Hey Ya'll, So I've seen a lot of threads on different sleeping area builds with storage built into the back but can't sacrifice that much cargo room... I'd really like to be able to sleep in my truck while camping and don't have the stock rear sliding cargo pull out that is a factory option....

First question- I haven't been able to find in any searches adding the rear pull out tray- Is it possible to do? I see myself actually using it a lot and would really like it / not mind getting raped by the dealer to install

Second question- If the first option isn't possible, what is the easiest / least intrusive way you have done or seen to be able to make the rear cargo area flush with the rear seats down?

Thank you!

My first question is whether or not you're short enough to sleep in the back of your 4Runner with the tailgate closed? To me that makes or breaks an in-vehicle platform, reason being the necessity to move all your gear around each night.

I had the sliding cargo tray on my last 4Runner and when extended it's far from a flat sleeping platform, you'd need to craft some sort of sleeping platform for it. You'd also have to unload all your gear outside which some people don't mind but it could be problematic in inclement weather and expose your stuff to varmints and/or bandits.

Of all the sleeping systems I've seen, the most cost-effective method for folks who don't want to be in a tent is a roof-mounted awning with a cot. Quality cots in my opinion are very comfy and make for a legit, functional camp setup. One of my friends with a 3rd gen runs that setup exclusively and it's quite nice.. no climbing up and down out of a roof top tent and no need to re-organize all your gear when you break camp.. just stow the cot and roll up the awning. Just food for thought.

kott, there are a couple threads about adding the sliding decks, which a number of people have done. The dealers won't be able to do it, since it is not an optional add-on. Your only way to get one if you already have a rig without is to trade your standard deck pieces with someone who doesn't want their sliding deck.

If you're not able to source one, this is the cleanest (non-sliding) setup I've run across. It's a simple build and is perfect for what you're after. Note that picture is posted in one of the threads about adding the sliding deck, so click out of it to see the rest.

I am actually in the same boat as you. I really want the sliding deck for the same reason, as I'm ready to buy a '17, but they aren't available on what I'm after without KDSS and in my color preference. So, I will be having to go that alternate route until I might be able to find someone to swap with. Who knows, I may prefer the custom option better.

I'm not at all sure what Sparky is going on about, as those remarks are off the wall to say. Going back to the second generations, simply remove the seat bench, then a 6' 6" guy should fit without a problem. I've got 677 nights in my '02 doing just this setup without having the need to move much gear around. That's certainly more cost efficient than an awning and a cot, not to mention less time to set up, and less gear. Note that this is for a single person setup. Obviously, if you had two, then absolutely, gear would need to be rearranged all the time.

Cot+awning

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Flat cargo area /sleeping platform- click below

ANTMAN'S Thread

Hey Antman, I'm in the planning process of building a setup similar to your second version (split cargo cover). Do you think it's necessary to pull out the carpet, foam and padding? I would prefer to just set the unit in the cargo area without pulling out all of that stuff and losing the sound deadening. I don't have a 3rd row or cargo slider.

You'll probably be fine. You just need to find a way to properly secure it and provide a good base. I took all the carpeting out too though because the hull of the body on the 5th gen is a little deeper than the 4th gen, so you have about a 1.5-2 inch thick piece of styrofoam in there. and I preferred to not worry about it's compression and then subsequent loosening of any bolts.

Also been looking at simple ways to comfortably sleep in the back without too much hassle. One idea I liked while searching around was this lightweight cot.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M61RXH6/...I3L3964RFUD1YW

I haven't done the measurements, but saw pics from other members. Cot dimensions are 74x28x15. You could store stuff under the cot, which seems like a plus.

I also like Dude's setup up there. Simple and comfy looking. Plus, like he said, you would have more headroom.

There was, a little while back, a thread where a guy purchased a slide out cargo tray from another member and installed it in his 4R. He included pics and as I remember it was a lot of work.

You don't have to pull it all out but you won't have any storage space...

I was worried you would say that. Understood. Thanks.

Get a CVT tent!! They're built for any weather and are very durable. I live in Bend and went to their showroom. Once my new 4Runner comes in, I will be purchasing for summer! They even have heaters for them in the winter.

Here is a step by step guide on adding the sliding rear cargo deck

5th Gen Sliding cargo tray Install - Pics/Steps

I've thought about creating a thread with all the inspirations I got when building mine because I spent a few months figuring out exactly what I wanted to do. I didn't want to lose a ton of space in the trunk, and I wanted a platform because there was a little kink where the seats went down that I could feel through my sleeping pad when I slept back there in colder climates while camping with the wife.

Give a look at my build and hope that gives you some idea. Ended up going with a drawer that I keep in permanently now (although I can remove it as its not bolted down), and then a detachable platform that makes it flush with the drawer. It's only about 8.5" tall so I do lose some space while sitting down but is good enough sitting on top with a slight hunch.

Link here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...th-gen%5D.html

I have a rear sliding tray w/all the hardware I will be putting up for sale, but if you are just looking for a level flat surface, it would be cheaper just building one like the link a antman's post.

Nice mod @Antman ...