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Shaker · 06-04-2012, 11:22 PM

I am starting a new project for my 2 large dogs. I have a 2012 Ram 1500 Hemi with a crew cab and the "boys" have the whole back seat to themselves since it is just the husband and I traveling. This is a pic of what someone else has done with the back of their truck.

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What I would like info/suggestions on is something like puck board, plexi boards or fiberglas type sheets to use as a platform (don't want to use plywood, unless it's lighter weight). It doesn't need to be thick. But as you can see in the picture, these trucks have a compartment under the seat on both sides. So I would like to find something that I can screw or glue hinges into for access to those compartments, and hopefully as light weight as I can get with a bit of strength of course. Thanks for any ideas you all may have.

dunrovin1955 · 06-05-2012, 03:14 AM

I have a 2011 Dodge 3500. I took a piece of 5/16s plywood and made it 2 by 5 and laid it on the top of the storage compartments after I flipped the seats up and added legs at each side at the front and then stapled some carpet to both sides of the plywood. When we want to use the back seat out with it , just one piece but what ya have looks good. The girls set up a little higher and we use their beds in the coach when we get there. Maybe that helps you a little. Brent

Shaker · 06-05-2012, 09:54 PM

Cool thanks for the info Brent

Bruce C · 06-06-2012, 05:05 AM

When I owned a 5er I used a piece of sign board [composite plastic] not sure of the name of it but it was light weight and 1/2" thick. I made it the width of the rear seat and extended it to just short of the front seats. I installed two legs and covered it with a moving blanket. It went in and out when needed and I never had a issue. Hope this gives you another idea.

Bob86ZZ4 · 06-07-2012, 05:55 PM

Might you want to cover it with carpet or something so the dogs don't slide around and can lie down in comfort? I think the "Truck Conversion" section here is actually for Truck Conversion rv's. Heavy duty trucks (like a semi-truck type of truck) converted to an rv. But it looks like a nice platform for the dogs. What about making it much higher so the dogs can lie down and see out the windows? Then you'd have a bunch more storage space underneath too, wouldn't you? Might want to consider an anchor point so you can harness the guys and make it safer if you get in an accident. I don't harness/hitch my pooch but I know people that do and I'm sure it is safer for the dog.

Shaker · 06-07-2012, 10:46 PM

@Bruce, thanks that is a really good idea.
@bob, sorry I wasn't sure where to put this thread. Admins, please move this thread it if you need to

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I have two very thick dog beds that are just the right size to cover the back, for them and this truck has those anchor points for your child car seats on both sides and the middle , I can't imagine any reason why I couldn't use them to harness the boys if I'm going to.