Dog kennel in rear seat?

I have a 90 lb German Shepherd working dog that I would like to be able to take when we travel more often. I’m looking for some ideas/info for anybody that’s figured anything out with kennels in the rear seat area. I’m not interested in putting a crate in the bed as he is an apprehension dog for one and for two, I would likely leave him in the truck with the ac running just like when I’m at work, aside from when going into a hotel etc.

Has anybody figured out what size gunner, impact, ruffland, etc kennels fit in the back seat? Also does anybody have ideas for removing the under seat storage/possibly even seat to make a flat surface for a larger area?

I have a 22 platinum crew max.

 

I couldn't tell you what would work for the Gen3s, as I'm not sure of the dimensions of your rig. My Gen2 and Gen2.5 will NOT accommodate a traditional LEO style insert as most of them are designed for SUVs and CVs. Hopefully, your Gen3's dimensions will give you a little more flexibility. I know Havis makes an insert designed for the F-series trucks; you may want to see if your rig would accommodate one of those. They've almost doubled in price lately, so you're probably looking at $4,500 plus shipping for one if it would work.

If that doesn't work for you, I'd just recommend doing a rear seat delete; platform the bottom; 3/4" stall mat over the platform; and then head down to a glass company and have them custom cut some heavy plexiglass pieces to make the sides and top of the kennel.
They can cut large diameter holes in several places by the doors, windows, and A/C vents for ventilation.

The hard part would be a pass-thru slider if you want him to have access to the front of the truck at all, if not it should be an easy build for you.

Another idea might be to source parts through whoever does the installs on your work vehicles, and just see if you can piece together some parts from old inserts to create something that would work for you…

Good luck!

 

I appreciate the input!

Definitely looking more towards a seat delete and platform with a crate on the platform. I’m looking at the shwoffroad 60% seat delete like @RevereOverland has but I’m not sure what the dimensions look like from top of the platform to ceiling etc.

 

Send him a PM, and I'm sure you'd get a response w/accurate info… Most folks on here are pretty helpful!

 

Someone on this forum removed the rear seat and built a flat plywood platform for their dog. At 90#, he needs the large size. The pick on their website shows a truck where the backrest folds down but I think by removing the seat and building a platform it should fit.

 

Gen 3 tundras have a smaller cab than last gen so a rear seat delete is ur best option

 

I can put a large dog kennel in the back seat no problem.

 

What brand kennel? Do you have a pic by chance?

 

I don’t know brand just a typical plastic large pet kennel you can bring onto planes and what not. Got it at bass pro or academy I can’t remember. Fits right behind my passenger seat which holds it from rocking around

 

Would it be possible to take a picture and post it?

This is agreat topic. Thank you SoCo for the work you and your k9 partner do.

 

The smaller 22 design with the storage frame presents "cubic foot" challenges. If you can't get an actual kennel back there - I would look at the alternative of turning the back area into an actual kennel that can be reversed back to a normal configuration.
Cage Barrier behind front seats. Back seats up - put plywood with carpet on top of the storage frame. Protective layer on doors and other parts to prevent damage if needed. Ventilation would not be a problem. Thank you @SoCoTundra for the work you and your k9 partner do.

 

For a 90# GSD, you will definitely need to remove the rear seat. In my 2.5 Crewmax, I can fit a Ruffland intermediate behind the driver's seat with little room to spare while retaining the seat.

 

I just made my back seats kennel compatible this weekend. I have 2 50 pound Pitbulls that would destroy my seats unless I kept them contained! Built a platform to even out the battery hump in the rear, wrapped it in underfelt carpet. Added a non slip mat that over extends so they don't ruin anything while jumping in.

1 Intermediate Ruffland kennel a 1 Backseat rider Ruffland back to back leaves me about 1 inch per side after closing the door. The Ruffland large kennel is only 2 inches wider then the intermediate so it should fit back there without a problem

 

@Kubster3 What did you use for the backseat cargo cover? My truck didn’t come with anything like that. Looks like it helps create a great platform in the backseat when the seats are folded up.

