Dog Proofing the 5th Gen 4Runner... Best products

Looking for advice on best products to dogproof the 4runner. I plan on putting our puppy in the back cargo area when she gets a little older. As she gets a little bigger, my wife may ride with her in the back.

As of right now, we are using the OEM Toyota weather mats, but I'm looking into swapping them out with Husky or Weathertech. From what I have read, Husky seems to have more carpet coverage which will be helpful for vacuuming.

CanvasBack and Ruff Rugs appear to be popular selections, but I did find some older threads with "bot-like" forum users promoting the Ruff Rugs. This could just be a marketing technique, but this turns me off quite a bit when I find companies using this strategy to promote their products. They do seem to be only company that offers a product that protects the sides and hatch of the cargo area, but maybe there are others out there.

We have a shopvac, but I may consider getting something a little more portable and slimmer to keep up with the dog hair (if there is a good vacuum you recommend).

I appreciate any info/pics on this subject as we are ready to start purchasing some stuff.

Thank you!

 

Tuxmats offer more coverage than Husky or WT but I'm not sure how they would hold up to a dog. I also have Husky mats that were really good which is why I'm keeping them in case the Tuxmats fail.

Canvasback makes really good products.

 

Just went to the website. I'm impressed with the coverage, but they do appear to be softer material and not hard-rubber. For some reason, my preference is hard rubber, but It may not be a big deal as long as they are durable. I will research these a bit more. Does the material seem "cheaper" to your than the Husky mats? Thanks for the info

 

It honestly feels like rubber over carboardish material but no complaints so far. They hold up to the dirt I drag in and the crap I have spilled on them.

 

This cargo mat is the bomb for our Anatolian Shepherd and Golden Corgi. Practically indestructible. Easy in and out too. Perfect fit. Easy to clean. We take it out, blow it off with leaf blower and run the Shark vacuum over it and it’s like new. Also can be power washed (at low pressure). Best accessory we have for the dogs. Use it in our 22 Limited.

$60 Bulldogology SUV Cargo Liner for Dogs - Heavy Duty Pet Trunk Cargo Cover - Trunk Cover Car Protector For Dogs Waterproof Nonslip Mat - Dog Hair, Scratches, Dog Cargo Liner SUVs Vans Cars(Large, Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSNW91J

 

These are Amazon dog covers I purchased-

Cargo cover - https://amzn.to/3Q4WynI
Barrier- https://amzn.to/43YkYFa

When my dog was a puppy I used these in the 2nd row
Door protector- https://amzn.to/49Cb6C4
Seat Cover - https://amzn.to/3JoTxus

 

Great suggestions. I find myself going down the path of getting things that are fit exactly for the 4Runner and aren't universal, but these seem a lot lighter on my wallet if they get the job done.

 

We use a combination of things: seat "hammock" laid flat, OEM cargo mat covered with a piece of artificial turf - which does a surprisingly good job at capturing hair and dirt- and rear door covers. I'd like to get something to cover the sides of the cargo area next.

I'd suggest going overboard with whatever you do. Along with the floor of the cargo area, get side and rear hatch protectors (Canvasback offers these) since the hard plastic will get scratched. If you fold the rear seats down and allow the dog full use of the area, get passenger door covers as well as something to protect any area the dog may drool on.

While you can't see them unless you spray water or cleaner (ironically) on them, we have drool "stains" on the door panels and tops of the rear seats that I haven't been able to clean off. I'm not that worried about it since they aren't normally visible, but, if I was to do it again, I'd start with a fully covered area.

Also get a rear bumper flap to protect the area from getting scratched by the dog's nails while jumping up into and exiting the back. I'd suggest getting a wider version of what we have in this pic.

 

It's funny...I haven't seen one single comment about what just might be the absolute biggest aspect of our cars in need of dog-proofing:

...THE WHITE HEADLINERS

We want to get dog(s) (again) when we head up to Maine for retirement/pre-retirement, but when I first bought my '24 4R, I took one good look at the color of the headliner and cried myself to sleep....knowing full-well once there are dogs back in the picture, I can say farewell this thing ever being remotely clean again.

TimG

 

What kind of dog and does it jump in or out of the vehicle, or will it as it gets larger?

The part I see most damage is the bumper top trim piece. Mine is all scratched to hell and I've only had the rig about 1.5 months.

 

I have the Tuxmats floor liners for the 1st and second row and they are fantastic. The quality seems very high, they look great (IMO), the fit is perfect and the coverage far exceeds any other floor liners I've seen or used (including Weathertech). The added coverage is important for minimizing dog hair in the carpet.

