Best RV Dog Crates and Travel Pet Carriers

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 5 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Short answer

The best RV dog crate for most campers is a collapsible wire crate because it gives your dog real space, folds flat for storage, and is easier to clean than soft-sided carriers.[1][4] If you have a small dog and need a lighter, more compact option for quick in-and-out travel, a structured soft-sided carrier can work, but it is not the best choice for every RV setup.[1][9]

Best uses by travel style

Best RV Dog Crates and Travel Pet Carriers

Our top pick: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

For most RV owners, the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is the best starting point because wire crates are the most practical format for travel, and the general RV advice from long-time owners favors folding metal crates for easy storage and setup.[4] The appeal is simple: it gives a dog room to stand and turn around, folds flat when not in use, and is better suited to repeated RV use than many soft carriers.[1][4]

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Why it wins for RV travel

• Folds flat for basement storage, under-bench storage, or the back of a tow vehicle.[4]
• Easy to clean after muddy paws, shed fur, or water bowl spills.
• Better airflow than enclosed carriers, which matters in a small RV.[1]
• More versatile for daytime lounging and overnight containment.

What to watch for

• It takes up more floor space than a soft carrier.
• You need to size it correctly so your dog can stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably.[1]

Best for small dogs: Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier

A structured soft-sided carrier like the Sherpa Original Deluxe is a better fit for small dogs that travel close to you, especially if you want something that is easier to stow than a wire crate.[1][9] AKC guidance emphasizes measuring your dog carefully and choosing a carrier with enough room for comfort, not just a snug fit.[1]

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry.[1][9]
• Takes up very little space in an RV.
• Good for tiny dogs that ride in the cab or are moved in and out often.

Cons

• Not ideal for dogs that panic, chew, or need more room.
• Less durable than hard-sided or wire options.
• Usually not the best choice for long, rough travel days.

Best hard-shell option: Petmate Sky Kennel

If you want a hard-sided kennel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the most familiar style for secure transport, and it is a better fit than a soft carrier when you want a more rigid enclosure.[9] Hard-shell carriers are usually the better call for dogs that need a firmer boundary and for owners who do not want the sides collapsing in transit.

Pros

• Rigid sides protect the space around your dog.
• Better structure than soft carriers.
• Usually easier to secure in one place than a fabric bag.

Cons

• Bulkier than soft-sided options.
• Can be awkward in tight RV floorplans.
• Less flexible for storage than a folding wire crate.

Best for large dogs: foldable wire crate with heavy-duty door latches

For big dogs, look for a heavy-duty folding wire crate rather than a travel bag or lightweight soft kennel. RV forum owners commonly recommend folding metal crates because they store flat and hold up well for travel use.[4] For giant breeds, a larger collapsible crate is often the only practical choice if you want real standing room and a stable resting area.

Pros

• More room for large dogs to settle properly.
• Better long-term choice for RV living.
• Folds away when the campsite gets cramped.

Cons

• Heavy and awkward to move.
• Can rattle if not secured.
• Needs enough RV floor space to be useful.

What to look for before you buy

AKC recommends measuring your dog’s back length and height, then adding a few inches so the carrier or crate is roomy enough for normal movement.[1] That advice matters even more in an RV, where a crate that is technically “close enough” can turn into a miserable box once you add bedding, bowls, and a toy.

Size

• Measure from the neck/collar area to the base of the tail.[1]
• Measure shoulder height to the floor.[1]
• Add room for a blanket, especially in cold weather.[1]

Storage

• Choose a crate that folds flat if you have limited RV storage.[4]
• Check whether the crate can be tucked under a bed, dinette, or rear cargo area.

Ventilation

• Prioritize airflow over plush padding for warm-weather travel.[1]
• Avoid overstuffed carriers that trap heat in a small rig.

Cleaning

• Removable pans and wipe-clean surfaces are worth it.
• Fabric carriers stain faster and hold odor longer.

Security

• Latches should not pop open if the RV brakes hard.
• If the crate moves, secure it so it does not slide while driving.

What to skip

• Tiny “cute” carriers that look good in photos but do not give your dog enough room.[1]
• Cheap pop-up carriers with weak zippers if your dog is anxious or prone to pawing at the walls.
• Oversized crates with no plan for securing them in the RV.
• Heavily padded bags for dogs that run hot, pant a lot, or travel in warm weather.

Setup tips for RV life

• Introduce the carrier at home before your first trip.[1]
• Leave the door open and let your dog explore it on their own.[1]
• Add a familiar blanket or item with your scent.[1]
• Test the crate on a short drive before a long travel day.
• Make sure the crate does not block exits, slide-outs, or access to your dog’s water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of crate for RV travel?

A collapsible wire crate is usually the best all-around choice because it folds flat, gives the dog room to move, and is easy to clean in an RV.[4]

Are soft-sided pet carriers safe for RV travel?

They can be fine for small, calm dogs, but they are less durable and less protective than wire or hard-shell options, so they are not the best choice for every traveler.[1][9]

How do I choose the right size crate for my dog?

Measure your dog’s back length and height, then add a few inches so the crate is roomy enough for standing, lying down, and turning around comfortably.[1]

What should I avoid buying?

Skip flimsy carriers, cramped cute-size bags, and oversized crates you cannot secure in the RV.[1][4]

Do dogs need a crate in an RV?

Not every dog must be crated, but a crate or carrier can help with safety, routine, and calm behavior during travel and campsite downtime.[1]

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble	$61.93	★★★★★ (191,066)	View on Amazon
#2		Precision Pet Products Two Door Provalue Wire Dog Crate, 36 Inch, For Pets 50-70 lbs, With 5-Point Locking System	$83.60	★★★★★ (6,469)	View on Amazon
#3		Feandrea 48 Inches Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Dog Crate for Indoor and Outdoor Use, Dog Carrier Kennel with Safety Zippers, for Living Room, Car, Travelling, Camping, Black UPDC12H	$129.99	★★★★☆ (1,049)	View on Amazon
#4		Oranland 48 inch Heavy Duty Indestructible Dog Crate,2025 New Upgraded Reinforced Baseplate for Large Dogs,XL Dog Crate for High Anxiety Dogs/Max Load Capacity 250lbs/Double Door with Wheels	$219.95	★★★★★ (749)	View on Amazon