I'm currently building a sleeping platform in my 4runner and I'm planning on using the folded down rear seats to support the load. (Load will be resting on the part that the passengers in the back seat would be sitting on if the seats were in the normal upright position). I'm wondering how much weight I can put on the seats without damaging them.

Anyone have any ideas? Anyone heard of the back seats breaking?

Thanks in advance.

I'd expect the seat bottoms to be able to carry several hundred pounds each. A platform would be distributing the weight evenly, so I would not expect problems...except, maybe, an eventual flattening of the foam...just like if a several hundred pound person sat in them all the time.

The seat bottoms will not be supporting the weight in his setup, from what I understand. Rather, the seat BACKS will be. In addition to this, unless he wastes a LOT of wood on the "legs" of the platform the weight will not be very evenly distributed.

All that said.

When I made my platform I supported the front with 3 7.5" tall pieces of plywood in a U shape. The side pieces were a little shorter (maybe 4"?) than the length of the seat backs, and the cross piece was roughly 10" narrower than the back seat, so 5" of space on either side where I could put things (I usually placed my dog's stuff here... Bowls, gallon of water, tupperware of food, etc.) Since my platform was hinged I used the space INSIDE of the U for things like my camp chairs, stove, dry food I didn't want my dog being tempted by, etc. It actually worked really well.

If you take the carpet off the back off the seat I think your worries will go away... They're pretty dang stout.

I wouldn't worry about it. I sleep back there. Pull the seat bottoms out, put a towel under the seat backs to make it level, and you're good to go. I'm not worried about it at all.

I've only ever seen passengers sitting on the bottom of the seat, as opposed to the back of the seat...sorry.

That's only half of his statement, Keith. The other half states that the seats will be folded down.

Smart ass =p

Is there a link anywhere on this forum of pictures or people that did this in the past?
Or a search term that i could use?

For a sleeping platform? Sure!

Low Profile Cargo Box 3rd Gen - YotaTech Forums

Looking for plans..Rear Storage to fold out Sleeping Platform?

Rickashay's Sleeping Platform

Show me your rear storage/sleeping platform! - YotaTech Forums

? View topic - Storage box/drawers and sleeping platform

This is just what I've collected over the months researching my own.