Closing Down Rodent Highway!

[ranger-jake]

Good evening everyone,

Last week we had some insane weather here in California. I parked my truck in the backyard for two days and I guess during the downpour a mother rat and some mice made my beloved truck their home. Allow me to present the carnage:

To shreds, you say?

Repurposed Firewall Insulation

Secret stash

But officer, rodents ate my registration!

So my initial reaction was how you'd imagine! However, after allowing myself time to think rationally and not burn down all of nature, I did research to find that this is a common occurrence within our Ranger enclave and various homemade fixes are available.

With that being said I have found inspiration in preventing rodent access to the cab of the truck. This same practice could potentially be used with other models of different makes. So without further ado here is what I created from a borrowed idea:

This is located underneath the wiper cowl. It is easy to remove. I must warn all who attempt this that there is very limited hand space past this point.
(You may also peep large missing chunks of the firewall insulation at the bottom )

!!CREDIT AND INSPIRATION FOR THIS PROJECT GOES TO: DerangedPony!! Here's their post My Mouse Fix .

I have modified his version into a double layer mesh, which should deter mice much better I hope.
-Here is the air filter I used to create the barrier.
-I used Black 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive from oreillys.
-1/4 wire mesh from lowes or home de pot.

I'm comfortable with the results and feel it is secure. I do feel better knowing there is now a barrier separating the inside from outside. No change in airflow either.

Thanks to DerangedPony for his writeup. Remember to periodically check under your hood and behind the glove box. Acorns, pee, mice droppings, grass, twigs and other crap. ?

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[EJH]

I just did this modification 3 days ago.

I agree working space is very limited.

You may also want to do the rear vents behind the back seat. I've had rodents enter there on a camping trip in northern Vancouver Island. I haven't done that myself, but I will be doing it soon.

Here's my after pic for the cabin air intake vents. I used standard aluminum screen from Home Depot and butyl tape, which I had on hand for RV repairs.

 

[got3fords]

That is a lot of rodent activity. I feel this could be an opportunity for someone to market an anti-rodent kit for the Ranger. Make it as plug and play as possible.

 

[RANGER_MARC]

That is a lot of rodent activity. I feel this could be an opportunity for someone to market an anti-rodent fit for the Ranger. Make it as plug and play as possible.

What if the rodents take inspiration and develop a plug-and-play anti-human fit...

 

[subquark]

Good evening everyone,

Last week we had some insane weather here in California. I parked my truck in the backyard for two days and I guess during the downpour a mother rat and some mice made my beloved truck their home. Allow me to present the carnage:

To shreds, you say?

Repurposed Firewall Insulation

Secret stash

But officer, rodents ate my registration!

So my initial reaction was how you'd imagine! However, after allowing myself time to think rationally and not burn down all of nature, I did research to find that this is a common occurrence within our Ranger enclave and various homemade fixes are available.

With that being said I have found inspiration in preventing rodent access to the cab of the truck. This same practice could potentially be used with other models of different makes. So without further ado here is what I created from a borrowed idea:

This is located underneath the wiper cowl. It is easy to remove. I must warn all who attempt this that there is very limited hand space past this point.
(You may also peep large missing chunks of the firewall insulation at the bottom )

!!CREDIT AND INSPIRATION FOR THIS PROJECT GOES TO: DerangedPony!! Here's their post My Mouse Fix .

I have modified his version into a double layer mesh, which should deter mice much better I hope.
-Here is the air filter I used to create the barrier.
-I used Black 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive from oreillys.
-1/4 wire mesh from lowes or home de pot.

I'm comfortable with the results and feel it is secure. I do feel better knowing there is now a barrier separating the inside from outside. No change in airflow either.

Thanks to DerangedPony for his writeup. Remember to periodically check under your hood and behind the glove box. Acorns, pee, mice droppings, grass, twigs and other crap. ?

So those filters fit without trimming them? I'm trying to understand fully because I get mice and chipmunks in the engine, but so far none in the air filter - but that's just a matter of time.

So you pull out the paper part of the filter and reinforce the plastic grid with hardware cloth on both sides. Then use the weatherstrip adhesive and ta-dah, no more air filter probs.

