by Gabrielle DeSantis

COVID-19 restrictions are easing and many need to just get out. But a lot of people are foregoing travel by plane to instead hit the road. And among those, there are quite a few wanting to bring their dogs with them. Why not? They’re part of the fam too. So, if you’re one of those looking to take a road trip with Rocky, here’s some travel gear and tips compiled by Business Insider for a safe journey for you and him (or her).

1. Crash-Tested Kennel

$250-$1,200

RELATED: 12 Outstanding Cars Designed for Dogs and Their Humans

Many consider using your plastic crate lashed in with a seat belt. The problem is, in a crash the plastic is no match for the force of a crash and the weight of your dog. Fracturing in an accident won’t be good for Fido. What you need is a crash-test-certified crate. This way if you are unfortunate to end up in a crash your dog has the best chance of survival. There is a Center for Pet Safety list of certified crates. A hidden advantage is that a crate can sometimes help with a dog’s motion sickness. 

2. Crash-Tested Harness

$30-$185

You’ve got your dog covered in case of an accident while they are crated. But what about those never trained with a crate? A certified travel harness helps to keep your dog safe in your vehicle. With built-in loops, it attaches to the seat belts in your back seat. So it’s both easy and safe.

3. Hammock Seat Cover

$20-$185

If your dog is hiking with you, and we’d recommend not leaving him or her behind, they’re going to get dirty. And even if they’re squeaky clean they probably shed. A water-resistant seat cover saves your car and makes cleanup a lot simpler. If you choose one like the Orvis covers they cover the back seat and then attach to the seatbacks. It adds a layer of protection in case of a front-end collision. 

4. Pet Ramp For Older Dogs

$50-$160

If your dog’s ability to get around is a bit limited from age or handicap they should still come along. Get a dog ramp that folds for easy storage. This way you’re not muscling your dog in and out of the vehicle. 

5. Pet First Aid Kit

$20-$300

Things can happen when your dog is in the wild. From ticks to encounters with thorns, having a dog-specific first aid kit is a smart addition to your pet trip supplies. The Red Cross also has a pet first aid app that can help with suggestions in case of more involved injuries. 

6. Window Sun Shades

$10-$30

You’ll probably have air conditioning. Still, screening harsh sunlight with a baby shade while you’re mobile is better for your dog and keeps temperatures cooler. That way your air conditioner has to work less, too. But don’t rely on it if you decide to park. You shouldn’t keep a dog in a car even with the windows down. 

7. Traveling Dog Bowl

$10-$50

There are special dog bowls designed to minimize spilling. Like a plastic jug with a built-in bowl, a reservoir fills with water when tipped on its side. Flip it back up and the water drains back into the jug. Most of these portable pet bowls hold up to three quarts of water. 

8. Kongs or Treat Toys

$10-$60

The open road can be a bit boring for a dog. During long periods of travel, a Kong or doggie puzzle can stimulate your dog. Stuffing them with peanut butter or treats makes for a boredom-free interlude. 

9. Doggie Backpack

$28-$70

These doggie backpacks work the same as your own. Why not get a bit of help from the wee ones? The weight of the load should be below 25% of the dog’s body weight. 

10. Long Leash

$12-up

Give your dog some room to roam the campsite with a longer 15-25-foot long line or leash. 

The post Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog? Top 10 Travel Essentials appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Many people choose to drive trucks because they like the look of them and enjoy the power that their engines can provide. People who live and work on farms, however, purchase trucks because they need a strong, practical, and reliable vehicle that can tow and haul equipment or other farm-related goods. Learn more about what to look for in a farm truck, and three great choices for farm trucks. 

What to look for in a farm pickup truck

There are a few key traits to consider when looking at a farm truck, and the best choice will depend on your needs and preferences. Before taking the plunge and buying a farm pickup, think about which fuel type, performance, and cost you are looking for. 

Many farmers prefer trucks that run on diesel because they tend to be more fuel-efficient, reliable, and longer-lasting than their gas-guzzling counterparts. Trucks with diesel engines tend to cost a bit more upfront, but they often make up for it by outlasting gas-powered engines.

Plus, diesel pickups typically pack a better punch when it comes to towing, thanks to increased torque. At the same time, diesel engines aren’t as great in colder weather, though recent innovations have made this less of an issue. Routine maintenance and fuel itself also cost more per trip. 

When it comes to performance, also consider whether you need a truck with four-wheel drive or if you can get away with two-wheel drive. Trucks with two-wheel drive tend to cost significantly less, and most farmers don’t need the power of four-wheel drive to complete everyday tasks. If you believe you want the extra “oomph” all-wheel drive can provide, you can expect it to spend at least a few thousand extra dollars. 

We have touched on cost a bit in the first two considerations, but it is often the most important factor overall when considering which pickup to buy for a farm.

Of course, you want a reliable truck that can do all the tasks you need it to do, but there is no reason to overspend either. In this realm, Ram trucks usually provide the best bang for your buck, even if their starting price is a bit higher. 

Three great trucks for farms

RELATED: The 2021 Ram EcoDiesel Is a Class Leader in a Few Key Metrics

One of the easiest pickup recommendations to make for farmers is the 2020 Ram 1500, which is a truck that MotorTrend called “the best truck in the history of ever.”

This is a rather expensive vehicle, starting at $32,145, but it’s a fantastic truck overall for farmers, homesteaders, and suburban families alike. The Ram 1500 comes equipped with a strong engine, a roomy interior, and fantastic gas mileage while giving the smoothest ride on the market. 

A slightly cheaper option would be a 2020 Ford F-150. U.S. News gave it a glowing review for its incredible array of engine options, excellent infotainment system, and superior reliability rating.

They didn’t appreciate the quality of the interior, but that was the only major drawback. The 2020 Ford F-150 starts at $28,745, but there are several optional upgrades you can spring for. 

Finally, many farmers appreciate the towing capacity, excellent handling, and safety features of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This truck can handle nearly anything you throw at it, and you can upgrade to a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that will give you all the power you need and more. This pickup starts at $28,500, making it a competitive choice in the truck market. 

All of these models provide an overall excellent value, and buying a used or slightly older model year truck can save you significant amounts of money without compromising on quality. 

The bottom line on farm pickups

It’s hard to go wrong with the above three options, but only you can decide which truck will best suit your needs on and off the farm. Fortunately, there are now more makes and models of trucks than ever, so there is definitely a truck out there that can check nearly all of a farmer’s boxes. 

The post 3 of the Best Trucks For Farms appeared first on MotorBiscuit.