The Gunner G1 Kennel crate has garnered attention from many dog owners due to its durable construction and well-thought-out safety features. With its offerings, which are practically more advanced than regular crates, it has become a pet equipment that’s worth splurging into.
Yet what exactly are you getting from this product? If you are a pet parent, it’s sensible to ask this crucial question to satisfy your expectations and ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
In today’s post, we will objectively examine the specifications that make the Gunner G1 Kennel a top-of-the-line dog and car crate. Keep reading until the end to determine if this is the right choice for you and your dog.
Materials
The Gunner G1 Kennel is a dog crate made of high-quality components that allow it to maintain its integrity regardless of the treatment it gets. It’s not only made to restrain your dog to keep you from being distracted while driving but to also keep them safe and protected during car collisions.
The subsequent sections below highlight the main materials used for the Gunner G1 crate:
Rotomolded Polyethylene
One of the Gunner G1 Kennel’s most stand-out materials is polyethylene. This is a type of plastic known for its strength and impact-resistant properties—it’s tough enough to handle rough treatment.
It can also withstand extreme seasonal temperatures, making it exceptional in protecting your dog from environmental factors.
The G1 Gunner Kennel is also structured as a double-walled rotomolded plastic crate, meaning it underwent a manufacturing process in which the equipment was molded into one piece with no seams. As a result, there are no weak points in the product’s construction.
Meanwhile, the double-walled kennel, a design with two layers of rotomolded polyethylene further reinforces the strength of the crate. This effectively protects your dog from physical impacts and adds insulation in cases of temperature fluctuations.
Aluminum
The Gunner Kennel G1 has an aluminum-made door frame system. This choice of material can endure high-impact situations while maintaining itself as a lightweight property.
As it’s made of aluminum, the door is also corrosion-resistant. It is important for dog crates that may get exposed to various environmental conditions, like rain and moisture. This ensures the longevity and the structure of the door frame for years.
In addition, aluminum can somehow absorb impact and energy more effectively than traditional plastic crates or those made from thin metals. This is because aluminum is known for its ductility, which means it can undergo significant deformation before breaking.
However, as a plain material, aluminum is not as excellent as specialized ones, like closed-cell aluminum foam, in terms of absorbing high impact.
Stainless Steel
The Gunner G1 Kennel has integrated stainless steel pins designed for the tie-down straps from the brand. This material helps keep the crate securely anchored in one place, like in the cargo space or other areas of the vehicle.
Regardless of the car collision’s strength or the sudden stop, the crate’s steel pins won’t easily rip away. This critical safety feature significantly provides extra protection so the crate doesn’t get thrown off and injure the dog.
Main Features
The Gunner Kennels have multiple practical features that cater to the safety and comfort of dogs during transportation. It’s designed with considerations such as ease of use, durability, and security in mind, which makes it a good choice for dog owners who prioritize the well-being of their canines.
Below is an overview of the Gunner Kennel features:
- Escape-proof door: The Gunner G1 Kennel has a powerful proprietary nylon that is custom-welded, powder-coated, and reinforced with an aluminum frame. With its strength, it can properly contain your dog regardless of whether they’re an escape artist. The door is also reversible, allowing you to open it in two directions, so you can easily access your dog in any given situation or preferences in the placement of the crate in your vehicle.
- Locking mechanism: Enhancing the door’s security is the easy-to-open and close paddle latch lock, which you can operate even in a hurry. This comes with a key, so you can be worry-free if you need to temporarily leave them in the crate.
- Drainage system: There is an oversized, removable drain plug at the back of the Gunner dog crate, which you can take off to ensure your dog doesn’t sit on water inside the crate. This is useful if it’s raining and the crate is anchored in the truck bed, where it could be exposed to elements.
- Carry handles: Kayak-grade handles are placed atop the crate so you can easily move and lift it. The quality also guarantees the handles won’t break regardless of the load you’re lifting.
- Water-repelling windows: The windows are engineered to limit the penetration of rain, snow, and other elements. This helps keep your dog protected from environmental factors.
Additional Features:
- Hexagonal design: Gunner G1 features a hexagonal form, the strongest shape known. This adds structural integrity to the design as the shape evenly distributes force.
- Wider base: The wider base of the Gunner G1 crate provides additional stability. This reduces the chances of the kennel tipping over or moving around in your vehicle.
- Non-slip feet: The feet of the kennel are designed to be non-slip, thus stabilizing the equipment to prevent it from sliding, especially when anchored in a moving vehicle. Its base is also elevated to limit heat conduction from surfaces.
Kennel Size
The Gunner dog crates come in multiple sizes, accommodating various dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, Beagles, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and more.
