Automotive

Four Paws solar-equipped motorhome keeps dogs comfy in a dedicated doghouse

Four Paws solar-equipped motorhome keeps dogs comfy in a dedicated doghouse
We hope the photographer had a sack of treats
We hope the photographer had a sack of treats
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The dual-part rear cargo area includes the kennel and general storage behind a single door
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The dual-part rear cargo area includes the kennel and general storage behind a single door
The Dog-Liner is based on a 24-foot Fiat Ducato and includes a dinette and swivel cab seats
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The Dog-Liner is based on a 24-foot Fiat Ducato and includes a dinette and swivel cab seats
The sliding gate allows the dog to see inside while staying contained within the kennel
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The sliding gate allows the dog to see inside while staying contained within the kennel
Dogs posing nicely in front of the 4pfoten Dog-Liner T 730
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Dogs posing nicely in front of the 4pfoten Dog-Liner T 730
We hope the photographer had a sack of treats
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We hope the photographer had a sack of treats
4pfoten-Mobile offers an integrated solution for road travel and outdoor adventure with man's best friend
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4pfoten-Mobile offers an integrated solution for road travel and outdoor adventure with man's best friend
The non-slip water bowl keeps the dogs happy and hydrated
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The non-slip water bowl keeps the dogs happy and hydrated
Vehicle-mounted rings provide an easy place to clip the leash in place
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Vehicle-mounted rings provide an easy place to clip the leash in place
Getting ready for the trip
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Getting ready for the trip
4pfoten also includes buckles near the driver cab, in case you want to secure your dogs closer to you
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4pfoten also includes buckles near the driver cab, in case you want to secure your dogs closer to you
We took a look at the 4pfoten Dog-Liner at the recent Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
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We took a look at the 4pfoten Dog-Liner at the recent Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
A look inside at the dog kennel with mattress
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A look inside at the dog kennel with mattress
The hose hooks up right inside the door, making it easy to get the dogs clean before they jump in and dirty the motorhome
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The hose hooks up right inside the door, making it easy to get the dogs clean before they jump in and dirty the motorhome
The Dog-Liner includes a dinette that converts over to the second bed area at night
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The Dog-Liner includes a dinette that converts over to the second bed area at night
The Dog-Liner is based on the Fiat Ducato
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The Dog-Liner is based on the Fiat Ducato
An extra side seat in the dining/living area
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An extra side seat in the dining/living area
The main kitchen block includes the three-burner stove and sink
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The main kitchen block includes the three-burner stove and sink
The refrigerator and oven are located across from the kitchen block
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The refrigerator and oven are located across from the kitchen block
The interior doggy door includes a retractable gate so that Fido can peek in while staying put in the kennel
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The interior doggy door includes a retractable gate so that Fido can peek in while staying put in the kennel
The fixed rear bed
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The fixed rear bed
The bathroom includes a toilet and sink, along with a separate shower
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The bathroom includes a toilet and sink, along with a separate shower
Inside the 4pfoten Dog-Liner T 730 bathroom
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Inside the 4pfoten Dog-Liner T 730 bathroom
A different angle of the kitchen
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A different angle of the kitchen
A look at the shower
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A look at the shower
View gallery - 24 images

Hiking boots, mountain bike, tent, grill, smiling, panting Labrador retriever ... a dog is as critical a part of outdoor travel and adventure as anything else. But sometimes a fully loaded car means you have to leave Rex home sulking - or worse, drop him at the kennel. German motorhome shop 4pfoten-Mobile (4 Paws-Mobile) makes sure that never has to happen again. Its Dog-Liner T 730 motorhome gives canines large and small a dedicated space all their own, making the ride to and from camp safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable for both dog and owner.

We've seen the 4pfoten Dog-Liner floating around in the past, and we mentioned it quite briefly when looking at another dog-friendly motorhome - the Dogscamper VW/Mercedes camper van. At this year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, we got a closer look at exactly how it's packaged.

