We need space in the backseat of the truck for the dogs so they can go with us on some upcoming trips. I started researching some flat platforms for the rear seat of the F250. Apparently there were some model years in which Ford had an option for a flat steel fold out platform. Our truck does not have that platform but rather some very nice underseat storage with a handy 12V DC power outlet. In researching and talking to some guys on the inner web, I located a few of these platforms for purchase.
But then I went to measure how much room the dogs would have with the flat steel platform in and without removing the rear seat. Turns out not too much! I could gain another 1.5 feet of room by rooming the rear sear. More is always better so I decided to remove the rear seat in the King Ranch and build my own dang dog platform!
Note: The middle seatbelt has a very small release hole where the normal red release button should be. Took me a while to find that. Simply insert a pin and push. Make believe your removing a seat belt for a bee. It works. Also, be careful when removing the connector for the under seat 12 volt power socket as that is a bit tricky.
Seat Removed:
The platform will be about 35.5 inches deep and 57 inches wide in the truck.
Next we need some support slats to run front to back under the platform for support. The issue here is that the floor isn’t “flat”. Ford decided that would just be too simple. SO I invented the special “Schauf Contour Tool” which is a 35.5 inch piece of cardboard to match length of platform with duct tape and bamboo skewers and a level. I am pretty sure Sears will start carrying them soon. This will also me to measure each slat to perfectly match the contour of the floor.
Measure Contour of Floor
Next using the SCT (catch up people, its an acronym for the tool) I adjusted the skewers along the SCT to match the contour of the floor where this particular slat will make contact.
Hey don’t laugh. Worked pretty well so far!
Update: So apparently this type of tool was already invented and is called a “Contour Tool”. There are up more than a few of them available on Amazon – however they are NOT 35 inches long! Dang another patent down the drain.
Plot the points on the slat
At this point I transferred the contour points onto the 35.5 x 6.5 slat and connected the dots. I learned how to do that at an early age. Still can’t stay in the lines though.
First Slat done!
Ok, so after cutting it looks like the SCT will work. I need to measure out and cut about 3 more slats. I wish the floor were the same the width of the truck but it isn’t. Thanks Ford.
Since we chose MDF for strength and weight, I had to augment it so the slats have better support. (Zoom in). I used 1×1’s on each side of each slat for extra support and so that I would have a solid surface to drill into from the top.
Also since it’s about 198° in the garage here in Arizona, even at night, I am fabricating in the kitchen. I promise I’ll clean up the mess honey. This picture shows the structurally complete platform.
OK time to see if it fits in the truck! And it does! I forgot to take a picture of the level showing a completely centered bubble.
I then positioned the Engle refrigerator so that I could maximize space for the dogs and determine where to put the tiedown points.
The boys were very excited and have plenty of room!
At some point I’ll finish up with carpet to match the interior of the truck but for now will just use their dog beds.