Refer to the tables below to see the dimensions of these heavy-duty Gunner kennels:
Small Gunner G1 Kennel
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Interior | 21.75 in (L) x 14.5 in (W) x 15.5 in (H); 16.5 in (Widest Interior Point) |
| Exterior | 24.5 in (L) x 18.625 in (W) x 19 in (H); 20.5 in (H with Carry Handles) |
| Empty Weight | 27 pounds |
Medium Gunner G1 Kennel
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Interior | 25 in (L) x 18 in (W) x 19.75 in (H); 19 in (Widest Interior Point) |
| Exterior | 29.5 in (L) x 20.5 in (W) x 23.5 in (H); 25 in (H with Carry Handles) |
| Empty Weight | 38 pounds |
Gunner G1 Intermediate Kennel
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Interior | 30 in (L) x 18 in (W) x 25 in (H); 19 in (Widest Interior Point) |
| Exterior | 34 in (L) x 23 in (W) x 28.5 in (H); 30 in (H with Carry Handles) |
| Empty Weight | 48 pounds |
G1 Large Gunner Kennel
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Interior | 33.25 in (L) x 21 in (W) x 29 in (H); 23 in (Widest Interior Point) |
| Exterior | 40.25 in (L) x 28 in (W) x 33.25 in (H); 34.5 in (H with Carry Handles) |
| Empty Weight | 72 pounds |
Use these measurements to determine which Gunner G1 Kennel matches your dog’s proportions.
Tip: You can correctly identify which kennel size is ideal for your dog by measuring your canine’s length from the tip of the nose to the tail base and their height by measuring them from the head (or ears if they are taller) down to the foot.
Kennel Colors
The Gunner Dog Kennels come in multiple standard colors. You can choose any of the choices, depending on what suits your preferences or matches your vehicle.
Here’s a list of the standard colors available for Gunner G1 Kennels:
- Tan
- Black
- DU green
- Gunmetal
- Mossy Oak Bottomland Tan
- Mossy Oak Bottomland Black
- Mossy Oak Bottomland Gunmetal
There are also four limited edition colors, which are vibrant in their hues:
- Navy
- Lavender
- Blaze orange
- Sulphur springs
Gunner doesn’t just focus on comfort and pet safety. The brand also ensures the kennel looks great wherever you go.
Maintenance
The Gunner G1 Kennel is designed for easy maintenance. Its drainage system simplifies cleaning—you only mop or scrub the interior and exterior and then hose it down.
Remove the plug at the back of the crate to allow water to drain out smoothly. For a deeper clean, you can use a mild detergent or a pet-safe cleaning solution to remove any stubborn stains and eliminate odors.
After cleaning, ensure the kennel is completely dry before placing your dog back inside. This will help maintain the Gunner Kennel’s condition and provide a comfortable environment for your canine.
Ventilation
The kennels have multiple ventilation points to ensure your dog has ample airflow and remains comfortable in various conditions. These ventilation areas include side and rear windows and a vented door.
Additionally, the equipment is also built to make you your dog 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature compared to other leading kennels. This is perfect for when it gets chilly outdoors.
Meanwhile, if it gets hot, the Gunner G1 stays 8% cooler than a single-layered rotomolded kennel and 12% cooler compared to aluminum kennels. Moreover, the leading aluminum kennel heated 50 degrees more than the G1 in 100+ degree weather.
Pricing and Value
The Gunner G1 Kennel is considered a premium product, with pricing reflecting its use of the highest quality materials, construction, safety features, and robustness.
Take a look at the table below to see how much the dog kennel costs depending on the size you’re getting:
| Size | Price |
| Large | $950 |
| Intermediate | $750 |
| Medium | $700 |
| Small | $600 |
While the cost may be higher than standard dog crates, the value lies in its durable design and Gunner’s lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. It’s an investment in your dog’s safety and comfort, which is ideal especially for frequent travelers or those seeking a long-lasting kennel.
On a different note, Gunner allows dog owners to personalize their dog’s crate. You can place your dog’s name on the kennel nameplate for an additional $30.
Is the Gunner G1 Kennel Crate Crash-Tested?
The Gunner G1 Kennel in small, medium, and intermediate are all crash-tested at 30 mph. The small was evaluated for up to 30 pounds of load rate, the medium, 45 pounds, and the intermediate, 75 pounds.
Here’s the crash test video you can watch for the small Gunner G1 kennel strapped securely in the seat belt system in the back seat:
Meanwhile, here’s a short video of the medium Gunner Kennel G1 with strength-rated anchor straps:
And here’s a short video of the Gunner Kennel G1 intermediate with strength-rated anchor straps:
Due to these kennels being crash-tested to be crash-proof, you’re given the assurance that your dog will remain contained inside in case of car collisions. Based on the evidences, the kennels did not lose their structural integrity; the doors stayed intact throughout the crash simulation. Fun fact, these equipment are proven to save real dogs in real accidents.
