Dog-Hauling Mods / Best Dog Cargo set ups

[4Rgurl]

New 4Runner owner here (about a month in) and I’m stoked to start hauling my two big GSDs around. What are you all using in the rear—crates, grates/cargo barriers, seat dividers—to keep them contained and the back protected? Any brands you trust or install tips?

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[JustDSM]

New 4Runner owner here (about a month in) and I’m stoked to start hauling my two big GSDs around. What are you all using in the rear—crates, grates/cargo barriers, seat dividers—to keep them contained and the back protected? Any brands you trust or install tips?

Lets see those GSDs!

Here's my two (GSD and Mal)

We use G3 Series Dakota Kennels for them and they've been excellent. Expensive but they'll last forever.

 

[4Rgurl]

Lets see those GSDs!

Here's my two (GSD and Mal)

We use G3 Series Dakota Kennels for them and they've been excellent. Expensive but they'll last forever.

Definitely going to check out the link you provided! Your dogs are absolutely gorgeous! And Thank you for your response! Here is my babies Tango & Shadow.

 

[Old Spice]

New 4Runner owner here (about a month in) and I’m stoked to start hauling my two big GSDs around. What are you all using in the rear—crates, grates/cargo barriers, seat dividers—to keep them contained and the back protected? Any brands you trust or install tips?

Here's some dog solutions I've seen other owners post:

Canvasback cargo liner
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...s-covers-installed-dogs-pets-protection.3861/

Ruffland kennel
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/ruffland-large-kennel-for-dogs-pets-fits-in-cargo-area.2802/ (by @Deadicado)

Gunner kennel
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...in-trd-offroad-premium-hybrid.5555/post-72549 (by @Zenyx)

Variocage kennel
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...in-trd-offroad-premium-hybrid.5555/post-72522 (by @Marty60)

 

[chouser]

I carry my GSD on Knines. Covers the entire back seat.

 

[Marty60]

I do a bit of traveling to work my boy, so Variokennel is my best option due to his Size. If I'm bringing both the lab and Zen, she's in the backseat Kurgo seat thing tethered. I've seen way to many catapulting dogs.

 

[4Rgurl]

I do a bit of traveling to work my boy, so Variokennel is my best option due to his Size. If I'm bringing both the lab and Zen, she's in the backseat Kurgo seat thing tethered. I've seen way to many catapulting dogs.

BEAUTIFUL DOGS! …. Thanks for sharing those awesome pics of them!
That crate/cage in the back looks superb! Your GSD fits nicely in there. Really helpful to see the cage in the car with the dog in it to get a clear idea of how it could also work for us.

 

[chouser]

 

[chouser]

She loves riding in my brand new Off Road!

 

[Gumpus]

One great thing about WetOkole seat covers is that they are neoprene so zero slipperiness...very secure footing and seating.

 

[k9Hiken]

This is how I have mine set up. Used 1/2” plywood, 2x4s, 3” memory foam and heavy duty carpet with waterproof backing. Sits almost flush with the rear seats folded and a few extra storage areas underneath. I have added a 24” rear bumper flap from Canvasback.

 

[4Rgurl]

This is how I have mine set up. Used 1/2” plywood, 2x4s, 3” memory foam and heavy duty carpet with waterproof backing. Sits almost flush with the rear seats folded and a few extra storage areas underneath. I have added a 24” rear bumper flap from Canvasback.

That looks comfy! I’d be laying back there lol nice set up! Cute pup too!

 

[k9Hiken]

That looks comfy! I’d be laying back there lol nice set up! Cute pup too!

It’s pretty comfortable. I built it for my two Labs both were between 80-88 pounds. My oldest Jäger past away two weeks ago but he loved how easy it was on his hips. Here is Jäger was diagnosed with either fungal pneumonia or metastatic lung cancer on September 22nd 2025 and past away on October 4 2025. He was the primary reason for me to start hiking and for me to get into the 4Runner back in 2020 coming from the Tacoma’s. My 2020 4Runner was totaled in November of 2024 and I just got back into the 2025 in July.

 

[4Rgurl]

It’s pretty comfortable. I built it for my two Labs both were between 80-88 pounds. My oldest Jäger past away two weeks ago but he loved how easy it was on his hips. Here is Jäger was diagnosed with either fungal pneumonia or metastatic lung cancer on September 22nd 2025 and past away on October 4 2025. He was the primary reason for me to start hiking and for me to get into the 4Runner back in 2020 coming from the Tacoma’s. My 2020 4Runner was totaled in November of 2024 and I just got back into the 2025 in July.

Aaww, RIP Jager! You gave him a good life with some great adventures sounds like.
That’s a big reason why I got a 4Runner as well because my husband I have two dogs. One of which is 7 months, the other is 4 years old. I want us to get out more with the dogs. Eventually even get a small trailer. I had a RAV4 2017 SE prior to this purchase of the 4Runner. Excellent car, literally never had an issue with it. However, just not enough space for the outdoorsy things we have planned.

 

[k9Hiken]

Aaww, RIP Jager! You gave him a good life with some great adventures sounds like.
That’s a big reason why I got a 4Runner as well because my husband I have two dogs. One of which is 7 months, the other is 4 years old. I want us to get out more with the dogs. Eventually even get a small trailer. I had a RAV4 2017 SE prior to this purchase of the 4Runner. Excellent car, literally never had an issue with it. However, just not enough space for the outdoorsy things we have planned.

My wife has a 222 RAV4 TRD Offroad which is great when going on small fire road to get to a campsite or off the beaten path for a good hiking location

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