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Sneak Peek: Springtail JLU Rear Seat Delete / Sleeping Platform

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Springtail

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UPDATE 10/13/19: Prototyping is finished. I will be putting up a pre-sale link on the website shortly. Units should be available somewhere around late November/Early Dec

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Doc





This is a project that I have been meaning to get around to for a while now. It would seem that there is a market out there for a simple lower cost platform to replace the Rear Seats for Overlanding (Or just for those who hate the rear seats...Or have no use for them).

The term "lower cost" is relative, The cost of the materials is rather significant (Thick Aluminum plate) and the goal is to be less than 60% the cost of the complex plywood system that is already out there. So we are looking at a projected cost of somewhere in the neighborhood $400-$450.

We are still in the early phase of the project....but here are the basic details

  • The deck is 0.125 Aluminum Plate
  • There is a planned low front rail (to add stability and keep stuff from sliding forward). It can be mounted upside down for those who don't want a rail there
  • Uses all stock mounting points (No Drilling)
  • Lower mount vertical portions are moved as forward as possible to retain use-able storage space underneath the deck
  • Stainless Hardware
  • Production units will be finished in a durable "wrinkle" Black Powder coat (similar to bumpers)
  • Estimated production date: Late Oct 2019
  • Once production is rolling...No Waiting! This is not hard for me to make....just expensive.
  • For DIYers: If there is demand, I may offer just the mounts as an option. You make your own platform.

Before someone asks....I do not intend to put in hatches as it will increase the cost astronomically. The point here is to keep the product simple and the price as reasonable as possible. Any ideas to make the underneath more accessible...I'm all ears.

Let's hear your thoughts....

Doc

Update 9/17/19: 2nd prototype installed and it looks very impressive. Need to make a few changes (corrections) and still anticipate late Oct/early Nov production.


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Gibbage

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Very interesting idea! I was thinking if the back of a 4 door could be made into a sleeper. Im a big of a tall one at 6'4". Whats the room back there like?

As for idea's. Maybe a slide out shelf that slides out the doors when open to help use the space under it? Just a few extra bolts and some dresser slides. Should not add a lot to cost and still give you access to the room under.
 
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Springtail

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Very interesting idea! I was thinking if the back of a 4 door could be made into a sleeper. Im a big of a tall one at 6'4". Whats the room back there like?

As for idea's. Maybe a slide out shelf that slides out the doors when open to help use the space under it? Just a few extra bolts and some dresser slides. Should not add a lot to cost and still give you access to the room under.
Bad news......Laying down in it is not going to be an option.

64 use-able inches (5 ft 4 inches) from tailgate to the edge of the platform

Doc
 

Amazonica

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I LUUUVE it Doc! Been considering a wooden version, but alas, I'm hopeless with power tools!:blush: I am taking to the road fulltime in about a month. Pulling a trailer, and weight and storage space are two ever present issues for me. I have a Gunner Kennel for my puppy that must sit flat, so this type of platform is perfect. Pardon my ignorance, but is plywood an acceptable top surface? Are you selling these yet?
 

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There is 6 feet from the tailgate to the back of the front seats if you push them all the way forward and straighten the upright portion. The center console gets in the way though. I am 6 foot so it would work for me. If I used the OP’s design I would simply fill in the gap once I pushed my seat forward.
 

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Springtail

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I LUUUVE it Doc! Been considering a wooden version, but alas, I'm hopeless with power tools!:blush: I am taking to the road fulltime in about a month. Pulling a trailer, and weight and storage space are two ever present issues for me. I have a Gunner Kennel for my puppy that must sit flat, so this type of platform is perfect. Pardon my ignorance, but is plywood an acceptable top surface? Are you selling these yet?
Not ready yet....I should have the updated prototype in the next couple of weeks. If all goes well, I figure mid-October for a limited production run. I'm planning on selling it two ways.

1) Full setup with mounts and Aluminum deck

2) Just the mounts for guys who have skills with wood or want to make a variant of their own.

