between your two front headrests. This allows your dog to move comfortably across the platform to see out both sides of the windshield while remaining securely tethered in the event of hard braking.
-
Bungee Security: Use our built-in keyholes to bungee the base to your seat frames for a rock-solid, rattle-free ride. We recommend purchasing a standard variety pack of bungee cords to find the best fit for your van and specific seat base setup.
What Our Happy Customers Are Saying
We just purchased a sprinter van, and our dog HATED it - she didn't want to get in, and when we put her in it, she panted and paced. She's always been great in the car, and we wondered if it was because she couldn't see out the window. Hubs found this dog platform and after setting it up with a bed on top, our girl is so happy to go with us now - THANK YOU Out There Vans for solving this problem - we are now hitting the road with a happy dog!! — Michele S. (Sprinter owner)
Ready to level up your pup's adventure?
Don't let travel anxiety keep you from the places you love. Give your dog the view they deserve and make every mile of the journey as good as the destination.
0 comments