First project: Build a platform to level out the trunk for sleeping!
My SO and I are both on the shorter side and the 4Runner will allow us to sleep comfortably so long as we can lay down FLAT. Mine did not come with the sliding cargo tray (didn't want it anyway!) so I've got about a 3" lip to solve for.
I found this guy's solution and chose this as it was simple:
How to Sleep in Your 4Runner - Building a Rear Hatch Pad - S2E55 - YouTube
Unfortunately, the video doesn't give the dimensions of the cuts or how to put it together so I did all of that work for you!
Here is what you'll need:
- 1x 3/4in Thick ATX Plywood cut to 43 3/4in x 41 3/4in
- 3x 34" 2x4
- 2" Wood Screws + Drill
- 1x Can of Wood Clear Coat and a bristle brush (Optional, personal preference)
- 1x Black Fleece Blanket (Optional, Walmart for $6)
- 1x Staple gun + staples (if you opt for the fleece blanket)
Empty back trunk:
Here is my plywood in the side yard ready to be cut:
Dad always said to measure twice and cut once.
Testing out the 2x4's before I cut 'em:
You want the 2x4's to lay from the bottom end of the diagonal slope behind the seats all the way out to the trunk bed lip (34in):
Once those 2x4's are cut, it's time to affix them to the underside of your plywood. Space them out evenly along the 41 3/4in cut of plywood and NOT the 43 3/4in cut. On the back end (closest to where your trunk door will be) you'll want the 2x4's to be 1in from the edge. The two outside 2x4's should be 2in from the sides:
Now drill some holes and screw 'em in with those 2in wood screws!
When you are done it should look like this:
After a light sanding, I did 3 coats across the top and 2 on the underside over the course of a couple of days:
Grabbed a fleece blanket from Walmart:
I had this old staple gun that did the job:
Boom bam! Stapled:
Turned out nicer than I expected:
It fits quite well, there is absolutely no wiggle room between the wheel wells or the back of the seats and trunk:
I can still fold up the seats without any issues:
I am really happy with how this turned out! If I were to change anything it would have been to just cover up the ends of the 2x4's with the fleece blanket so they don't show when I'm looking in the trunk... but that's purely aesthetic
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Smeerun's Build Log] - 2016 4Runner Trail Premium MGM w/KDSS
Exterior: Toyo OC A/T III 265/70/17 (TE Wheels) | Dobinsons UCA's + C59-302/GS59-700 Front + C59-500/GS59-705 Rear | C4 Rock Sliders | SSO Roof Rack | Ironman 8.5" Awning | Tacoma Low-Profile Antenna | Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro Fogs | CTH Folding Mirrors + LED Sequential Blinker Mirrors
Interior: VanTrue N4 3-chan Dashcam | Husky Liners Floor Mats | Canvasback Rear Covers | Blue Ridge "Attic"