4Runner sleeping platform/storage build

[hatidua]

Toyota 4Runner sleeping platform/storage build.

Backyard project intended primarily for solo use in pursuit of fish via fly rod.
This is decidedly not as nice as the commercial products that cover this need, merely what I tossed together on my own.

I used 23/32” plywood. Don’t do that, -use real ¾” plywood as it sidesteps all kinds of math and hardware/fastener problems.

I used a number of stainless boat related parts for this build due to my fishing and boating background. This isn’t necessary but it has worked out well for my purposes. You could easily skip these products for vastly more affordable options.

This project was completed when weather allowed on my backyard table as I do not have a garage. If you have access to an indoor workspace this project could be finished in very short order.

The following photos are relatively self-explanitary:

 

[ravenrunner]

That’s a good looking build. Man I envy your workshop!!

 

[mr.walleye]

very nice, I'm putting together plans for something very similar, I took out my back seats so my storage will be closer to the front seats and want it to be low enough for my Doberman to still be able to jump in the back hatch. where did you order the hardware from?

 

[Veridian]

Really nice work!

You must have some mighty impressive safety squints, welding without any tinted eyewear.

I think I'd dread the inevitable waking up in the middle of the night, having rolled off that platform and am now wedged behind the wheelwell. hahaha

 

[hatidua]

The shop and welder aren't me, just a friend on a nearby ranch that spent 20 minutes welding the male/female connection together which allows for removing the forward half so the back seats are functional if needed. The backrest portion of the rear seats are still in, the actual lower seats in back have been removed.

The hatch support springs are the largest model that White Water makes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XNZ9RSP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The slam-latch is the larger of the two sizes that Gemlux makes: Stainless Steel OEM Slam Latches & Retail Latch Kits (Boat/Marine)

The steel for making the male/female pin/slot joint as well as the stainless piano hinge came from a local scrap steel yard that sells steel by the pound (K&K Surplus, Commerce City, CO).

The remainder of the fasteners came from both Home Depot and a local Ace Hardware in Boulder, CO.

I used a full gallon of polyurethane on it which was surprising as I thought I'd have heaps of left over but I used all of it.

 

[snydmax]

Nice work! How’s the weight?

 

[hatidua]

Nice work! How’s the weight?

I haven't weighed it other than taking it in/out for various measurements while building it, but it's heavy. And awkward due to size.

The rear half will stay in permanently, it's held in by four turnbuckles (one on each corner, thru-bolted). The front half of the platform will only be installed when camping adventures are on the agenda. The hardware is fairly light but the entire thing uses the majority of two full sheets of 4x8' 23/23" plywood so it's not going to win any ultralight contests.

Using a material like Nida-Core or some other composite material would likely be the ideal method of doing the same thing but having it be really lightweight.

 

[Manfred]

platform based on ARB drawer

I built a sleeping platform based on my ARB drawer. It's easy to setup in the field, stable and wide enough for one person. It fits the Cabelas cot mattress and the sleep comfort is really great.
The only downside is that the headroom is limited.

 

[mscot]

Very nice work!

 

[txds4r]

cooler/food

what cooler/fridge solutions do you use when having a bed platform like that?

 

[hatidua]

what cooler/fridge solutions do you use when having a bed platform like that?

Orca cooler rides in the back when underway, it comes out and sits on something other than the bed at night, sometimes the ground, sometimes a table that I bring along on the roof rack. I can't donate half of the sleeping area for a permanent fridge.