I am looking to build a sleeping platform / storage system for my newly acquired TRDOR.

Are most of you sleeping with your head at the rear or the front ( next to the rear doors). What is the preferred orientation for you and why ?

Head towards the front seats. Just easier for me and a bit more room to sit up (attic installed).
The other way would be better due to the gap between the seat laid down and front seat (bottom of rear seat uninstalled). I just push the front seat back and all is well.

This. Although I don’t have an attic. Also, I have to remove the seat bottoms to fit a full size Airbedz for my wife and young son to sleep on. I’m 6’3 and need the extra length. The other benefit of sleeping towards the front is being able to access the ignition to start the car to warm or cool the interior quickly, turn on the rear passenger seat light, stereo, etc.
Note: The Airbedz is great when it doesn’t leak. I don’t recommend it. I am working on modifying a full size fold up 2 piece bed frame.

Heads towards the front seats.

I remove the seat bottoms too. More room to stretch out, and it's a great place to put extra stuff that you need to get to easily, like a flashlight and a pair of shoes for when you need to go outside at 3AM for one reason or another.

My plan is to have my head toward the front. Pretty much the same advantages listed above, but it just feels better to me. However... I have not slept in my 5th Gen yet. I'm planning on it the end of this month. I have done it in a 2nd gen in the past, though, so I do have a little experience with it. I'm actually going to start planning my gear for the trip over the next couple weeks, and I want to see if I want to use self-inflating mattresses or a low-profile cot. I have both from my Scoutmaster years. And, I saw someone that did this that actually kept the left rear seat up to give a good place to sit and take on/off your shoes.
I'll be testing some of this stuff out. Oh boy!

I sleep with my head towards the front seats. This allows me to have better air flow with the 3rd & 4th door windows down and a slip over the door bug screen on. Bug screen can be found on Amazon. With this orientation I can hit the ultimate camping rear door mod button that’s near the back driver side with my right foot and push up on the rear door with my other foot and then shimmy my way out the back landing on my feet. With the storage box and raingler attic net there is no room to sit up. It’s somewhat tight, but I’m use to backpacking tents. When I lay down for the night I fall asleep almost immediately. Camping for me is done outside. My storage/sleeping platform runs all the way to the front seats. My back seats have been permanently removed.

Edit: I’m 6’ tall large build.

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I'm 6' tall and I have to sleep with the 2nd row seat bottoms removed to fit which leaves a good size gap, so I sleep with my head at the hatch and my feet towards the front of the vehicle.

Not to hijack thread but has anyone made a platform integrating the back seats and their headrests as a support? Thinking about making my own doing that if anyone has done it or has ideas

do you just not bring them with you ? or take them off and put em back when you wake up

Recommend the mosquito nets over the windows to help with air flow while keeping the bugs out. Like this.
Amazon.com: XL/Car Windows Sun Shades for SUVs Windows up to 21-22in x 46-50in. Mesh Shade Socks for Baby. Car Window Screens for Camping. Covers Fully (2-Pack): Automotive
The rear window control kit that a member on here made.
Power station or hard wired power plug.
Fan

Anyone use the Luno air mattress?

Head towards the front. Rear seat bottoms were removed when I purchased it and will live in the garage until I sell it.

I'm not sure what you are asking. Bring what with me, the seat bottoms? Nope, I leave those home.

For my shoes, well, I take them off and put them in the space that would normally be occupied by the seat bottom before crawl into my sleeping bag. I put them back on when I need to get out of the truck.

Disregard the pillow because I actually sleep with my head toward the hatch because i have the 40% removed so that gives me more space for my feet. I move my gear to front seats and there is plenty of room for my dog, me and the fridge. I would remove all seat bottoms if my dog would be equally as happy. He loves to have the second row up so he sit up and watch where we are going. If you remove the seat bottoms put an 8 Gallon Actionpacker in there for a flat floor.

Here is my setup:

Feet at the liftgate, mainly as it's easiest to climb in and fall forward

Nice and simple setup.