We can carry up to 7 secured dogs in the back of our ranger. We ran a chain across the back with five clips and there are two short pieces of chain with clips bolted down at the back of the bed on either side which leaves room for a small icechest against the tailgate in the middle.
This is exactly how i will be settin mine up when i purchase one. I have yet to see a box in the bed of one that will accommodate up to nine dogs with room for a cooler.
"the sun is shining somewhere in texas" -Jason Boland