Product R&D Time - Ranger Rear Seat Delete

[AdventureLab]

I also thought you guys might appreciate a little bit of how the sausage is made. I'll show some more of the production process once we're up and running on a pile of these. The one-offs, as these are at this point, are a little cumbersome to get started.

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[DaStockST]

Well, today went REALLY well. I usually don't put too much detail in my fist iteration parts with the expectation of replacing them quickly. However, these all fit perfect the first time! Now, I wish I had put the threaded holes in them to mount the plates and attachment holes. Either way, I'll get this finished up tomorrow.

I couldn't be happier with the design. I don't usually have such a firm structure to work off of below the seats. The small cubbies that Ford builds into the body have substantial sheet metal surrounding those. I was able to leverage that existing part of the truck to make the rails super strong, light weight (relatively) and we won't require a forward support reaching down to the floor. I can literally sit on these rails, one at a time. That's substantially stronger than I expected from this design. Very pleased!!! It is also going to install and remove quickly. I have three parts that will get installed into the floor that will stay in after the platform is removed. Those will drastically speed up the install/remove time for subsequent installs.

Tomorrow, I'll add the top plate, attachment points, and start the back wall cover. Moving quickly now!

You are a BEAST! Great work!

 

[AdventureLab]

You are a BEAST! Great work!

We love what we do! Thanks!

 

[Bushmechanic]

Well, today went REALLY well. I usually don't put too much detail in my fist iteration parts with the expectation of replacing them quickly. However, these all fit perfect the first time! Now, I wish I had put the threaded holes in them to mount the plates and attachment holes. Either way, I'll get this finished up tomorrow.

I couldn't be happier with the design. I don't usually have such a firm structure to work off of below the seats. The small cubbies that Ford builds into the body have substantial sheet metal surrounding those. I was able to leverage that existing part of the truck to make the rails super strong, light weight (relatively) and we won't require a forward support reaching down to the floor. I can literally sit on these rails, one at a time. That's substantially stronger than I expected from this design. Very pleased!!! It is also going to install and remove quickly. I have three parts that will get installed into the floor that will stay in after the platform is removed. Those will drastically speed up the install/remove time for subsequent installs.

Tomorrow, I'll add the top plate, attachment points, and start the back wall cover. Moving quickly now!

Now I get it.

I've just seen so much unsupported folded tin with 50,000 pieces of hardware holding it all together, at this point, that I'm immediately suspicious, these days.

 

[markal49]

Got it! Does a Ranger version of our Gladiator system shown here look like it would work for your needs? Thanks!

I guess it would, but I'd have to think about it more. Honestly, I'm not sure we'd ever do a seat delete, but if we did, the dog would be a consideration.

 

[AdventureLab]

Now I get it.

I've just seen so much unsupported folded tin with 50,000 pieces of hardware holding it all together, at this point, that I'm immediately suspicious, these days.

Thanks!!!!

 

[AdventureLab]

I guess it would, but I'd have to think about it more. Honestly, I'm not sure we'd ever do a seat delete, but if we did, the dog would be a consideration.

The expectation is that you will be able to install this one when needed. I haven't done the top plate yet, but it will be one solid piece so that installation and removal is quick and easy. I'm hoping to get the process of install/removal down to about 20 minutes. If we can do that, I'll be happy. The rails go in super easy and will remove as a single unit (hopefully ).

 

[cc1999]

Subscribed to the thread.
I could use more cargo space for sure, and I have never had anyone set in the back seat since I have owned my RR.
PLus I have plenty of other vehicles with back seats when needed.

So, I am very interested in this product.

Any sort of ETA ?
When it might make it to market?

I would want to keep my Stereo system intact, so I would be interested in the one that allows for the sub to stay in place.

 

[AdventureLab]

Subscribed to the thread.
I could use more cargo space for sure, and I have never had anyone set in the back seat since I have owned my RR.
PLus I have plenty of other vehicles with back seats when needed.

So, I am very interested in this product.

Any sort of ETA ?
When it might make it to market?

I would want to keep my Stereo system intact, so I would be interested in the one that allows for the sub to stay in place.

I will have a couple of them in a commercial application in a couple of weeks. We'll see how the feedback goes with those and see if we need to make any adjustments. It's turning out really well today. I'm making the next version now.

We'll definitely have a OEM sub version and one w/o the sub. Only the top plate will change.

 

[AdventureLab]

Here's a quick spin of what we are about to build. This is the no-sub version that we'll use for the trucks w/o the sub. This retains the OEM jack in its mounting position. We'll have a full back wall that will clean this up and provide some cool little storage areas.

Please don't share this. It's top secret; just between you and me.

 

[huskyfargo]

Sooooo, if I were to remove my rear seat before heading out to Utah the first week of September for RR Assault, how likely would it be to head over and get one installed?

 

[AdventureLab]

Sooooo, if I were to remove my rear seat before heading out to Utah the first week of September for RR Assault, how likely would it be to head over and get one installed?

100%

 

[AdventureLab]

The new rails went in flawlessly! Very happy with how this one is working out. Sometimes products just seem to design themselve in synchrony with the vehicle. The OEM holes and bungs just seemed to be in the perfect spot. The length of the canilever was the perfect ratio to the secured portion of the rails. The access panels worked out perfectly to allow the accessory attachment pattern to be unbroken.

Tomorrow morning, the one-piece aluminum deck and attach the access doors.

If you'll notice, there are tons of pre-cut holes in the rails. This is for future expansion. One thing we will definitely be adding is a subfloor panel that will live below the middle access door. This will be a great spot for overlandy electrical things (DC to DC chargers, fuse boxes, relays, etc.

We wil also be building some battery brackets to hang some lithium batteries from the overhang. That will keep them climate controlled and out of harms way.

 

[Aemonn]

We are beginning the R&D process, on Monday, for our 6th-gen Ranger Crew Cab Rear Seat Delete. It will be very similar in design and function to our current Gladiator version. It will be extremely light weight and durable with the main panels being 3mm 5052 aluminum and the support structure being 3mm mild steel. Textured black powder coating and Mil-Spec liner will be the finish options.

More details on the design can be seen on our Gladiator product pages:

• Full Back Wall Version
• Retain OEM Sub Version

You guys have been very helpful with feedback and suggestions while we develop products for this market. We know rear seat deletes are not for everyone, but if this is something you would use, please let me know your use case and what features would make it work better for you.

We will also develop accessories, mounts, etc. that work with this product. Here's what we were working on yesterday as an example.

Very excited about this! I had been waiting to see what GooseGear came up with and am now happy they've not yet released something.

I'll second the air vent extension.

In addition, and this might be an edge case not worth the effort but ramps are very useful for senior dogs on a vehicle as tall as the ranger. Either a stowage pocket under the platform for a ramp, or at a minimum, some attachment points on the edges by the doors(simple holes maybe?) for a customer supplied ramp to hook onto.

 

[Aemonn]

I have a trip planned end of August, any chance this might be ready before then?

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