Access Cab Rear Seat Dog Platform/Bed

Hey Tacoma Tribe, wasn't sure whether to post this under "Dogs" or "Storage/Organization".

Because the intent of this modification is to accommodate my lab, Ranger in the rear seat area of my 2015 access cab, I thought I'd create a new post and let the editor decide where this submission best fits in the archives.

First and foremost I want to thank members, Cagedodger and Tigerian for their groundwork in coming up with this idea. It was on this forum that I found their ideas. So thank you, guys!!!

In my recent past, in two different trucks I have removed the rear seats and built a dog platform out of lumber and carpeting to accommodate my dogs. Both of these platforms worked great with regard to their intended purpose. The downside to building a semi-permanent platform out of lumber was that it was always such a pain in the arse to clean/vacuum the unavoidable accumulation of dog hair and dirt that would find its way under the platform frame. So this time around I wanted to build a functional platform that I could completely remove/re-install in a matter of a minute to facilitate an easier, more thorough vacuuming/cleaning when so inclined.

The motivation behind this submission was to provide our members with a detailed, pictorial chronology of the "build" process and also to provide part numbers, cost info, and info about the custom dog mattress I had made to fit on the platform. So again, with props to Cagedodger and Tigerian, here is my version of this dog platform build.

Starting from the top pic and working down.

Pic 1: Showing the rear seat area of my 2015 access cab before the mod.

Pic 2: Showing rear seats removed.

Pic 3: Showing the rear console and seat belt buckles removed.

Pic 4: Showing the two Dewalt TSTAK II storage cases; model #

$23 DWST17807 DEWALT TSTAK II Tool Box, 13", Flat Top, Holds Up To 66 lbs, Flexible Platforms for Stacking (DWST17807)

DWST17807. (Note: These are the same height as the factory underseat storage consoles)

Pic 5: Placing ordinary workout-mat foam, about 1/4" thick, cut to 22" x 51" on top of the factory consoles and Dewalt storage cases to prevent the plywood from rattling against the plastic. Note: This is NOT diamond plated aluminum (I've been asked this several times). It's just the textured, bottom side of the foam.

Pic 6: Laying a piece of 3/8" plywood cut to 22" x 51". To prevent any chance of slivers, the edges were sanded. After measuring and remeasuring I found that these dimensions allow the plywood to fit snugly between the rear wall of the truck, the back of the front center console and the doors (without rubbing on the door plastic).

Pic 7: Laying a second piece of foam cut to the same dimensions as the first on top of the plywood. I did this to provide extra cushion AND to extend the life of the dog bed I had made.

Pic 8: Showing the inside foam bedding and the Cordura outer cover of the dog bed I had made by Gorilla Dog Beds (gorilladogbeds.com). This bed is made of high quality, 2.5" memory foam enclosed in a removable waterproof barrier (the blue material), that is ultimately covered by a thick, bombproof, removable, washable outer Cordura cover.

Pic 9: Side view showing the Dewalt cases, and the foam/plywood/foam "sandwich".

Pic 10:The end result.

A few things I like about this set up: It can be completely removed and reinstalled in about a minute making it less tedious to do a thorough vacuum job. It's quiet, no rattling. The Dewalt storage cases and the factory storage consoles are easy to access because all of the materials used in the build are lightweight. The dog mattress itself is removable and could be used in the bed of the truck or a tent as a waterproof sleeping pad. The outer Cordura shell is washable when (not if) it gets dirty. This set up allows the front seats to still be 80 percent reclined to fully reclined depending on where you position the front seats.

Cost: *2 Dewalt cases at about $20 each
* 1 pack of 4, 24" x 24" x 1/4" interlocking foam workout pads also $20
* A scrap piece of 3/8" plywood. Free
* Gorilla Dog Bed $180 delivered to my door.

So this is what we do here on this forum. We share good ideas and then we refine, improve upon them over time. I'll look forward to the next version of this great idea started by Cagedodger and Tigerian.

Be blessed guys!

 

I like it!

 

Leveling with the tool boxes is a great idea, instead of loosing storage space you gain it. The flat base looks really useful even when you don't have Ranger with you. If I didn't already have my labs set up in the canopy, I'd do this.

 

I did something similar to this but put legs on the front. And foam from a fabric store with a carhartt type material to cover it all.. and it’s been very useful even when not transporting my German Shepherd

 

This is nice. Thanks for sharing. I've been thinking of doing something for the front seat for my girls. what did you put in the floorboard up front?

 

Xennus, Google "Front Seat Extenders". Several companies offer this item, which as the name implies essentially lengthens the front seat. It's made out of a very firm, high density foam that will support the weight of most dogs. I got mine from a company called, In The Company of Dogs. The going rate is about $60-$70.

 

This is what I did!




Except way better

Large dogs have a tough time on those access seats- plus you really get more storage out of the idea.

 

Thank you! I'll take a look.

 

Thank you for the write up

 

This is GREAT!
Built a platform for my 1990 SR5
That is exactly what I was seeking