Walter
RAM ProMaster
136″ WHEELBASE, HIGH ROOF
Dogs, cats, birds and even a reptile or two. We’ve seen all types of pets loving life on the road in a camper van. Whether you are traveling full-time, taking extended trips or just need a safe way to transport your furry/feathered/scaly friend around town, a camper van is a great choice.
We’re digging into the top safety and convenience factors to keep in mind when planning adventures with your pet. To keep things relevant for the widest group of people, we’ll focus on our canine companions, but plenty of these tips apply to the odd bird or iguana too.
Safety First
Keeping your pet safe on the road comes down to three main things:
- A secure spot while you are driving. The safest setup is always a hard-sided crate, keeping your pet protected in case of sudden stops or an accident. No flying off the bed, no getting hit by loose objects. If a crate isn’t an option, harnesses and seat belt restraints are a great alternative, especially if you’ve got a rear seat installed.
- A temperature-controlled place to rest. If you ever need to leave your pet in the van while grabbing a bite to eat or running a quick errand, insulation helps, but climate control is key. With our thermostat-controlled A/C and heater accessories, you can keep your pet safe and comfortable while also staying on the right side of local laws.
Pro pet tip: Consider a remote temperature gauge with a cellular connection, so you can monitor the van’s interior through an app. It’s a great safeguard to keep Fido safe and comfortable while you’re away. - A comfortable spot of their own. Your pet needs a designated spot to relax at camp. Having room for a dog bed, crate or blanket ensures that you won’t trip over your furry friend while making dinner, and it helps your dog feel at home, no matter where your adventures take you.
Why a camper van takes the pet-travel cake
Camper Van vs. Travel Trailer (5th Wheel, Teardrop, Pop-Up, etc.)
Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes, but a self-contained camper van offers some key advantages over a towable when traveling with a dog. The biggest perk? Your pup has one safe and cozy spot in the van, rather than needing separate setups in both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
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Travel Trailer |
Camper Van |
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Requires setup before you can leave your dog in a safe, comfortable spot while running errands. |
No setup needed. Your pet always has a secure, climate-controlled place to relax while you’re away. |
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Teardrop: Interior space may be too tight for large dogs when the entire trailer is the size of a queen bed. If you have two adults and a dog bigger than a Chihuahua, someone may need to sleep outside. |
Spacious floor plan with room for even large dogs. Your dog can have room to move around, stretch their legs and have their selection of places to lounge from under the bed to across the boot boxes. |
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Pop-up: Fabric walls don’t block outside noise, which can make it hard for pets to relax. And without any insulation, your interior temperatures are at the mercy of the weather. |
Insulated walls help dampen outside sounds, resulting in a quieter, more relaxing space for your pup. |
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5th Wheel: Carpeting and fabric interiors in commercial RVs aren’t always pet-friendly or easy to clean. |
Floors, walls and fabrics are all easy to clean and handle dirt, mud and fur with ease. |
Camper Van vs. Hotels & Airbnbs
Most of our pets are used to the comforts of life at home, so booking a hotel or Airbnb might seem like a good way to maintain that familiarity for Fido. But, dealing with pet restrictions at rentals can leave both you and your pet feeling stressed. The consistency of the van environment can allow more flexibility and can keep everyone happier.
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Hotel or AirBnb |
Camper Van |
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Pet-friendly accommodations can be hard to find, and the ones that do allow pets often charge extra fees or have restrictions. |
Mi casa es su casa. |
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Carpet and upholstery can trap past pet smells and encourage marking behavior. |
Hard flooring and easy-to-clean surfaces are no-problemo if Fido has an accident. |
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Most don’t allow pets to be left unattended. |
Your van is a secure, comfortable place for your pet to stay if you need to step away for a short time. |
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Finding pet-friendly lodging typically requires advance reservations, leaving you on a set itinerary. |
With the freedom to park and camp with your pup, you are able to adapt to the weather, linger longer at a great spot, or go wherever the wind blows you. |
Camper Van vs. Tent Camping
Pitching a tent is how many of us got started camping, and in some ways it’s as simple as you can get. But that simplicity may not offer enough creature comforts for your pup.
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Tent |
Camper Van |
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No temperature control. Your pet can easily get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. |
Heat and A/C accessories allow you to keep a constant comfortable temperature for your pup. |
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Pets are exposed to outdoor noises, including wildlife, weather and other campers, which can stress pets and lead to a torn tent or lost pet. |
Insulated walls reduce noise and provide a safe, enclosed space. |
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No secure place to leave pets while running errands. |
Your van is a home on wheels for your pet to stay cozy and comfortable if you need to leave them alone for a short time. |
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Your dog will have to wait for playtime while you get your gear out of the car and set up the tent each day. |
As soon as you are parked, you are ready to get your dog out for a hike or start throwing that ball. |
Camper Van vs. Large Commercial RV
Large RVs could seem like the logical choice for camping with a pet at first – after all, some are more than twice as long as a camper van. But more space doesn’t always mean a better experience for your pup. A camper van provides a more nimble and durable setup for pet owners.
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Large Commercial RV |
Camper Van |
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More interior space, but no easy ability to move furniture to accommodate a dog crate. |
Modular design allows for easy customization and anchoring of a dog crate. |
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Carpet and fabric upholstery can trap pet hair, odors and dirt. |
Floors, walls and fabrics are all easy to clean and handle dirt, mud and fur with ease. |
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High entry steps can be difficult for older dogs to climb. |
A comparatively lower step-in height makes it easier for dogs to get in and out. |
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Parking and camping limitations can reduce your options for finding dog-friendly sites. Some campgrounds also have breed restrictions. |
Freedom to camp where you’d like. You can find great spots near trailheads and with room for your pup to explore and relax. |
Best Camper Van Features For Dogs
If you’ve landed on a camper van for your adventures with your furry friend, here are some key features to look for to keep you both comfortable and happy:
- Modular Design: Wayfarer Vans conversions are modular, so adjusting the layout for your pet is as easy as grabbing one wrench. Many van owners shift furniture to make space for dog crates. Plus, our L-track flooring lets you securely fasten crates for safe travel.
- Climate Control: Unless you’re only camping on April 25th, when it’s not too hot or not too cold, you’ll need reliable heating and air conditioning. Our thermostat-controlled accessory systems ensure your pet stays comfortable no matter the season.
- Spacious Layout: Your dog should be able to move comfortably through the van and turn around with ease. Large permanent structures like showers can shrink usable space into a narrow walkway in other vans and RVs.
- Room to Sleep: If your dog shares your bed, make sure it’s big enough for both of you and that they can easily hop up and down. Pro tip: We’ve got a new layout coming later this year that could be a game-changer for dogs (and their humans) who need a lower bed!
- Storage Space: Will you have enough room to store your dog’s essentials? Be sure to pack enough food for your entire trip if your dog has a picky palate, and don’t forget to pack the doggy first aid kit. We keep our pup’s essentials in the boot box closest to the door, so a leash, treats and poop bags are always within reach.
In Conclusion
Our pets are family, and most love an adventure just as much as we do. With a little preparation and the right adventure vehicle, you and your pup will be ready for wherever the road takes you.
Want to see how other Wayfarians plan their pet-friendly travels? Hop on over to the Wayfarer Vans Fans Group and search ‘pets’ or ‘dogs’ to see tips and stories from our community and their furry friends.
And don’t forget to be a good neighbor during all of your travels. Bringing your pup along is a blast, but it also comes with extra responsibility. Be mindful to keep your pet from disturbing wildlife, fellow campers, or leaving waste behind. We want everyone to enjoy the adventure!
