Rear crumple zones?

[3dogs]

So I'm looking into a 4runner as a primary dog vehicle and have been trying to find info on rear crumple zones in 4th and 5th gen 4runners with no luck (I plan to kennel dogs in the rear); a search here just revealed discussions about accidents but no solid info on where exactly these zones are. Any insight on this issue would be much appreciated.

Along the same lines I'm wondering if these zones change from the 2 seat models to the 3 seat models. I would assume models that offer a 3rd row seat would not be designed to crumple as much in the rear due to a larger passenger compartment, but I'd like more detail on that if it's out there!

Thanks!

Erin

 

[MT Tatman]

No scientific data here, but I would have to think that 14" from the end of the rear bumper is not really where I would want my dogs face to be in the event of a rear end collision. I find it very hard to find a really safe way to transport dogs in most rigs. The best option I have seen were dog crates bolted down behind the cab of a pick up truck. I posted a photo of my 4runner solution in the "Pet Barrier" thread, it is just an eye bolt in the floor with a 2' leash, but multiple dogs? Interesting conundrum here. Seems our rigs just aren't made with K-9 safety in mind, eh?

 

[ironhippy]

either way, I'd have to think a dog isn't going to survive a severe wreck no matter what.

If you attach a leash to the floor board, the wiplash would kill the dog (probably even with a chest harness, they'd have a better chance, but I still don't see a happy ending)
If you have them in a crate that's bolted down, well the crate might not move but I'd hate to see my dog slammed into a metal crate wall at 50 mph. Maybe an incredibly expensive crate with air bags built in??

The only way I see a dog surviving is if they are completely strapped in with no room to move (the way a seat belt restricts a human) but even then...

I just hope I don't crash with my dog in the back.

 

[MT Tatman]

Oooooh, so now I have a legitimate reason to put my Kooky dog in a Strait jacket and strap her down!!!:bravo:

 

[3dogs]

Ok so this brings up two more questions:

1. Anyone know whether the frame for a 4Runner *with* 3rd row seats is different than one without? It would seem that if one put the crates where a 3rd row would sit that that would likely mean that the crates would at least not be in an active crumple zone, but I'd love to not have to pay for a row of seats I'll never use.

2. Would replacing the stock bumper with a metal one provide any decrease in crushing caused in an accident?

My husband is an engineer so he's explained the technical aspects behind the sad reality that is pet survivability in an accident regardless of what you do (low), but I want to minimize the risks that I can. I'm also contemplating a permanent barrier (like those seen in delivery trucks) behind the second row to restrict the movement of stuff in the back in an accident - won't help the dogs but it will help keep passengers safer from flying debris.

Also, I'm considering custom dog boxes in the back, like these below. Figured I'd share them here in case someone finds the info useful.

Kustom Krates

Ruff Tough Kennels

 

[Uneek]

The frame is the same for 4Runners with or without the 3rd row. The floor pan might be different on between two and three row 4Runners due to how the second row folds.