 

@5BTUNDRA I have the TRD PRO which is hybrid so the batteries are stored under the rear seats. Unfortunately no storage under there just a flat surface which worked out in my favor for the kennels

 

Just came across this thread. I’d reach out to the company that makes the kennels for your service vehicle. I’m also amazed that your agency will let you take your dog on personal trips. I was a handler for 10 yrs, could not transport my partners in anything other than service vehicle nor could i take personal trips with them (until they retired and got to be super spoiled). My agency was very worried about liability. BTW, best gig I ever had.

 

I think I have the same setup as jk above. It's a two piece plastic crate from academy. I originally used it in the bed of my old S10, but it fits perfectly in the 19 crew. Push the passenger seat forward, put the box it, push the seat back, and it's held perfectly. Can always add straps too. And still room behind it on the other side for stuff. I thought about taking the seats out, but it hasn't been a problem.

 

Any hunters out there tried the new Ruffland backseat rider kennel? I have the crew cab non hybrid

 

Check this thread out for others set up and ideas for dogs

2023 Tundra Backseat for dogs | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

 

I’m a technological idiot and been trying to figure this out but just gonna ask. How did you find that most recent thread? I use the search bar at the top and usually only pulls up outdated threads like the one I posted on.

 

LOL, I have the same issue with the search function on forums. It seems sometimes it actually searches and other times just hits on random threads! I had found it before and followed it. So I just had to go through my watchlist of threads to find it. Kind of like a technological rolodex! LOL!

 

Best way to find anything on this site is to use google search and type what your looking for + Tundras.com

 

My K9 Zydeco and I do Search and Rescue. I opted not to do a formal kennel. I decided to install a Amazon Wire Pet Barrier between the Front and Rear Cab of my 2019 Crewmax Limited. I also purchased a Dog Bed Rear Bench Seat Cover Extender. This gives him PLENTY of room while keeping him off the floor.
I have since added soft black pipe insulation around the top and side edges, looks professional and great.

I also have a steel plastic coated cable strung between both backseat Ceiling Grab Handles. Between those I have a short Plastic Coated Steel Cable that connects to both my K9 Harness and the cable near the ceiling. This makes basically a “runner lead” that allows the dog freedom to walk across the seat.
However, he cannot exit the vehicle without first being disconnected.
It also provides “some” safety in a hard stop since the cable retains the K9 and the force is distributed along his entire vest and NOT his collar!

 

My 2012 I just took the rear seats out, creates a huge space ......my new 22 is a hybrid so can't .

 

Thank you for doing S&R. We recently started watching a weekly show in Canada called Search and Rescue, North Shore, documentary of the volunteers and time commitments. Truly blessed to have people like you in the world.

 

This is what I bought….. I have a golden retriever and chow chow….. works well. Very pleased:

$85 ROUWINNE Back Seat Extender for Dogs Truck-Large Space, Dog Seat Cover Back Seat Hard Bottom Holds 400lbs, Upgraded Material, Dog Hammock for Crew Cab Trucks F150, RAM1500, Sierra, Tundra, Silverado

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CPST5J1W?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

That is a great setup for your dog. I know that some won't agree, but the problem with putting kennels on the floor is that once you close the door the dog can't see much of anything. Your setup allows the dog to move around, see what's going on AND keep an eye its person, which most dogs like to do. Well done.

 

Thank you. I realize it’s not 100% safe… but neither are seatbelts.
Some challenge me to install a large proper steel kennel incase of a severe accident.
Yes, the kennel will keep my K9 perfectly restrained.
HOWEVER, in a severe crash or roll over what is the potential for the K9 becoming trapped due to the partial Tundra roof or door being crushed blocking the kennel doors?

 

I would say that in a SEVERE crash all bets are off. I don't see how having the dog in a steel cage would be any benefit to him from a safety standpoint. My dog always rides in the back seat, and if I were to hit the brakes hard she'd bounce off the back of one of the front seats. If I were to roll it over, well, better not to think about that. Best of luck...and drive safe!