The anchor straps are also highly durable, showing no signs of fraying. Despite the heavy load, they have successfully kept the crate in place.
More Gunner G1 Kennel Tests
Gunner conducted two more tests to evaluate the performance of their crash-tested dog crates. The subsequent sections put their results into detail.
Weight Test
Another test was conducted to see the limits of the crash-tested dog crates from Gunner—a 630-pound sled was dropped from 100 inches.
The Gunner showed its toughness by keeping its form, although slightly dented. This is a significant difference, however, compared to other kennels, such as Variocage, Petmate, and Rough Tough Kennels, which have been completely crushed by the weight.
Take a look at this test below:
Shotgun Test
The shotgun test is exactly what it sounds like—the Gunner G1 Kennels are shot using a shotgun. This has approximately 4,000 pounds of pressure applied to the crate.
Take a look at its performance through the video below and how it compares with the Rough Tough Kennels being subjected in the same shotgun test:
Gunner G1 Kennel Crate Pros and Cons
The Gunner G1 Kennel is one of the best equipment that can guarantee your dog’s well-being during road trips. However, like many products, it comes with several pros and cons. Weigh the boons and banes carefully before investing in one of its dog crates.
Pros
- The kennel comes with non-slip feet, wider base for stability, carry handles, and water-repelling windows.
- The kennel has a drainage system for easy cleaning. You can utilize its oversized removable drain plug at the back to let the water out without hassle.
- The kennels are made of rotomolded polyethylene and double-walled construction, making it strong and impact-resistant.
- The small, medium, and intermediate sizes of the Gunner G1 Kennel have been crash-tested at 30 mph, providing assurance of your dog’s safety in case of road traffic accidents.
- It’s designed for the invested dog owner to keep their dog safe during car collisions. It’s also equipped with features like an aluminum door frame system and stainless steel pins for tie-down straps.
Cons
- The Gunner G1 Kennel is a premium product. Its prices range from $600 for the small size to $950 for the large size. These may be higher than standard crates.
- The kennels are heavy, with the large size weighing 72 pounds. This might make it difficult for them to move around, especially when loaded with a dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gunner Kennels Airline Approved?
Whether the Gunner Kennels’ G1™ is airline-approved depends on your airline’s requirements. To be considered airline approved, it must meet the International Air Transport Association regulations for live animal transport.
These regulations include guidelines for labeling (“live pet” label), accessibility to water and food containers, weight limit, size compliance, and more.
Moreover, it’s important to note that while this crash-tested dog crate may meet many of these criteria, your airline may have additional requirements.
Where Are Gunner Kennels Made?
Gunner Kennels are made in the Gunner Headquarters located in Nashville, Tennessee. All components that make up the dog crates are sourced from the same area as the brand’s way of supporting American businesses.
This dedication to quality and local sourcing ensures that each Gunner Kennel is crafted with the highest standards. As a result, this provides pet owners with a product that is not only safe and durable but also contributes to the American manufacturing industry.
Who Is the Owner of Gunner Kennels?
Addison Edmonds is the founder of Gunner Kennels. He established the brand in 2013, naming it after his beloved chocolate Labrador Retriever, Gunner. The inspiration for the company came from Addison’s desire to create a kennel that would provide the utmost safety and comfort for dogs when hitting the road.
Currently, Joe Graves serves as the CEO of Gunner Kennels. He and Addison Edmonds Have propelled Gunner Kennels to become a leading name in the pet industry, with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the well-being of canines.
Final Word
The crash-tested Gunner G1 Kennel is currently the best dog kennel, considering its features, design, construction, and materials. Its robust construction, featuring rotomolded polyethylene and double-walled design, ensures durability and impact resistance, keeping your dog’s safety during travel.
Additionally, the kennel’s ease of maintenance, with its drainage system and easy-to-clean surfaces, adds convenience for the owner.
While the Gunner G1 Kennel comes with a premium price tag, its quality, safety features, and robustness make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a long-lasting, safe travel solution for their canine companions.
Key Takeaways
- The kennel has been crash-tested to provide added confidence in protecting your dog during car collisions.
- The Gunner G1 Kennel comes in multiple sizes for various dog breeds and colors for your preferences or to match your vehicle.
- The Gunner G1 Kennel’s design prioritizes your dog’s safety, with features like a strong aluminum door frame and stainless steel tie-down pins.
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