Platform behind front seat???
 

I travel much with my wife and my dog. I would like to have a raised platform in the area behind the front seats so he could sit up higher and be able to get from front to back easier as he is twelve years old now. Has anyone already modified their Ranger this way? Any ideas? Tks., Dave

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Not yet but it is on my list. You have probably already thought of this but remember you will not be able to lean your seats back so make sure they are where you want them. Take out the cargo net?
I am basically going to build a box with wiggle room in case it needs to come out. I plan to use foam and grey vinyl on the front and sides to make it fit tightly (tighter). Same for the top, hinged so it can be used for storage.
Don't forget to account for the armrest, it extends behind the seat when up. I plan to top mine at armrest height. Good luck and send pics when you get it done.

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Why not just make something similar to a subwoofer box? Same kind of concept different purpose.

EX:

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Sub...ers/FRX230.jpg

Dimensions here: http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Sub...er_ext_cab.htm

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

The subwoofer box is a great start. I will go to have a look at dimensions. In my 1990 it would be much easier as the area is not cluttered. In the 2010 I would need some judicious cutting and fitting. I have an idea in my mind. I would like something which folds so it can be removed and put in the box if that area was needed for people. I will report back soon I hope. Dave

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Well, it's complete. I looked at the area first and decided to put the jump seats down as when they are in the "up" position they take up valuable room. The jump seat then became the bracket to lay the platform on. I started with a cardboard cutout for a template and transferred it to a piece of 1/2" plywood. I cut the plywood and in order to have it sit level and be stable I added some shims on the underside. I went to the local carpet store and bought a piece big enough and the right colour and then laid it onto the board. All done!! I am feeling pretty good about it as it looks almost like it was installed by Mr. Ford himself and you can store gear underneath and no-one can see what is there. It is easy to pull out and stow in the bed when not needed. I adjsuted the front seats first (I am 6' 2") and then measure for the width.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...latform001.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...latform002.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...latform007.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...latform008.jpg

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

^^ That's a great idea

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Tom, you can have a first hand look at it in January/February as we are going to drive down to visit my daughter and son-in-law who also live in Orange County in Seal Beach. The platform will be a very functional piece for having my dog along on trips.

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Great idea.

Can you throw out some measurements?

I would if I would need to add support for my very large basset hound?

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Mykhael I used 1/2" plywood as I had it on hand and my Canadian Cur is only fifty pounds. If you used either 5/8" or thereabouts it should support your basset. I will surely put measurements in here in case someone else wants to make one also. I decided to post the template with measurements in a photo. Good luck all. Dave
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...emplate002.jpg[/IMG]

PS - those are my toes....not covered under the patent! Oops, I forgot to measure the cut-outs. Front one is for the arm rest and the rear one is for the cup holders and jack cover. Front of template (front of truck) is toward my toes.

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

That is freaking awesome! That would work great for my blind Jack Russell. He climbs over the arm rest and gets stuck behind the seats all the time.

Great Idea!

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Nice job, is the pooch happy? Be sure to follow through on the patent, lol.

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Very nice!

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Michael, my dog is 12 years old and is just starting to show his age. He had some trouble getting over the arm rest in my old truck and the 2010 is even harder for him. My geriatric friend and companion goes everywhere with me so I made his travelling easier. I really enjoy this site and am happy to contribute. Dave

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Solid idea. I can see how it would keep the dog calm and less isolated feeling. Plus it still has a place to set it's beer.

Re: Platform behind front seat???
 

Well, I have an update. The platform was an excellent idea but in practise it had two faults. The large cutout at the rear to accomodate the cup holer / jack cover was a problem with my medium sized dog (50 pounds) and if he got to the front it would tip up. So I modified it and cured both. I removed the cover and took it out of the truck. I fashioned a piece to fit in the cutout and to slide under what remained of the jack cover. Now, it can't tilt as it is held fast by the new addition. Now my doggy has more room and isn't worried about the tilting. If you look closely you can see the new piece.
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...latform005.jpg[/IMG]