If you have no particular fabrication skills....I would go with the full setup and buy some big rubber sheet (mats) from a farm supply store to make a non-slip surface for the dog.

There is 6 feet from the tailgate to the back of the front seats if you push them all the way forward and straighten the upright portion. The center console gets in the way though. I am 6 foot so it would work for me. If I used the OP’s design I would simply fill in the gap once I pushed my seat forward.
This is good info. I never thought of pushing the seats forward.

Doc
 

Amazonica

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It is good to have a "seat forward" option. I don't need extra length behind the front seats, and have my front passenger footwell, as well as underseat area, packed. I wouldn't want to have to remove/move everything. My girl's kennel is secured to the bottom of the front seat floor brackets. I'd like for her to be level, and no sharp edges or sliding when she gets in or out. The added mat idea is a good one.

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Springtail

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It is good to have a "seat forward" option. I don't need extra length behind the front seats, and have my front passenger footwell, as well as underseat area, packed. I wouldn't want to have to remove/move everything. My girl's kennel is secured to the bottom of the front seat floor brackets. I'd like for her to be level, and no sharp edges or sliding when she gets in or out. The added mat idea is a good one.

IMG_20190906_140833.jpg
I'm glad to see that you crate your pup and secure the crate in the jeep....definitely one of the safest ways to transport your dog. I see a few advantages that a good platform would offer you.

1) Obviously, the side egress would be hugely convenient

2) As you mentioned, a level area for the kennel and increased comfort for the Dog

3) The platform should put the kennel at a pretty good height to access ventilation from the rear of the center console ducts (you may have to drill a few creatively placed holes). My dogs always get hot during travel in the car....they would appreciate a little extra air flow.

4) Most importantly, A solidly secured platform will allow you to drill and mount any number of cargo points to strap down the kennel to keep it in place in case of an accident, sudden maneuver on the road or simply an awkward position while off roading. Keeps the pup and the occupants of the Jeep safer for certain.

Doc

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Amazonica

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I'm glad to see that you crate your pup and secure the crate in the jeep....definitely one of the safest ways to transport your dog. I see a few advantages that a good platform would offer you.

1) Obviously, the side egress would be hugely convenient

2) As you mentioned, a level area for the kennel and increased comfort for the Dog

3) The platform should put the kennel at a pretty good height to access ventilation from the rear of the center console ducts (you may have to drill a few creatively placed holes). My dogs always get hot during travel in the car....they would appreciate a little extra air flow.

4) Most importantly, A solidly secured platform will allow you to drill and mount any number of cargo points to strap down the kennel to keep it in place in case of an accident, sudden maneuver on the road or simply an awkward position while off roading. Keeps the pup and the occupants of the Jeep safer for certain.

Doc

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They're so cute! Dogs are the best buddies.
I like the side access for her. I stuff the back and don't want to open the tailgate and glass, I keep an ARB fridge back there. Also the venting like you mentioned, is much better the closer to the front you are. I want her to be able to see me and feel the vents, although her crate does have it's own fan. I strap down the back portion as well.
Can't wait to see your pup-friendly platform! :sun:
 

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I’m excited about this product, it’s just what I’ve been hoping for and looks like an excellent solution.

I’ve been chatting with Doc and look forward to being able to place an order with him soon.
 

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Springtail

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I should have an update with the latest prototype today.

Doc
 
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Update 9/17/19: 2nd prototype installed and it looks very impressive. Need to make a few changes (corrections) and still anticipate late Oct/early Nov production.

Doc

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That looks great! Is it coated on the reverse side too? You had mentioned the ability to turn the top piece over if a person wanted the lip on the bottom. :)
 
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Springtail

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That looks great! Is it coated on the reverse side too? You had mentioned the ability to turn the top piece over if a person wanted the lip on the bottom. :)
All the parts are coated in a wrinkle texture Black Powdercoat. If you don.t want the lip, the rail can be mounted with the lip facing downward. No need to flip the platform.

Pictures do not do it justice....it is gorgeous!

Doc
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