I don't have the cargo area liner so I can't comment on that. I have Weathertech floor liners (front and back) in my F150 and I like them, but they are much more slippery than the Tuxmats. The Tuxmats have a texture to them and are not slippery at all. And they were a little bit less expensive than the Weathertech.

I like the looks of that Bulldogology cargo liner that Texoma-Brad posted. Brad, do you have the Large or the Extra-Large? I'd probably get the XL because I like to fold the passenger seats down and I think the extra length and width of the XL would be good for that.

 

One more thing. Those Scotch Brite 3m Lint Rollers are really handy for getting dog hair out of the carpet and liners of a vehicle.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scotch-B...MI_8-kuf2ahwMVKSvUAR1sXQ1yEAQYBiABEgIJm_D_BwE

 

Yup.... So far, I've been lucky not to load wet/ muddy dogs who wait to shake until they are in the back. I've wondered about attaching a piece of fabric across the top somehow.

 

Jasper prefers a mattress.

 

I can't stand trying to vacuum dog hair out of carpet and seat backs. Especially seat backs. So far I'm really liking the canvasback liners to avoid having to do that. Provides full coverage whether the seats are up or down and wipes or vacuums out easily.

 

I guess I have become lazy I don't remember when was the last time I vacuum my vehicle. I open all doors and use the leaf blower.

 

We have a Golden Retriever (heavy shedder) and will probably always have Golden's as we are on our 2nd one.

So far, I am thinking of scratching the Ruff Rugs I originally was looking at and going with the Canvas Back as it appears to be the best product that is custom fit to the vehicle:
1) Canvas Back Full Cargo Liner ($199 + $20 red accent stitching)
2) Canvas Back 2 Cargo Side Pieces ($60)
3) Canvas Back Back Hatch ($80)
4) Canvas Back Bumper Flap ($40)

I'm considering getting the 2nd row seat protection (second row bench seat cover $199 and door covers $55) as our puppy will be riding back there with my wife for training for a bit until she is older, but this may be unnecessary expense as this is temporary and I could use something cheaper like what kmeeg mentioned above. I do like the idea of having everything match though

I have the OEM Toyota weather mats (front 2 seats, rear, and cargo) that are installed. My plan is to put the oem Toyota cargo mat on top of the the Canvas Back cargo and a blanket for some comfort back there.
I'm not completely attached to the OEM Toyota weather mats and I am considering swapping these out for Husky, TuxMat, or WeatherTech. I'm torn between Husky and TuxMat at the moment.... My wife thinks the OEM Toyota mats are perfectly fine, but I'm always looking for the best solution since we will have this truck longterm.

I see the value in the Canvasback with easy cleanup, added protection for loading items that aren't dog related, and a decent base for when we camp inside the truck (we will add comforter/foam mattress).

 

I do wish there was a plastic wrap or vinyl replacement... I'm surprised I haven't found anything for the 5th gen. I would happy if I can get one that just covers the cargo area at least.

 

My pitbull sheds like no tomorrow and has raptor talons and the 3d kagu mats hold up pretty good to him.

$222 3D MAXpider Complete Set Custom Fit All-Weather Floor Mat for Select Toyota 4Runner Models - Kagu Rubber (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YBBP12

 

My method of dog proofing is leaving the mutt at home.

 

I have been happy with Canvasback. Everything covered but the passenger door panels.

 

No fun in that.

 

I also recommend Canvasback. The fit and finish are great and it protects well.

 

I take my two Pugs everywhere, they shed enough each day to make another one if I I could find the spare parts!

 

Actually, all of my fun activities don’t involve the dog. I’ve had a dog for most of my life but I’ve been over it for a long time. Wife wanted another so like a good husband, I relented.

I do like dogs but it’s not a central part of my life.

 

Dogs are the only people I like. Peace.

 

What about a kennel? I used a hole saw to make openings in the Husky Liner mat to access the mounting points which strap the kennel down.

 

I've used this one for almost 2 years on the 2nd row. It has held up well and fits like it was made for the 4Runner.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BT67145

The pieces that cover the back of the front seats can attach to the headrest or hang down for floor and a/c access. I have one up and one down.

 

In my unprofessional opinion that looks uncomfortable to the dog.

So I leave my dog free, the only thing keeping safe is the body harness tied to car seat anchors. Surely safety is compromised but comfortable on the road. I do have extra low noise fan for better air circulation also since we don't open windows on highway.

Most of the time my fella sleeps but time to time get up and see whats going on and then sleeps again.

 

It has a pad inside and we do not take him on long trips. He loves the kennel. You can get larger versions with a side door if you did not something he can sleep in comfortably.