Just ranting to let off steam - Lord it's hard work to get car cages sorted for a new car. Half of the companies want to see the car and in the back of beyond and those who look to make decent quality goods have a 2 month waiting list.

Has anyone bought any of the generic car cages like these? I think I may have to buy one as a stopgap.

Bah!!

M.

(If anyone has any kind of guard/cage set up for the BMW 5 series touring current model, please let me know!)

Have you tried Barnesbrook? Dave from there doesn't need to see your car, makes cages for a huge range of vehicles, will send you a template to try out if you are not sure about the size and offers an all round excellent service at reasonable prices. His crates also do what it says on the tin - they are rattle free which is a huge bonus if you do a lot of travelling in your car.

I had a generic crate similar to your link which was fine as a temporary arrangement when our rescue pup was small and we weren't sure of his final size - he had absolutely massive paws - but the rattling drove us crazy and if you had a sensitive dog it could cause problems.

The crate I ordered from Barnesbrook was actually made whilst I was dithering about so when I finally decided to buy it the crate was there waiting for me :-) I was also told that any problems with the size and I could return it for a full refund but it fitted like a glove. I know he supplies some main dealers with crates so will sometimes have a supply in stock although most of his crates are made to order and you can have virtually any shape and design that you need.

Have just sent a mail to Barnesbrook. Think I may have discounted him as he only looks to do cages and I find them very restrictive on space, but if he had such a thing available in stock I might be swayed.

M.

I have a nice tame metalworker who makes mine to fit. He has just made a rear tailgate guard and a central guard for my VW sharan....all for £100. The rear gaurd is just the same as a barjo and has two locking bolts so I can leave them in it with the doors open and the gates locked.
Aileen

We have and always have had Guardsman car cages, I appreciate they have to be ordered but they are most certainly worth the money and wait.  We were in a horrid accident in the fast lane of the M6 (a stupid woman "didn't see" the stationary traffic and slammed into the back of us at according to the Police about 55 mph) with 2 Boxers in the back in a Guardsman cage, the car was a write off but the dogs kept safe, without the Guardsman they would certainly have been killed.  I would worry that the cage you mentioned in your link would not be strong enough in an accident.

> I would worry that the cage you mentioned in your link would not be strong enough in an accident.

Oh no, I fully appreciate that, but would be better than nothing until I can get hold of the proper article. Unfortunately, the car that was due to be delivered in mid-July arrived six weeks early!

M.

Yes I suppose it would be better than nothing, just watch out for idiots tearing down the fast lane and into your rear!! I presume your old one won't fit the new car. I know it's too late for this new car but whenever we order a new vehicle we order the new Guardsman and up to now (touch wood) the car cage has arrived just before the new vehicle.

He makes tailgates and dog guards as well :-)

I have ordered a tail gate and dog guard for my touring BMW, from barjo, it should arrive in a couple of weeks and they are going to fit them, which will take about an hour. I can't wait to be able to have my tail gate up, and give my babies proper ventalation rather than leaving the windows open, and be assured there secure and happy.