Based on a 24-foot (7.3-m)-long Fiat Ducato, the Dog-Liner is a four (people)-sleeper motorhome with some very special features for dogs. Just behind the rear axle, 4pfoten has utilized some of the storage compartment to create a dog kennel sized for up to two large dogs. Getting in and out is easier than hopping into the back of a car or SUV thanks to the retractable entry ramp.

The dual-part rear cargo area includes the kennel and general storage behind a single door
The dual-part rear cargo area includes the kennel and general storage behind a single door

Once inside, dogs enjoy the ride in comfort, lying on the padded dog mat that lines the kennel floor. The included 1.4-L water bowl keeps the single or duo hydrated while preventing spills with its non-slip design.

The kennel area includes an exterior window, so the dog can look outside, like any dog loves to do. On the adjacent wall, the interior doggy door makes it easy to let the dogs into the greater motorhome. A sliding gate on that door keeps them connected to the rest of the family even while they remain locked in the kennel. The exterior door has a similar gate.

The sliding gate allows the dog to see inside while staying contained within the kennel
The sliding gate allows the dog to see inside while staying contained within the kennel

The Dog-Liner also includes a pair of vehicle-mounted rings just outside the exterior doggy door for quickly securing a leash or two when letting the dogs out. When it's time to let them back in, the owner can connect a hose up to the water hookup just inside the doggy doorway and clean dirty paws (and bellies) before the dogs hop back aboard.

The customized dog-friendly package also places a camera on the kennel, letting the owner monitor the dogs from the multimedia display in the driver cab. A pair of safety buckles just behind the cab allows the owner to secure dogs with a harness, should he or she want them to ride up front.

The Dog-Liner is based on the Fiat Ducato
The Dog-Liner is based on the Fiat Ducato

Of course, a motorhome can't be only about the canines - it needs to be comfortable for people, too. And the Dog-Liner does indeed appear comfortable. The roomy cabin includes a front dinette area and a central bathroom with separate toilet/sink and shower areas. The L-shaped kitchen is nicely equipped with a triple-burner gas stove, gas oven, sink and tall fridge/freezer.

The Dog-Liner T 730 sleeps up to four people on the fixed 55 x 75-in (140 x 190-cm) rear bed (over top the kennel and interior dog door) and the convertible dinette, which makes way for a 55 x 87-in (140 x 220-cm) bed. The cabin is fully climate controlled with both heat and air conditioning. A 100-watt solar system helps to keep the battery charged and electrical system humming.

The fixed rear bed
The fixed rear bed

Though the dog kennel cuts into the Dog-Liner's storage, the sizable motorhome still offers a large cargo compartment just behind it. And a dual-bike carrier accompanies the retractable awning as standard exterior equipment.

The Dog-Liner T 730 starts at €63,745 (approx. US$74,000), based on a Ducato with 128-hp 2.3-liter Multijet engine. If you're not sure if such a dog-specific motorhome is for you, you can always try it before buying - 4pfoten offers rentals from a number of locations around Germany, running between €95 and 125 a day, depending on season.

Source: 4pfoten-Mobile

View gallery - 24 images
3 comments
3 comments
toyhouse
Our labrador would never go for that kennel area. She rides and sleeps where the people are. She'd know she was getting 2nd class treatment from the get-go and let you know about it. I know that's not for everyone but it's really nice to see this company think about people traveling with their doggies and make such nice accommodations for them. Good job! The van base though? Fiat ducato. Not in a typically, overloaded rv on steep mountain passes in high heat. And that's how a lot of folks wind up in the summer. The engine seems too small, even for diesel. I'm picturing mechanical let-downs. They may be popular in Europe but reviews don't seem very good. Maybe others here know more on that. I do like the design very much. The dogs ride out beyond the rear axle - can be a lot of bouncing back there on rough roads, and possible dogs getting car sick. Just thinking out loud.
guzmanchinky
That is awesome! But our dog has to have the run of our RV or she is not happy...
Josh!
I see the cabin is air-conditioned, but is the dog-specific area air-conditioned at all times (even when parked) ?