Custom system for traveling with dogs

[LA-A Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close LA-A]

Hi everyone

I thought I should share my solution to the problem of bringing the dogs along on our adventures and also maximising space in the Prado.

Basically I used ply to create a custom dividing shelving structure with shelf over the top to maximise space use

The base bolts down into the existing holes for the 3rd row seat anchors

The joints are supported by brackets and screws on either side (use bolts with flat heads for shelving sections)

My main concerns was how to secure the top of the structure so it would not rattle to bits on corrugations (watch this space for the answer...)
The best solution was to bend some solid steel brackets (using angle grinder) to shape so they would bolt to the hand rail screw holes on either side - this stabilises it really well

The dimensions allow for the whole structure to be unbolted and removed from the car without taking it apart (need adequate clearance on the rear door side especially) - just unbolt and slide out

Marine carpet was glued over the top to tidy us and reduce sliding

I mounted a bit of sheeting to the cargo barrier in the dog section to keep dirt in

I then went on to staple some vinyl flooring to the walls where the dogs will be to reduce dirt/water etc sticking, and I made a curved fitted base of vinyl, with raised sides to trap sand etc for easy cleaning, and some mats over the top which double as beds when at camp

This setup also allows daylight to get in to the dogs on 2 sides..... they are a bit spoilt

We tried it out on Fraser Island recently and it was even more solid when loaded - no issues at all

Also allows mounting of additional accessories to walls of the structure if required

Its been a lot of fun, thats for sure!

We are going through the Kimberley and NT in a few months so I will let you know how it holds up!

http://s28.postimg.org/r0vgkrz9p/IMAG1673.jpg

http://s28.postimg.org/nijgodydp/IMAG1687.jpg

http://s28.postimg.org/pw1efecst/IMAG1688.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/n6b7zqrhn/IMAG1680.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/8un4h3jxn/IMAG1691.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/4mwxm37vv/IMAG1695.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/lpzphlokr/IMAG1696.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/7v1ez4u5n/IMAG0238.jpg

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Great job LA. Certainly stop a lot of sand n crap getting every where.... Cheers Steve

[mybo Member Find all posts View Profile Close mybo]

Your dog will be travelling in style

We have two labradors and no kids, so the labs get the whole back seat to themselves with a canvas cover we made up ourselves. The canvas also covers the backs of the front seats. Doesn't stop hair blowing around the cabin though

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

Good job LA-A! Our dogs are too big to go in something like that so when we travel with them we use a Back Seat Buddy :-

http://www.mypetwarehouse.com.au/bac...FQMDvAodHUoAKg

It's a heavy nylon/canvas type sling that ties between the 1st and 2nd row seats and has a zip off lambswool cover that is washable. It still allows us to pack some stuff in the footwell for the 2nd row, we use the sleeping bags and other soft things under there to give them some additional flooring. Just like Mybo's setup it doesn't stop hair blowing everywhere though (we have Rough Collies).

[juc33_prado Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close juc33_prado]

Your dog will be travelling in style

We have two labradors and no kids, so the labs get the whole back seat to themselves with a canvas cover we made up ourselves. The canvas also covers the backs of the front seats. Doesn't stop hair blowing around the cabin though

dog hair.... the eternal lost battle!

[LA-A Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close LA-A]

We keep the border collies clipped short in summer time and it helps a lot!

We are going to be touring for 6 months so need to back seat space for fridge, bags etc - the furry kids will have to squeeze!

[oldbluedog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close oldbluedog]

Hi everyone

I thought I should share my solution to the problem of bringing the dogs along on our adventures and also maximising space in the Prado.

Basically I used ply to create a custom dividing shelving structure with shelf over the top to maximise space use

The base bolts down into the existing holes for the 3rd row seat anchors

The joints are supported by brackets and screws on either side (use bolts with flat heads for shelving sections)

My main concerns was how to secure the top of the structure so it would not rattle to bits on corrugations (watch this space for the answer...)
The best solution was to bend some solid steel brackets (using angle grinder) to shape so they would bolt to the hand rail screw holes on either side - this stabilises it really well

The dimensions allow for the whole structure to be unbolted and removed from the car without taking it apart (need adequate clearance on the rear door side especially) - just unbolt and slide out

Marine carpet was glued over the top to tidy us and reduce sliding

I mounted a bit of sheeting to the cargo barrier in the dog section to keep dirt in

I then went on to staple some vinyl flooring to the walls where the dogs will be to reduce dirt/water etc sticking, and I made a curved fitted base of vinyl, with raised sides to trap sand etc for easy cleaning, and some mats over the top which double as beds when at camp

This setup also allows daylight to get in to the dogs on 2 sides..... they are a bit spoilt

We tried it out on Fraser Island recently and it was even more solid when loaded - no issues at all

Also allows mounting of additional accessories to walls of the structure if required

Its been a lot of fun, thats for sure!

We are going through the Kimberley and NT in a few months so I will let you know how it holds up!

http://s28.postimg.org/r0vgkrz9p/IMAG1673.jpg

http://s28.postimg.org/nijgodydp/IMAG1687.jpg

http://s28.postimg.org/pw1efecst/IMAG1688.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/n6b7zqrhn/IMAG1680.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/8un4h3jxn/IMAG1691.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/4mwxm37vv/IMAG1695.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/lpzphlokr/IMAG1696.jpg

http://s23.postimg.org/7v1ez4u5n/IMAG0238.jpg

Hey LA. Any chance of getting your photos reposted or emailed out ? Cheers. D.