Taking the pet barrier to the next level... literally

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11/04/2009, 09:11 AM
vt_maverick

Taking the pet barrier to the next level... literally

See original thread on my pet barrier here...

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15358

So one of the problems with this set-up is that you either carry the dog in the back, or cargo in the back, but not both. So when Grant put his Tone cargo box up for sale a few weeks ago, it gave me the idea you see below. I drilled two holes in the box for the barrier's support posts (measuring was a @#$%! as the top of the barrier only has a 1/2" margin for error to fit on the ceiling liner), added a cross-support on the left side of the box (don't think you can see it in the pictures though) to increase stability under my dog's weight, and added one of Dub's now famous LED light bars to illuminate the inside of the box at night. Originally the interior of the box was unfinished wood, so I also rattle-canned it black to match the exterior.

The structure is very solid - the box can't go anywhere because the bottom of the barrier is pressing down on it, and the barrier can't shift back and forth because it's now attached to the box. The only thing I would change would be to cut out a section in the middle of the barrier so I can reach the rear seat release easier. But that will require careful consideration of where to cut without weakening the wall too much. Probably something I'll fiddle with this weekend.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../IMG_00038.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../IMG_00029.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../IMG_00087.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../IMG_00106.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../IMG_00124.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...6/IMG_0024.JPG

I'll have to take another picture of all the stuff I have crammed in the box already: Fix-A-Flat, WD-40 (step bar rattle), Silicone Lubricant (window lubricant), quart of oil, air compressor for tires, tow strap, California car duster for interior and exterior, first aid kit...
11/04/2009, 10:33 AM
crotchrocket

Awesome work dude!!! looks great!
11/04/2009, 11:36 AM
pbkid

nice.... great idea.
11/04/2009, 12:19 PM
handeeman

Totally impressed! However I don't think I could get my dog between the bars and the back seat. Seriously, some mighty fine work.
11/04/2009, 12:29 PM
ZEUS

I would have a hard time even getting my dog in the right spot! He takes up the whole rear area. Good work though... unless your dog is bigger than a cat, I mean! :p
11/04/2009, 01:11 PM
crotchrocket

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZEUS

I would have a hard time even getting my dog in the right spot! He takes up the whole rear area. Good work though... unless your dog is bigger than a cat, I mean! :p

what do you mean, it goes in the locker at the bottom!!! :D
11/04/2009, 04:31 PM
tomdietrying

Nice work, but why did you have to drill in your storage box.
Peace.
Tom
11/04/2009, 05:03 PM
vt_maverick

Quote:

Originally Posted by handeeman

Totally impressed! However I don't think I could get my dog between the bars and the back seat. Seriously, some mighty fine work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZEUS

I would have a hard time even getting my dog in the right spot! He takes up the whole rear area. Good work though... unless your dog is bigger than a cat, I mean! :p

Lol... the dog doesn't go between the bars and the seat silly, she goes between the bars and the back door. Hope that's what you meant. ;)

Agreed that this would be too small for many dogs, even ones smaller or the same size as mine. As I said in the original thread, she just happens to be really comfortable with small spaces. Still, I'm hoping that by cutting the lower third of the center section out of the barrier I can give her more room to turn around while making it easier to reach the seat latch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomdietrying

Nice work, but why did you have to drill in your storage box.
Peace.
Tom

The barrier consists of two sections, the cage wall you see above the box and the two threaded rods you see below the box. The rods slide into tubes in the cage wall, and have wing nuts and crush washers that you use to achieve tension between the floor and ceiling. The cage wall tubes are about 3" longer than the distance between the box top and the ceiling, so I had to cut the holes to get the wall to fit between the box top and the ceiling. You're right, if the tubes weren't so long I wouldn't have needed to cut the box, but I still would probably have had to cut the threaded rods by about 3-4".
11/05/2009, 03:51 AM
Riff Raff

Hmmm, looks like an awesome container to fill-up with "kitty litter" with a hole in the top. An intransit porta-potty for animals-- genius!!! No more roadside stops to fertilize the curbs/shoulders of the highway.:bgwb:
11/05/2009, 06:13 AM
Ldub

Nice Work!...:yes:...:thumbup:
11/05/2009, 07:47 AM
don moore

oh I get it ,the dogs go on top ,and the cats go below.....good job..:work:
11/05/2009, 01:31 PM
LittleBeast

Quote:

Originally Posted by don moore

oh I get it ,the dogs go on top ,and the cats go below.....good job..:work:

Hahaha, exactly what I was thinking, but the lock box on the bottom needs to be air tight ;)
11/05/2009, 02:33 PM
handeeman

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleBeast

Hahaha, exactly what I was thinking, but the lock box on the bottom needs to be air tight ;)

I sure hope a certain member of this board doesn't read that. i think lightning bolts would appear a being gentle. lol
11/05/2009, 02:58 PM
ZEUS

Quote:

Originally Posted by handeeman

I sure hope a certain member of this board doesn't read that. i think lightning bolts would appear a being gentle. lol

You must mean VXKat... KITTY'S GOT CLAWS!!! :)
11/05/2009, 04:22 PM
pbkid

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleBeast

Hahaha, exactly what I was thinking, but the lock box on the bottom needs to be air tight ;)

x2

and taking a 10+ hour road trip