bootom 2nd row seat height folded up 5th gen

[UncleJimmy]

Hi folks,

Can someone tell me what the bottom seat height is for the 2nd row seat folded up? I'm thinking about putting some cots back there (I'm 6'4") and I need to know how high the cots need to be to clear the seat bottom when the 2nd row seats are folded down.

I searched before posting and found other cargo dimensions but not this measurement.

Thanks!

 

[DesertCanyons]

Not sure what you mean by "what the bottom seat height" is.
The back of the seat is about 3 to 4 inches above the cargo floor when folded flat. The sliding cargo tray is about even with the back of the seat when folded.
I didn't order the cargo tray on my 4Runner though. I prefer more cargo space on the floor.
I like your idea of putting cots over the seats. But I think the 2nd row seats fold tight against the back of the front seats when folded and the head rests are sticking up. I may try to remove the back seats for camping and build a level platform for sleeping and cargo boxes.

 

[UncleJimmy]

Not sure what you mean by "what the bottom seat height" is.
The back of the seat is about 3 to 4 inches above the cargo floor when folded flat. The sliding cargo tray is about even with the back of the seat when folded.
I didn't order the cargo tray on my 4Runner though. I prefer more cargo space on the floor.
I like your idea of putting cots over the seats. But I think the 2nd row seats fold tight against the back of the front seats when folded and the head rests are sticking up. I may try to remove the back seats for camping and build a level platform for sleeping and cargo boxes.

Thanks, so for the cot idea, if you put the 2nd row seats down normally the seat bottoms come up, correct? So what I'm trying to figure out is what the distance is from the floor (the back of the 2nd row seat) to the top of the seat bottom so that a cot will lay flat and clear it. From pictures it looks more in the 12" range but I wanted to get an exact measurement, if possible.

The big green rectangle in this picture - height.
http://i49.tinypic.com/2jv8ur.jpg

 

[cjacob316]

Why don't you just measure it?

 

[UncleJimmy]

Why don't you just measure it?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/202549-hello-az.html

 

[delloro]

in my 2015 SR5, the dimension you ask for is 11".

however, just remove the seat bottoms. one bolt each and they come right out. makes a huge difference.

 

[DesertCanyons]

New 4Runner deals and cot idea

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/202549-hello-az.html

Welcome to the forum. I'm not in Pheonix but in So Cal, but welcome.

I hope you're not planning on resting your cots on the seat back. I'd rather build a couple of posts and cross beam from tube steel and support it off the floor. Why not just wait until you have the 4Runner and build it then?

I like my idea better. Take out the back seats when camping and build a flat platform even with the cargo floor. If you want the cots up higher it would be easy to place them on a flat floor.

You said you're planning to get a deal on the T4R during the Holidays. Unless you buy a 2016 you're not going to find any deals at that time, as far as I know. The best time to buy a 2015 might be in October as the 2016 models start showing up in dealerships. The 2015 will probably be mostly gone by November. It's more important to get the model you want than wait for a deal on whatever's left in inventory in AZ. And if you want particular accessories, or no accessories, you have to buy while there's selection.

 

[delloro]

You said you're planning to get a deal on the T4R during the Holidays. Unless you buy a 2016 you're not going to find any deals at that time, as far as I know. ...It's more important to get the model you want than wait for a deal on whatever's left in inventory in AZ. And if you want particular accessories, or no accessories, you have to buy while there's selection.

that is the truth. here in so cal, the dealers' inventory was poor at best when I was shopping, and toyota wouldn't help, they just referred me back to the dealers. I ended up going out-of-state to find what I wanted. if you wait too long, the model you want might not be available.

I would not wait; I would start now on finding what I want and then working on a deal for it. the more time you have to buy, the less pressure you are under. that's an advantage in your favor, not the dealer's.

 

[Diver Deuce]

I'm 5'7" on a good day, I barely fit lying down when the back hatch is closed. Now I'm not sure how tall bottom of the seat stands when its folded upright but I'd be happy to measure it for you. It's gonna be a tight squeeze with a cot though.

 

[UncleJimmy]

in my 2015 SR5, the dimension you ask for is 11".

however, just remove the seat bottoms. one bolt each and they come right out. makes a huge difference.

Perfect! Thank you!

 

[UncleJimmy]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not in Pheonix but in So Cal, but welcome.

I hope you're not planning on resting your cots on the seat back. I'd rather build a couple of posts and cross beam from tube steel and support it off the floor. Why not just wait until you have the 4Runner and build it then?

I like my idea better. Take out the back seats when camping and build a flat platform even with the cargo floor. If you want the cots up higher it would be easy to place them on a flat floor.

You said you're planning to get a deal on the T4R during the Holidays. Unless you buy a 2016 you're not going to find any deals at that time, as far as I know. The best time to buy a 2015 might be in October as the 2016 models start showing up in dealerships. The 2015 will probably be mostly gone by November. It's more important to get the model you want than wait for a deal on whatever's left in inventory in AZ. And if you want particular accessories, or no accessories, you have to buy while there's selection.

Thank you, sir!

