We’re often asked about setting up a Ute or 4WD with drawers and a dog crate. And it’s a great idea! Drawers and crates work brilliantly together. Drawers keep your gear neat and accessible, and the crate keeps your dog safe.

But there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked:

Measuring your total available height. 

Most drawer systems have a relatively high profile. Once you add a crate on top, the combined height can end up too tall for the back of an SUV or a Ute with a canopy. This is where you can run into issues. The crate simply won’t fit, or it will sit too high for safe, practical use. 

The Solution: Buy Your Crate First 

The easiest way to avoid disappointment is simple, buy your crate first. Once you know the exact height of the crate you need, you can either choose a drawer system that works with it, or plan for an extended canopy if necessary. 

In this setup, if we wanted to keep everything covered, we’d need an extended canopy. Instead, we run a tonneau cover and are happy to remove the crate when not in use. 

Other Options to Consider 

• A smaller crate for one dog. 

If you only have a single dog, you might not need the tallest crate. Most dogs lie down during travel, and a lower-profile crate without a divider can help keep them calmer. 

• A different drawer layout. 

Instead of stacking drawers directly under the crate, consider narrower drawers that sit beside the crate (depending on the width of your vehicle). 

• A flexible setup.  

You may choose to use a tonneau cover and simply remove the crate when it’s not needed. 

To sum it up: 

• Always choose your crate first 

• Measure carefully 

• Select drawers or canopy modifications to suit

That way, your dog stays safe and your gear stays organised.