Storage doggie separator platform

When we started looking for a Tundra, originally I was looking at the double cab trucks, simply because they're more prevalent in this area. The issue I found was, like with all the crap I do in life, the double cab trucks had a tall seat mount in the back, and not quite as much room as the crewmax trucks. When I found a Crewmax truck, the doublecabs got put on a last to look at list, and that's when we spent a few months searching for our current ride.

So with that, I have dogs. Yes, the dogs are everything. Yes the dogs take precedence over me, and anything I want, and as usual, our vehicle purchase was based upon the comfort of the dogs.

So I had to make a platform / storage system for the dogs, so the leader of our pack, Mr. B. can see out the window. Oh what a time it was for our Nasty Shihtzu to not be able to see out the window. You would think the world was coming to an end.

WIth the boss (Mr. B.) in mind, I made up a platform that leveled out the rear floor area, and gave us some storage below the dogs riding in style. It had to be high enough for Boss Man B. to be able to look out the window on long rides, and so it was done.

First step was the box frame for the platform. I used some simple 1/2" square tubing, and made up the lower platform frame / separator box, and taking into account the thickness of the dog beds "He" wanted (Mr. B.), the height was about 7 inches in front, and slightly shorter towards the rear of the cab, so that the surface was level inside.





The separator section had to be sturdy enough, but removable, so again, taking the square tubing, and making receivers that were set onto the platform, and would hold the separator without any fasteners, making removal relatively easy, as well as installing the unit if it's ever taken out.


THe platform had a lid installed out of some 20 ga sheet metal that was screwed to the top of the platform with some 1/2" truss head screws, so that if need be, the top sheetmetal can be quickly removed with a couple dozen screws and a screw gun.



The separator section needed to keep the dogs in the back, while still allowing us to interact with them. I guess if I ever had a dog like a mini or a Chihuahua I'd have to modify the separator section. In the meanwhile a pass through door allows my wife to give them water or grab one of them if they misbehave while traveling.





Bolting the platform down was for safety purposes and prevents the platform for moving around while crusing around.



So after installing the unit, bolting the frame down, and installing the separator, laying the dog beds on top, and throwing extra crap below, such as old towels for the occasional vomit episode (the dogs, not me or my wife....but then again, you never know).

Beagles are fine with it



And Mr. Nasty boy (Mr. B) likes it too when he's not beating the snot out of his two beagle brothers.

 

If it works it works but nana is going to be pissed about her coffee table going missing.
All jokes aside pretty slick.

 

Thanks.

Fun project.

I really enjoy engineering, or making things that didnt previously exist, or fulfill some need or desire which intrigues me. If I had known, back as a young lad, how much I enjoy welding, and sticking metal together, I wouldnt have spent my life banging nails, or mitering corners.

 

The short shit can see out.

Anything,for the dogs