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Whether you’re heading into the field or just want a secure travel solution for your dog, Dakota 283 has you covered. Our G3, CRaTE, and specialty kennels all share the same DNA—American-made, roto-molded durability—but they’re designed with different types of dogs and dog owners in mind.
Use the chart below to compare our kennels and find the one that fits your lifestyle.
Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Dakota 283 G3 Kennel | Dakota 283 CRaTE Kennel (Economy Line) | Hero Kennel | T1 Kennel | 2D Side Entry |
| Construction | One-piece roto-molded polyethylene | One-piece roto-molded polyethylene | One-piece roto-molded polyethylene | One-piece roto-molded polyethylene | One-piece roto-molded polyethylene |
| Door Design | Heavy-duty metal door with stainless steel keyed paddle latch | Removable/reversible door with standard latch | Ultra Heavy-Duty, Triple-locking stainless steel door with stainless steel keyed paddle latch | Heavy-duty metal door with stainless steel keyed paddle latch | 2 Heavy-duty metal doors with stainless steel keyed paddle latch |
| Sizes Available | Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Intermediate, Large, X-Large | One Size | One Size | One Size |
| Weight of kennel | S – 20.2 lb M – 37 lb L – 46 lb XL – 59 lb | Int – 30 lb Lrg – 35 lb XL – 41 lb | 54 lb | 25 lb | 43 lb |
| Exterior Dimensions | S – 23″ L x 16″ W x 18.75″ H M – 31″ L x 21.5″ W x 25.5″ H L – 35.2″ L x 24.5″ W x 26.5″ H XL – 38.5″ L x 25.5″ W x 29.5″ H | Int – 36.25″ L x 26.125″ W x 26.375″ H Lrg – 37.125″ L x 27.5″ W x 27.625″ H XL – 41″ L x 27.25″ W x 30.625″ H | 40.25” L x 26” W x 30.1” H | 30” L x 21.5” W x 20” H | 31” L x 21.5” W x 29.5” H |
| Interior Dimensions | S – 20.25″ L x 14.25″ W x 18″ H M – 28.5″ L x 19.8″ W x 25.2″ H L – 33″ L x 22.8″ W x 26.2″ H XL – 36″ L x 23.75″ W x 29.25″ H | Int – 30.5″ L x 23.875″ W x 24.5″ H Lrg – 35″ L x 25″ W x 26″ H XL – 38.75″ L x 24.75″ W x 29″ H | 35” L x 18.5” W x 27.75” H | 24.8” L x 18.75” W x 19.5” H | 28.9” L x 19.6” W x 26.25” H |
| Stackable | Yes (2 high x 2 wide) | Yes (2 high x 1 wide) | Yes (2 high x 1 wide) | Yes (2 high x 2 wide) | No |
| Handles | Molded-in handle on top | Molded-in carry handles on sides | Molded-in carry handles on sides | Molded-in carry handle on rear | Molded-in handle on top |
| Mats available | Yes | Coming Soon | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Dakota Guard Antimicrobial | Available | Not available | Available | Available | Not available |
| Colors Available | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Molded and Assembled in the USA | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| MSRP | S – $329 M – $409 L – $539 XL – $599 | Int – $329 Lrg – $359 XL – $399 | $859 | $509 | $669 |
Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right kennel depends on your dog’s behavior, your travel needs, and how much security and convenience you require. One of the most important differences across the Dakota 283 line is door design—and that can directly affect how safe, secure, and easy your experience will be.
G3 Kennel
Best for: Everyday use with strong containment needs.
- Why: The G3 features a powder-coated steel door with a stainless steel paddle latch that locks with a key, providing an elevated level of security compared to typical kennels. It’s ideal for dogs who try to paw or push their way out.
- Good Fit For: Hunting dogs, active travelers, farm or working dogs, and owners transporting in pickup beds or tie-down vehicles.
- Pro Tip: Choose this if you want high-quality durability without stepping up to the ultra-heavy-duty option.
CRaTE Kennel (Economy Line)
Best for: Pet owners looking for a more lightweight and budget-friendly solution.
- Why: The CRaTE’s door is reversible and removable, offering great flexibility—but it uses a standard latch (no key lock). That means it’s not recommended for escape artists or very strong dogs. A locking pin is sold separately for extra security, however.
- Good Fit For: Families taking weekend trips, casual travelers, or dogs who are crate-trained and calm in transit.
- Pro Tip: Great value if you don’t need the additional level of security or containment.
Hero Kennel
Best for: Maximum security and extreme protection.
- Why: The Hero is built for military, police, and professional K9 handlers. It includes an ultra-heavy-duty, triple-locking door with a stainless-steel keyed latch.
- Good Fit For: Tactical K9 units, military deployments, service dog handlers, and those in unpredictable environments.
- Pro Tip: If your dog’s job is life-saving, the Hero is your go-to crate.
T1 Kennel
Best for: Secure travel in truck beds with tonneau covers or tight cargo areas.
- Why: The T1 is built compact and rugged—perfect for sliding under a tonneau cover or in confined cargo spaces. It features a heavy-duty powder-coated metal door with a stainless steel keyed paddle latch and weighs just 25 lb, making it ultra-portable but still secure.
- Good Fit For: Hunters and working dog owners who travel with their dogs in pickup trucks or enclosed transport areas.
- Pro Tip: It’s a smart choice for truck-based travel where space is limited and durability matters.
2D Side Entry Kennel
Best for: Dual-access loading in SUVs, hatchbacks, or trailers.
- Why: With two heavy-duty powder-coated metal doors on both the front and side, this kennel lets you load your dog from multiple directions, especially useful in tight spaces or when stacked.
- Good Fit For: Trainers, show handlers, and traveling families who use SUV cargo space or trailers.
- Pro Tip: The side-entry is a game changer for quick exits and vehicle organization.
Every Dakota 283 kennel is proudly made in the USA and built with military-grade polyethylene to handle serious wear and tear. But when it comes to choosing the right crate, toughness is not the only consideration; it’s about matching the kennel and its features to your lifestyle and your dog’s needs.
