Adding a Crate Platform - A RAV Case Study
Here's how one CarGoDogs reader made her RAV more dog-friendly and increased storage space by adding a crate platform. Thanks for the info, Andrea!
After getting our second Eskie, Cheyenne, my Accord coupe was too small for safetly carrying around dogs. So I purchased a 2008 RAV4 this past March. So far, I absolutely LOVE it! The gas mileage is very good for an SUV, even though I have the V6 model! It's about the size of a Honda CRV, which I love, but I can get two 21" wide crates next to one another in the cargo area (unlike my hubby's CRV).
Still, there's always room for improvement, so I decided to add crate platform to increase the storage space in the car. It's not as high as I was hoping, but it adds some additional room so I can squeeze in more doggie related stuff. Hubby insisted that it be made out of 2 x 4's despite the added weight. However, it is extremely sturdy and doesn't require middle brace.
|
|
The dogs also seem to really enjoy it the new setup since it's so easy to get into and out. They must feel really secure because they go to sleep right after they get in it. The AC is of course superb. I added car fans on the crates to help circulate the cool air to the cargo area and I've also had the windows tinted dark for temperature control and privacy. These rear seats can go up or down even with the two crates and platform in the cargo area! I usually only carry around one or two dogs, but if I need a third crate, I have room to put it behind the passenger seat and fasten it in. |
| Here's the crate platform DH built me. I added my feminine touch (dog material). The wire crates allow me to see a bit out of my rearview mirror. Above the crates are some agility items I use at the trials (extra fans, Cheyenne's crate, and a chair). Cheyenne's crate (the steel "other door" crate), is the one that I can set up behind the passenger's seat if I need to. By the way, everything is secured to something else. For example, the crates and crate platform are all secured to the RAV's cargo hooks. |
 |
| Here are the wire trays I use to hold all those extra things that would wind up all over the place. This has been SO convenient! (And yes, I added baby bumpers to the inside of the crates. I have a little OCD.) |
 |
|
It's so easy for my trio to jump in and out of the RAV. There's a nice bumper ledge they can use. I added a rear bumper protector (black item their feet are on). This keeps them from scratching the bumper. Then I added safety tape to the protector so that the dogs have some traction.
Andrea and the Bama Eskies |
 |
Leave a comment