Hi folks,

I wanted to share my sleeping platform build for my 2003 Toyota 4Runner with the forum. After a lot of searching, I took elements from different builds in order to come up with mine. The main things I wanted to achieve with this build were to:

1. Retain the rear seats when the platform WAS NOT set up.
2. Maximize sleeping space when the platform WAS set up.
3. Not modify any factory equipment so the platform could be removed if desired.

The finished product is a sleeping platform that achieves all three, yielding the same sleeping area as a full size bed (75” x 54”)!

It's also modular, so you can choose to convert only 2/3rds (or 1/3rd) of the rear into a bed if you want:

I don’t have receipts of everything spent but I believe this project cost around $150 once all was said and done. I chose to use nicer, more expensive plywood choices as well. I missed taking photos of some steps but let me know if you've questions. As always, please double check all measurements if you decide to undergo this yourself and build at your own risk!

Materials

• 1.5x sheets of Plywood (I wasn’t able to get the dimensions I wanted from a single 96” x 48” sheet of plywood. f you want to make your platform a little smaller, and save money you can get by with using 1 sheet.)
• One 2 x 12 x 12 (used to build the frame of the platform- green figure in drawing)
• RV/Outdoor Carpet
• 1x Closet Organizer Rail
• 3x Closet Organizer Shelf Supports
• Appropriate Wood Screws
• Small screws (to attach carpet to plywood sheets)
• Door latch (to hold sheets #1 and #2 together)
• 4x Turnbuckles and 4x Eye Screws (to secure platform frame to vehicle floor)
• 2x Smaller Turnbuckles and 2x Smaller Eye Screws (to secure Sheets #1 and #2 to Sheet #3 when platform is in use)

In order to maximize sleeping space, the platform must be built above/on top of the wheel well which is ~9.5” BUT to squeeze out additional space, the platform should be ~11” high so that it clears the rear seats when they are folded. Now onto the build:
Here's a rough drawing of the components:

1. Cut your plywood to the following dimensions and attach carpet using small screws:
   • Sheet #1: 38” x 23” (cutout must be made for seat latch)
   • Sheet #2: 31” x 38” (cutout must be made for seat latch)
   • Sheet #3: 37” x 54” (must round 2 corners to make it fit)
   
   
2. Cut the 2 x 12 x 12 in to 3 pieces of lengths: 42”, 35.5”, 35.5”. Screw and glue these pieces together to create a base for your platform.
   

   
   

3. Move base into car and secure Sheet #3 to the base using wood screws.
   

   
   
   
   

4. Cut closet organizer rail and attach to sleeping platform in appropriate locations, making sure that the shelf supports will support the plywood when installed.
   

   
   
   
   

5. Attach eyelets to all sheets in appropriate locations. The turnbuckles for Sheets 1 & 2 connect to the metal rings that the rear seat back clips into.
   

   
   

6. Attach door latch to Sheets #1 and #2.
   
   
7. Secure platform base using turnbuckles.
   

   
   

8. Place Sheets #2 & #3 on top of Sheet #1 for storage.
   
9. 
   
   
10. Get out there and put it to use!

Hope this was helpful and let me know if you have any questions. Cheers!

Looks pretty simple! Do you have any shots of it "folded" up with the rear seats up?

Sure, I'll snap some next time the area is all cleaned out.

Thanks for the detailed step-by-step to build this! Definitely going to be doing this in the near future!

I also wonder how compact you could make this when removed from the vehicle. Such as folding everything up so that it takes up the least amount of space in the garage or wherever you store it when not in use. It's something I'd like to have when I want it, but certainly don't need to haul it around Monday-Friday to possibly get used Saturday-Sunday.

Great looking setup! I was looking to design something modular like this as well, but you've already done a great job. Thank you for providing all of the details!

Here ya go:

I'm selling the platform for anyone who's local!

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/for-sale-t4r-items/273367-fs-4th-gen-sleeping-platform-used-once-$125-washington-dc.html#post3296008

Thanks for the post and step by step-good suggestions for my project on my 07. I was thinking about doing something similar but my goal is a 30x72 platform for foam mattress I already have. So, utilizing the starboard side with a portable yet fixed cot and leaving the passenger back left seat still useable. I just measured and there is no way to get 72 without taking the left rear bench out-which is no major problem just two bolts. There also appears to be a two inch rise to the front, if things are going to be level. I want to be able to utilize the box for clothes and rifle storage. So wish me luck. I’m heading to the lumber yard with a $50 budget. I have an elk scouting trip in 3 weeks as a completion date. I’ll post my completed project.

I had a couple of questions about the build.

When fully folded out do the front panels use the folded up seats as support?

When folded away and the back seats are up , do you have to remove the shelf brackets to allow this and then reinstall them to slide it forward again?

Thanks for the inspiration here.

Looks like my old platform is coming out and I'm gonna build this... great work!

This is very similar in concept to a sleeping platform project that I started 2 winters ago and still haven't finished.

Fully folding/collapsible for storage. I have most of the rear half of it done. I'll try to get some pics of it just to share ideas.

EDIT: Just remembered I have it modeled up in 3D on this computer.

Here's a screenshot.

Looks awesome. What kind of door hinge did you use?

Put 15 miles on my old/new 4 runner. Couldn't lower spare tire. Decided to go to war with birthday cake platform bare minimum. Truck feels heavy, didn't regret removing the back seats too. Kept center tie down piece it creates flatness. Need transmission bolts but dealer is an hour away. Also need flat driveway.

Say what?