Has anybody seen or know anything about dog boxes made by North Star Plastics located in Edgerton, MN.?

They look pretty nice and I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience with them.

It's been a couple of days. I guess it is safe to say we don't know. ?

Funny, I live in MN. I haven't seen one at a test or trial. I either see Vari-Kennel, or Ainley. Not much inbetween.

But because I live in MN I always want something with bug screens and lots of insulation.

Sorry we ain't much help.

PB

Wonder if these are the same folks advertising as Menning Plastics? They are also from Edgerton, MN.

If so, I've seen a couple of these boxes at the local dog store. At first glance they looked very clean and well made. But the use of the fence gate latches on the doors got me looking a little closer at them. As the price was on par with the custom metal boxes from crow river, www.customdogtrailers.com, I think the all metal is the better deal. I did like the idea of the raised floor and slide out tray. But was worried about the door stability of my guys pawing at it and wanting out. Also a little concerned about the ventilation as my need is for a box to go in my Expedition. Another concern was if anything did go wrong with the plastic box; hinge screws stripping out, etc, the ability to fix is more complex than taking the metal box to the local welding shop. I was also interested in the ability of the metal guys building a platform over a couple pull out drawers to set the box on. I asked for a price on something similar from the plastic guys and just got a brochure and standard pricing schedule via snail mail.

The basic pricing is about the same: a basic 2 hole plastic box was priced at around $900 at the local dog store. A basic 2 hole Diamond Plate Crow River box is $730 plus about $300 shipping to the west coast.

The plastic place advertises a website at www.huntingkennel.com but the last couple times that I tried to access it, I got redirected to a web hosting company.

Just tried it again and it now comes up as North Star Plastics.

[This message was edited by Tom M on Wed March 12 2003 at 01:14 AM.]

Thanks for the replies. That is the same company. I couldn't tell too much from the website or brochures they sent me so I thought I would ask.

I can't decide what to get. The Vari-Kennels are certainly easy for me to move , but I would like something a little more substantial.

Pros and cons of trailers anyone?

I had this trailer built by Russ Scherping of Crow River. I wasn't thinking about lead time when I called Ron Ainley up in late May of last year wanting to get a trailer for the Specialty. He had just Qualified his dog for the National Amateur, and just couldn't get it done in time.

I called Russ and he beat his lead time estimate, even with me calling him up all the time adding things. I have been very satisfied with it. -But if I had it to do all over again I would opt for a unit with space for a 4-wheeler.

I like the trailer because I can unhook it and use my vehicle as a vehicle. I also like that my dogs get less wear on them from jumping in and out of the truck. They can just about step out of the trailer.

I remember thinking a couple of times at the specialty that I didn't like having to find parking for the trailer. But everything worked out.

I would suggest that if you order a trailer, get as much as you can afford. Insulation, bug screens, storage (never enough), ventilation, water tank. (Pressurized water is best.)
Another cool thing about trailers is they retain their retail value very well.

If custom box mounts or chassis mounts are something you are considering, you should see some of the ones that Billy Smith has made. He's put together some nice ones. Lots of storage, pressurized water, a breezeway, large holes. And room for plenty of Yuengling.

PB

I don't need a chassis mount, yet.(getting a new puppy so you never know). I like the look of the trailer and that is a good point about the jumping up and down from a truck bed.

I think the trailer route may be my best bet. I just hate to pull something.

Thanks for the help.

I think I decided to build my own out of a cargo trailer.

Check these out. http://www.avengercorp.com/pr/020620.asp