I was planning on using the cot set up now for my current set up and not having to buy twice. I got the got idea from another thread here where someone said they used two cots which would be perfect.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/7602-camping-inside-04runner.html#post61996

It would also give about 12in of clearance. The platform idea is good and one that I may consider eventually but I am really trying to get my camping set-up as efficient as possible. I don't like planning generally, and I just like to run-out of town (the heat especially) on a Friday afternoon. The thing I hate about camping is all the packing and unpacking and setting up and drying the tent out etc. so I have been eliminating all the unnecessary stuff like that. I have a separate set of gear all packed in 5 gallon buckets and I just throw that and the bedding in and go. Pulling the seats would be just one more hassle, but if it comes to that then fine....

 

[UncleJimmy]

I'm 5'7" on a good day, I barely fit lying down when the back hatch is closed. Now I'm not sure how tall bottom of the seat stands when its folded upright but I'd be happy to measure it for you. It's gonna be a tight squeeze with a cot though.

Thank you! I did get the measurement.

 

[jwkilgore]

I realize there are advantages to sleeping inside your vehicle (mainly physical security), but if your goal is minimal gear and impact with maximum comfort, I highly recommend looking into a good camping hammock. Not the horribly-designed mesh things with spreader bars that will dump you on the ground if you sneeze, but a real sleeping hammock.

You'll be in a vehicle so you only need one additional support. Tie one end to your vehicle and the other to a tree, or power pole, or even another vehicle. Top-end models weigh less than a pound and pack down into a space less than a 32oz coffee mug. Way less trouble and cargo space than a cot. And you can buy a bug net cocoon and rain fly if you want more comfort.

 

[delloro]

OP, cots would be a waste of space. I do not have the sliding tray so my cargo area is lower than the backs of the folded seat uppers. Inspired by Antman, I am building a cargo box that will be level with the folded seats. Remove the seat bottoms, fold the seat backs down, lay down an air mattress and you are good to go.

 

[UncleJimmy]

I realize there are advantages to sleeping inside your vehicle (mainly physical security), but if your goal is minimal gear and impact with maximum comfort, I highly recommend looking into a good camping hammock. Not the horribly-designed mesh things with spreader bars that will dump you on the ground if you sneeze, but a real sleeping hammock.

You'll be in a vehicle so you only need one additional support. Tie one end to your vehicle and the other to a tree, or power pole, or even another vehicle. Top-end models weigh less than a pound and pack down into a space less than a 32oz coffee mug. Way less trouble and cargo space than a cot. And you can buy a bug net cocoon and rain fly if you want more comfort.

Yes, I agree that's a good idea and one that I will look into as well. I tried already to hang a hammock on the inside and it didn't work well, but maybe I could try a few other options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUc4MnYWd28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28D3HFlSeR8

 

[UncleJimmy]

OP, cots would be a waste of space. I do not have the sliding tray so my cargo area is lower than the backs of the folded seat uppers. Inspired by Antman, I am building a cargo box that will be level with the folded seats. Remove the seat bottoms, fold the seat backs down, lay down an air mattress and you are good to go.

AKfR said they worked well according to him:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/7602-camping-inside-04runner.html#post61996

I think a platform is good way to go as well, especially if you want more permanence. I think of the cots as a lightweight, mobile, removable, foldable platform. I can stow my 5 gallon buckets with lids horizontally underneath or I can fold them up nicely for maximum cargo space. The platforms are great for mounting fridges, stoves and securing items, and maybe I'll go that route eventually.

 

[delloro]

A 12" tall cot will cut down on headspace. How will you get in and out of your cot?

 

[UncleJimmy]

A 12" tall cot will cut down on headspace. How will you get in and out of your cot?

Yup. There are cots that are 12" and 15" inches high so I will select the 12" which should clear the seat bottom of 11" and fit my 5 gallon buckets with lid which are 12" in diameter. If it doesn't work I'll return the cots. No biggie. I should still be able to squeeze in ok. It's not perfect but every way I can think has its drawbacks one way or another. I did try a double cot on the store which is like a bunk bed and there is not much room above if you are on the bottom rack and it was very comfortable once you were in and I think I will have more room than that. Again basing it off of what others have posted here it worked well for two large people who otherwise would not have a prayer of fitting without removing the seats. Btw, I have camped the last 3 out of 4 weekends and I really don't want I have to be pulling the seats in and out every time. It will be my fiances daily driver and she will want the passenger seats in. With this setup I may be able to fold up the cots and leave them and some of the gear stowed in back with the optional cover and not have to pull much out between trips except for the cooler.

 

[delloro]

Ok. Good luck. I measured from the top edge of the folded seat bottom to the ceiling, it was 23". With a 12" cot, I would have 22", not likely enough for me to toss and turn. Don't forget that cots have sag, so if you will be placing a 12" diameter bucket under a 12" cot, you will be laying on a bucket. I would need a 15" cot to store a bucket under it while I sleep.

Not arguing with you or trying to rain on your parade, just trying to help with information. :nod:

 

[UncleJimmy]

Ok. Good luck. I measured from the top edge of the folded seat bottom to the ceiling, it was 23". With a 12" cot, I would have 22", not likely enough for me to toss and turn. Don't forget that cots have sag, so if you will be placing a 12" diameter bucket under a 12" cot, you will be laying on a bucket. I would need a 15" cot to store a bucket under it while I sleep.

Not arguing with you or trying to rain on your parade, just trying to help with information. :nod:

No problem. I appreciate the discussion. Actually I hadn't thought of the the sag issue so I may need I rethink that.