Anyone have the dog guard installed?

[wannasubaru]

Hi everyone,

 

Well, I'm loving loving loving my new 09 Outback.

 

I was thinking of getting the dog gate to keep my hound in the very back. My question is on the Subaru parts web site it say's,

 

"This Dog Guard is not meant to be removed once installed. It is to be used as a permanent fixture in your vehicle."

 

Huh? I don;t care if it's bolted in, but I wonder does it fold or something in order to use the whole back space when you put the seats down?

 

I'm confused?

 

Anyone have a clue?

[Suzam]

If you look at pictures of the gate it shows that the lower half is not covering the backs of the rear seat. This allows the seats to be folded forward creating a pass-through of the lower half. Any cargo higher than the bottom of the fence part means it won't slide.

 

Here is a stock picture.

[Scoobywagon]

I've got the dog guard in my 01 Forester. As Suzam says, it does NOT reach floor to ceiling. It sits in the slots for the cargo cover and gets screwed into the roof. There are some bungs up there for it. They are right, it ISN'T meant to go in and out easily. However, it isn't too hard to put in or take out. Just takes a screwdriver and a little patience.

[The Dude]

Yes, and no. The dog guard can be removed, but not easily. It is fairly heavy and cumbersome. An average man in reasonable shape can handle the task himself. Others may want a helper to install and de-install the unit.

 

There are plastic screw inserts where the dog guard attaches to the interior of the car. Being made of plastic, these inserts can only be reused a limited amount of times before wearing out. .

 

It is a well made unit. If it fits your needs as a mostly permanent installation, it is probably worth the money.

[wannasubaru]

Thanks!

 

Ok, I just have to decide if I want that gap closed in. I doubt I'll put it in and out. That said, we have a truck for hauling so I doubt I'd need all the cargo area.