Bronco dog crate(s)

Hi,

Would you mind telling me the specifications for your build? I am very curious. Also, can you describe how it is secured to your rig? It appears there are maybe some kind of nylon security strips (the orange things), and then some kind of bolt at the top. Maybe, I'm viewing that wrong.

I have a 4-door, and not a 2-door, but that looks well-fabricated. I would love to know what your fabricator charged you and potentially their location if they'd be willing to make another. I'm happy to be told in the thread or via Direct Message, whatever you prefer.

If none of that seems like a good plan to you, we have a professional trainer friend who has custom crates rigged to their Expedition so I can potentially find out his fabricator. But I wouldn't mind having a starting point for the conversation. :)

Irishdore

Hi,

Would you mind telling me the specifications for your build? I am very curious. Also, can you describe how it is secured to your rig? It appears there are maybe some kind of nylon security strips (the orange things), and then some kind of bolt at the top. Maybe, I'm viewing that wrong.

I have a 4-door, and not a 2-door, but that looks well-fabricated. I would love to know what your fabricator charged you and potentially their location if they'd be willing to make another. I'm happy to be told in the thread or via Direct Message, whatever you prefer.

If none of that seems like a good plan to you, we have a professional trainer friend who has custom crates rigged to their Expedition so I can potentially find out his fabricator. But I wouldn't mind having a starting point for the conversation. :)

I will see if the guys who built it have it's detailed specs.
And I will get you the contact info as well.
After doing this one I would go with a little thicker aluminum.
I am still playing with tie down so it'll be rock solid when off road.
Yes I used some Velcro ties and for the street I feel like they are fine.
Today I added turn buckle to it and it is solid. See pictures.

A couple more crate pics. The rear escape hatches has to be angled due the frame. I used ruffland crate doors. XL at the rear and L for the escape hatches.

Many thanks for all of the information so far.

Ours are German Shorthaired Pointers and use for hunting etc. We also help run a GSP Rescue group, so we are regularly transporting rescues. Right now we have to use my wife's Expedition and just load crates into it with seats folded down (not to be confused with the dog trainer friend who has custom crates for his Expedition). We'd like to be able to expand crating to the Bronco, but right now obviously very limited in how we can do that as just one traditional crate fits essentially and awkwardly.

Irishdore

Many thanks for all of the information so far.

Ours are German Shorthaired Pointers and use for hunting etc. We also help run a GSP Rescue group, so we are regularly transporting rescues. Right now we have to use my wife's Expedition and just load crates into it with seats folded down (not to be confused with the dog trainer friend who has custom crates for his Expedition). We'd like to be able to expand crating to the Bronco, but right now obviously very limited in how we can do that as just one traditional crate fits essentially and awkwardly.

I get it. Our Expedition has two XL ruffland crates in it and that set up works well. It would not take much to add a 3rd to that rig. The bronco could only fit one.

If you look at an earlier post I did in this same thread, my wood mockup has the dimensions on it. The side and front shot.
I used my XL rufflands as the staring points for dimensions.

The folks who made it: Metal Pro Inc. https://metalproinc.com I worked with a guy named Joe. He has a cad drawing of it. I took them my mockup and they converted it.

I went to see him this morning because I needed a modification to the rear stand / shelf that levels the rear compartment to the folded seats.

We also talked about going to a thicker aluminum in the future. That would make the welds much better and add some stiffness. As for price, mine was first and he probably underquoted. He asked I not share what I paid for crate #1. So I imagine once he does a little design and material changes that we discussed, he can give a good quote and as good as it is, probably # 2 on will be even better.

I will tell you that some custom crates I priced were north of 6K and this was far less. Using the ruffland doors saved a lot.

I'll be happy to share anything that will help.

I redid the support shelf at the rear so I could eliminate the center leg.
Now I can open the storage compartment in the floor.
Modified the hold down some and it's rock solid.
I can store a pull out box, compressor and 4 tire hose set. Back there.