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
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
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