Sounds really good and I may need to go to O'Reilly's today! =)

Thanks and I think it's time for me to get off the pot! =)

I had bookmarked DerangedPony's great write-up and am just double-checking it all.

 

[IdahoRanger]

What if the rodents take inspiration and develop a plug-and-play anti-human fit...

Oh great, we have AI mice.

 

[airline tech]

Although the Oreily's filters give it a better appearance (looks wise) as I debated doing the same. Once I noted how much dusty dirty air the Cabin Filter sucks in, I decided to just use a screen vs a filter install at that point.

So, at some point, you are going to have to replace those filters BUT you will save money on the expensive Cabin Filter as it is now a secondary filter getting cleaner air.

The Cabin Filter would be easier to check and or replace, the 2X Filter addition would require you to completely redo the work every few years under normal driving, however in dusty conditions (off-Roading) much sooner.

Just wanted to point out the only downside of them as it is a GREAT idea and find for filters that fit in those access holes.

 

[DeerSlayer]

My anti rodent kit....With my stray dog deterance in the background. lol!

 

[mtbikernate]

ugh. I need to get around to doing this. had a rodent get into my truck during a camping trip last summer.

 

[ranger-jake]

So those filters fit without trimming them? I'm trying to understand fully because I get mice and chipmunks in the engine, but so far none in the air filter - but that's just a matter of time.

So you pull out the paper part of the filter and reinforce the plastic grid with hardware cloth on both sides. Then use the weatherstrip adhesive and ta-dah, no more air filter probs.

Sounds really good and I may need to go to O'Reilly's today! =)

Thanks and I think it's time for me to get off the pot! =)

I had bookmarked DerangedPony's great write-up and am just double-checking it all.

Yes it fits without trimming. Remove the paper but leave the paper closest to the edge alone as it will tear the silicone apart. You can trim with some scissors like I did. I highly suggest using 1/4 steel mesh on top of the filter as mice can potentially chew through thin aluminum wire. It also just fills in the gaps better. Use the adhesive I provided in the link to glue the mesh to the filter and let it bake in the sun for 20 minutes. Then you may begin your journey in attaching it to the cab! ?

 

[ranger-jake]

My anti rodent kit....With my stray dog deterance in the background. lol!

We used to have cats and no mice. Now we have no cats and..... plenty of mice.

 

[ranger-jake]

Although the Oreily's filters give it a better appearance (looks wise) as I debated doing the same. Once I noted how much dusty dirty air the Cabin Filter sucks in, I decided to just use a screen vs a filter install at that point.

So, at some point, you are going to have to replace those filters BUT you will save money on the expensive Cabin Filter as it is now a secondary filter getting cleaner air.

The Cabin Filter would be easier to check and or replace, the 2X Filter addition would require you to completely redo the work every few years under normal driving, however in dusty conditions (off-Roading) much sooner.

Just wanted to point out the only downside of them as it is a GREAT idea and find for filters that fit in those access holes.

So I purchased these generic filters and removed the paper filter element. The shape and silicone traits made it a secure fit after gluing it down. I wouldn't recommend anybody installing extra filters in front of the fresh air inlet as it will put massive strain on the blower.

Another design flaw from Ford and other makes in the auto industry. The hvac system is never 100% closed which is why there are so many mice infections in our Rangers. Here is an excellent write-up explaining how our Ranger HVAC system operates if anyone is curious. Credit to you 'airline tech'!? Thanks for your detailed write up & work

 

[ranger-jake]

That is a lot of rodent activity. I feel this could be an opportunity for someone to market an anti-rodent fit for the Ranger. Make it as plug and play as possible.

Exactly what I was thinking! I'd buy

 

[VAMike]

So, at some point, you are going to have to replace those filters BUT you will save money on the expensive Cabin Filter as it is now a secondary filter getting cleaner air.

Cabin air filter is a generic size shared with a bunch of toyotas, no need for the motorcraft version.

 

[ranger-jake]

Cabin air filter is a generic size shared with a bunch of toyotas, no need for the motorcraft version.

I purchased a Wix replacement as it was available and cheaper by 2 bucks.

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