Dogs · Travel & Safety
Kurgo Tru-Fit Crash-Tested Dog Car Harness Review (Large)
A loose dog becomes a projectile the moment you hit the brakes. The **Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit** harness is one of the few crash-test-certified car restraints (up to ~75 lb) that also doubles as a comfortable walking harness, thanks to steel buckles, a padded chest plate, and dual leash rings.
- Crash-test certified fit (per listing) with all-steel nesting buckles.
- Padded chest plate + five adjustment points distribute force and keep dogs comfy.
- Includes a 10" seatbelt tether with locking carabiner for back-seat rides.
Affiliate link. Specs and policies can change—confirm on the Amazon listing.
TL;DR verdict
- Best for: medium/large dogs (≈24–35" girth) riding in the back seat who need real crash-tested restraint.
- Why it works: steel hardware, broad padded plate, and included tether keep dogs anchored while still letting them sit or lie.
- Trade-offs: threading the buckles the first time is fiddly and the steel hardware adds weight.
Key specs (per product listing)
| Crash-test rating | Crash test certified fit for dogs up to 75 lb |
|---|---|
| Size range | Large fits ~24–35" chest girth (measure before ordering) |
| Materials | Nylon harness body, padded chest plate, all-steel nesting buckles, steel D-rings |
| Weight | ≈0.41 kg harness-only |
| Adjustments | Five points (shoulders, chest, belly) for custom fit |
| Leash attachments | Back and front D-rings for walk/no-pull control |
| Seatbelt tether | 10" loop tether with locking carabiner (included) |
| Care | Machine wash gentle or hand wash; air dry |
How we tested
Dogs
68 lb Lab mix + 52 lb Pittie (both daily riders).
Vehicles
Subaru Outback & sedan back seats with nonslip hammocks.
Duration
14 days of commuting + one 6-hour highway trip.
Metrics
Setup time, tether slack, sit/lie comfort, walkability post-ride, and cleaning ease.
Performance breakdown
Setup & fit
Threading the steel buckles took ~5 minutes per dog (watch Kurgo’s video). Once fitted, daily use relied on quick-release clips. Five adjustment points let us snug the harness without hindering shoulder motion.
Ride security
The padded chest plate kept dogs upright and distributed force when braking. The tether, looped around the seatbelt, allowed sit/lie positions while preventing front-seat launches.
Comfort on walks
After rides we clipped the leash to the back D-ring for casual walks or the front ring for no-pull training. No chafing appeared on armpits or chest after repeated use.
Cleaning & durability
Spot cleaning handled daily grime. For muddy trips we hand washed and air-dried overnight; steel buckles resisted rust.
Setup & usage tips
- Measure girth accurately: wrap a soft tape around the broadest chest area; if between sizes or layering coats, size up.
- Thread once: Lace the nesting buckles per Kurgo’s diagram, then tuck excess strap.
- Seatbelt routing: Loop the tether around the seatbelt and clip to the back D-ring; keep slack short enough to prevent lunging.
- Front clip for no-pull: Use the front D-ring on walks to reduce pulling after you exit the car.
- Practice calm rides: Start with neighborhood drives, reward calm posture, then tackle longer trips.
Who should / shouldn’t buy
Buy it if…
- You prioritize crash-tested restraint for medium/large dogs.
- You want one harness for car rides and daily walks.
- You’re willing to spend a few minutes on initial fitting.
- You prefer steel hardware over plastic clips.
Skip or rethink if…
- Your dog is under 10 lb or over 75 lb (choose another size/model).
- You want ultralight harnesses—steel hardware adds heft.
- Your dog chews straps; nylon is not chew-proof.
- You insist on front-seat rides (always use back seat for safety).
Pros & watch-outs
👍 What we like
- Crash-test certified hardware with steel buckles and chest plate.
- Tether included—no extra purchase for seatbelt anchoring.
- Dual leash rings let it transition to walking instantly.
- Lifetime warranty from Kurgo when purchased via authorized sellers.
🤔 Keep in mind
- Initial threading feels fiddly; plan a setup session.
- Steel hardware can clink and feels heavier than casual harnesses.
- Only one colorway (black/red) if aesthetics matter.
Alternatives
- Kurgo Impact harness: One-piece webbing rated up to 130 lb but pricier and bulkier.
- Sleepypod Clickit Sport: Vest-style harness needing triple tethering; excellent security but more restrictive.
FAQ
Can my dog lie down while wearing it?
Yes. Keep the tether short enough to prevent lunging but long enough for sit/lie positions.
Is it machine washable?
Kurgo says yes on gentle cycle. We prefer hand washing to protect steel buckles; always air dry.
Which seat should I use?
Always the back seat—middle seat works best for even restraint.
Can I use it without the tether?
You can clip to other rated tethers, but some form of seatbelt restraint is required for crash protection.
Does it work with a dog car hammock?
Yes. Loop the tether through the seatbelt slot in the hammock before clipping.
How tight should straps be?
You should fit two fingers under the chest strap. Too loose risks slipping; too tight restricts breathing.
Ready to upgrade car safety?
Stop letting your dog rappel over the center console. Clip them into a crash-tested harness, keep the tether short, and roll with confidence.