Best Dog Crates for Vans: Five Travel-Friendly Options
The best dog crate for a van depends on your cargo space, dog’s size, and whether you prefer a rigid metal enclosure or a foldable soft-sided crate. The MidWest Solutions Series models are the most directly designed for vans and SUVs, with vehicle-oriented dimensions and doors at both ends. The soft crates suit buyers who prioritize portability and airflow, but the listed product details do not describe vehicle tie-downs or crash protection.
| Product | Best For | Style |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest Solutions Series Large | Larger dogs and cargo-area placement | Folding metal |
| MidWest Solutions Series 70 lb | Medium-to-large dogs in tighter spaces | Folding metal |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Crate | Compact, lightweight travel setup | Soft-sided |
| LE SURE Soft Collapsible XL | Travelers seeking a roomy, foldable crate | Soft-sided |
| XVISHX 36-Inch Soft Crate | Owners wanting multiple access doors | Soft-sided |
MidWest Solutions Series Large
Best for: Van owners transporting a larger dog or planning to place crates side by side. This folding metal crate measures approximately 42.5 by 21 by 30 inches and is listed for dogs up to 90 pounds. Its narrower shape is intended to help it fit in vehicle cargo areas while preserving room for another crate.
Doors at both ends offer different access points: one can be reached from the back-seat side and the other from the tailgate. That layout can be useful when the van’s interior arrangement makes one side harder to reach. It was selected because the manufacturer specifically describes it as designed for SUVs, vans, and large vehicles.
Limitation: Check the crate’s actual dimensions against your van’s usable cargo space before buying. The listed features do not specify vehicle tie-down hardware.
MidWest Solutions Series 70 lb
Best for: Owners who want the vehicle-focused design of the larger MidWest crate in a shorter size. It measures approximately 37 by 20.75 by 26 inches and is listed for dogs up to 70 pounds. Like the larger option, it has doors at both ends and a narrow side-by-side cargo-area design.
Choose this model if its dimensions better match your van or your dog’s size. Dual-door access can make loading and unloading easier when the crate is positioned near either the back-seat area or tailgate. It is a strong match for buyers seeking a folding metal crate explicitly intended for vans and SUVs.
Limitation: The listed weight capacity and dimensions are selection guides, not a substitute for checking your dog’s measurements and the van’s interior clearance.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Crate
Best for: Buyers who need a portable crate that sets up quickly and folds flat for storage. The medium model measures 29.92 by 21.3 by 21.3 inches. Its lightweight frame and polyester fabric construction make it an alternative to carrying a metal crate between home and vehicle.
It has top and front doors, secure zipper closures, and straps to hold rolled-up doors in place. Mesh windows and the front door provide ventilation on all four sides. These features make it practical for trips where convenient access and compact storage matter.
Limitation: The product details do not identify it as a vehicle-specific crate or describe vehicle attachment points. Check the fit and containment needs before choosing a soft-sided design for van travel.
LE SURE Soft Collapsible XL
Best for: Travelers who want an extra-large soft crate that folds for carrying and storage. This 42-inch model has a foldable frame, a storage bag, and a stated quick assembly and disassembly process. Four zippered mesh walls provide ventilation, while an included plush mat gives the dog a resting surface.
The product also lists a sturdy iron frame, reflective strips, self-locking zippers, and an integrated leash. These details make it a feature-rich option for owners comparing portable soft crates. Select it if its size suits your dog and van layout, and portability is a priority.
Limitation: The listed features do not provide vehicle-specific fit dimensions or tie-down details. Confirm the 42-inch size will fit your intended space.
XVISHX 36-Inch Soft Crate
Best for: Owners looking for a 36-by-25-by-25-inch foldable crate for travel and home use. It has a thickened steel-pipe frame, 620D Oxford cloth, reinforced corner material, and mesh around the sides and top. The multi-door design provides access from different positions.
Choose this crate if you want a soft-sided option with a stated frame and fabric construction, plus multiple entry points. Its size may suit a dog who needs more room than a compact travel kennel, provided the crate fits the van.
Limitation: Although the listing describes the fabric as resistant to scratching and chewing, the crate remains fabric-sided. It is not the same construction as a metal cage, and the listing does not specify vehicle anchoring.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Dog Crate for a Van
Will the crate fit your van?
Measure the intended cargo space, including its width, height, and depth. Compare those measurements with the crate’s external dimensions, and account for doors, trim, seats, and the space needed to open the crate. The two MidWest models are specifically described as vehicle-oriented; other options should be checked carefully against your layout.
Should you choose metal or soft-sided construction?
A folding metal crate is a better fit for buyers who prefer a rigid cage and want a model designed for SUV or van cargo areas. Soft-sided crates prioritize portability, mesh ventilation, and compact storage. Choose based on your dog’s behavior and travel needs; the supplied descriptions do not establish that any option provides crash protection.
How important are door locations?
Consider where you will stand when loading your dog. End doors can help with access from either the rear-seat side or tailgate, while top or front doors may suit different setups. Check that the van’s surrounding space allows the doors to open fully.
How do you select the right size?
Use your dog’s body measurements as well as the listed weight guidance. The crate should fit the dog comfortably, but its external dimensions must also fit the van. For soft crates, consider whether the dog is comfortable in fabric-sided containment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crate in this list is designed specifically for vans?
The two MidWest Solutions Series crates are explicitly described as designed for SUVs, vans, and large vehicles.
Which listed crate is the smallest?
The Amazon Basics medium crate has listed dimensions of 29.92 by 21.3 by 21.3 inches, making it the smallest by the supplied measurements.
Are soft-sided crates suitable for every dog?
Not necessarily. Compare the fabric construction with your dog’s behavior and containment needs. The product descriptions do not establish suitability for dogs that chew or push against crate walls.
Do these listings confirm that the crates are secured to a van?
No. The supplied product details do not specify vehicle tie-down hardware. Review the product information and plan placement carefully rather than assuming the crate attaches to the van.