Making room for K9's

Okay, I know this is off the wall but I'm gonna reach out anyway.
I work/train with dogs (SAR & Therapy) I have a Leer cap that works out great during cooler weather but the other seasons are a no go. My Bloodhound and Saint Bernard are just to big for the back seat in my dbl cab. I have tried fans, cooling mats and on and on but just cannot get enough cold air back to the cap. I considered trading for a 4Runner but then have no room for our equipment (which is extensive). Today I had a great idea (I hope). Remove the back seats, add a platform and "TaTa" K9 space. Before I start trashing my truck has anyone else done this? Did it work? Any other ideas? HELP!

 

I’ve seen a thread about it on here before...
For an access cab but good info nonetheless!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/access-cab-dog-platform.503276/page-2#post-20392194

Edit: also, the rear seats are easy to remove, just a few bolts as far as I know, completely reversible if you decide you don’t like the mod

 

Cool dog OP, love St. Bernards!

 

You sir, have a horse.

 

that step thing is pretty cool

If you don't use the backseat for anything, why not? You could make plenty of space back there for them.

 

It's either the steps or lifting him as he's to lazy to jump.

 

There's a bunch of toppers that have sliding and/or removable glass. Unfortunately it seems yours is fixed which traps the air in there.
Something like this maybe? (Not my truck, just found in online)


This would be a rather expensive option, but it would definitely help air flow through the bed!

 

My 85lb bulldog is like that. She's too short/lazy to jump up and picking her up every time is a pain. I built her a ramp for the access cab mod posted above..

What are those steps though? She's not a big fan of the ramp as it's narrow for her.

 

Its not so much about airflow as air conditioning. We travel a lot in cities and slow traffic and always a chance of getting caught in a traffic jam.

 

The steps are made by a company called Pet Loader. Very heavy duty and made in the USA. You can check them out at
petloader.com or call at 877-275-4870.

 

What about mounting an ac unit in the bed? Perhaps one for an RV on top of the shell?

 

Might be a good idea to look at an Fj80, take out 2nd, 3rd row seats.
Or a sequoia and take out seats.

 

I’ve got a cap. Ordered it without a front window. Did the rear window delete mod on the truck (hammer). Rubber seal between the two and now I have AC or heat from the cab into the bed area for my pups. They travel in comfort year round.

 

Removed the 60% seat in the back and strapped a MIM Variocrate (https://mimvariocage.com/) on a piece of ply. Because of the contours, had to shim along one side 1". Removed the seat belts and put drings as tie down points for the ratchet straps that hold down the crate.

Clearly your dogs are larger, but removing the rest of back seats and putting a flat platform (it's been done so so many times on here) that a st. b would be able to lay down and possibly stand. I'd recommend a headache guard if you have large dogs in the back. In an accident they become large, flying danger beasts.

 

I'm curious - details on delete mod and the rubber seal?

 

I'm doing something similar. I took out the 60% side and put in a dog bed. Right now it's sitting on a cardboard box, but I'm going to cut a piece of plywood and cover it with carpet for the floor.

If you take out the back seats, I would highly recommend docloco's panel. I'm waiting on the flat panel one.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ement-system-for-2nd-3rd-gen-dc-or-ac.410254/

 

Good suggestion, I looked into it and it can be done. I went to a local RV shop and they figured about $800 which is cheaper than buying a 4Runner. They would mount their smallest unit 13,500 btu's (I could haul fish as a sideline). When I put more thought into it I found it would add 10.5" to the trucks height which meant I could not fit into my garage, carwash and some parking garages. Oh well, back to the drawing board. I think the back seat delete is worth a try. Our bloodhound at 140 lbs . will fit for sure, the Saint at 205 lbs. still will be tight and as Tacomeister said I can always put the seats back.

 

Ig @k_9cairo

 

Okay, feeling fueled by your encouragement "Project Back Seat" has begun. My wife thinks I've gone off the deep end and I am wondering as well but here we go ... back seat removed. Could not resist trying 36" x 48" foam mattress.