How to Pack a GUNNER Kennel for Road Trips: Travel Tips with Food Crates and Bowls

Quick Answer

To pack a GUNNER kennel for a road trip, start with the largest items—like food storage—and work down to small accessories. Secure the kennel itself, then add comfort and feeding gear in an order that keeps everything stable and accessible. Prioritize safety and your dog's routine to make travel smooth.

Road trips with your dog are more fun when you pack smart. A GUNNER kennel is built tough, but how you load it matters for your dog's comfort and your peace of mind. This guide walks you through a practical order to pack the kennel, food supplies, and bowls so nothing shifts during the drive.

You'll learn how to secure gear, when to use a food crate, and what to pack inside the kennel. The goal is a setup that's easy to manage at rest stops and keeps your dog calm on the road.

Start with the kennel position and secure it first

Before you pack anything inside, decide where the kennel will ride. In most vehicles, the cargo area is safest, but always follow your vehicle's guidelines. Use the vehicle's tie-down points with ratchet straps that fit through the kennel's molded handles. Make sure the kennel can't slide or tip, especially during sudden stops.

A common mistake is placing the kennel on top of loose gear. That shifts in transit and can block ventilation. Clear the space first, then secure the kennel. Check that the door opens freely and that the latches stay closed even if the kennel shifts slightly.

• Use ratchet straps or heavy-duty bungees rated for the kennel's weight.
• Position the kennel so the door faces the rear or side, not directly into a seat, to give access for water breaks.

Pack food in a sealed crate before loading other gear

Kibble can spill, attract pests, and lose freshness if left in flimsy bags. A dedicated food storage container keeps your dog's meals dry and secure, and it makes portioning at rest stops much faster. Fill the food crate before you leave, and pack it near the kennel but not inside it if space allows.

Inside the kennel, your dog needs room to stand, turn, and lie down. Reserve the floor for a comfortable bed or mat, not for food bins. A common checkpoint: never block the kennel's ventilation openings with luggage or coolers. Airflow is non-negotiable for a safe trip.

• Pre-portion meals into zip-top bags or small containers so you don't open the big food crate mid-drive.

Pack bowls so they're easy to reach without opening the kennel door

Most dogs need water every couple of hours on a long drive. Pack a sturdy travel bowl that won't tip over, and keep it within arm's reach of the driver or front passenger. If you're using a kennel that doesn't have a built-in water system, you'll need to stop and offer water directly.

A common mistake is storing bowls at the bottom of a duffel bag. You'll end up rummaging while your dog waits. Instead, keep one bowl clipped to the outside of the kennel or in a door pocket. This also prevents the bowl from sliding around inside the kennel during sudden moves.

• Choose a bowl with a non-slip base or a wide, low profile to reduce spills in a moving vehicle.

Step-by-Step Packing Routine

1. Secure the kennel: Place the empty kennel in the cargo area and tie it down with straps. Ensure it cannot slide or tip during turns or hard braking. Checkpoint: Shake the kennel firmly. If it moves more than an inch, tighten the straps.
2. Pack the food crate: Fill the GUNNER Food Crate with enough kibble for the trip plus a few extra meals. Close the lid securely and place it beside the kennel, not on top. Mistake to avoid: Leaving kibble in an open bag in the cabin—it can spill and lose freshness.
3. Add the dog's bed and comfort items: Place a comfortable bed or mat inside the kennel. Add a favorite chew toy if your dog doesn't destroy it while unsupervised. Checkpoint: Ensure your dog can stand and turn without the bed bunching up against the crate walls.
4. Store bowls within reach: Clip a GUNNER Dog Bowl to the outside of the kennel or store it in a door pocket. Keep water accessible for rest stops. Mistake to avoid: Tucking bowls inside a packed bag—you'll need them too often to dig for them.
5. Do a final safety sweep: Before you drive, check that the kennel door is latched, the food crate is closed, and all loose items are secured. Remove anything that could become a projectile in a crash. Checkpoint: If you wouldn't want it hitting your dog at 55 mph, don't leave it loose.

GUNNER Products for Smarter Road-Trip Packing

• GUNNER FOOD CRATE - Ducks Unlimited Orange: Airtight, waterproof and Made in America. A special-edition colorway created with Ducks Unlimited. An airtight, waterproof food crate keeps kibble fresh and dry in the car, prevents spills, and supports conservation with each purchase. It secures easily beside the kennel.
• GUNNER DOG BOWL - GUNMETAL: Designed for the home, built for travel. Gunmetal finish offers a sleek, neutral look that fits any setting. Built to withstand the rigors of daily use and travel. This bowl is durable enough for travel and easy to pack. Its neutral finish won't clash with your gear, and the rugged build means it won't crack if dropped at a rest stop.
• GUNNER DOG BOWL - TAN: Designed for the home, built for travel. Tan color fits seamlessly into any setting. Built for both home use and travel. The Tan bowl is a versatile option that looks good anywhere and holds up to the demands of an active trip. It's a dependable choice for feeding and watering on the road.

Packing a GUNNER kennel for a road trip comes down to securing the crate, keeping food fresh in a dedicated storage container, and having bowls within easy reach. With these steps, you'll spend less time fiddling with gear and more time enjoying the drive with your dog.