Cargo Box and Sleeping Platform

g3ran3t

New member
So I know a lot of people have built cargo boxes and sleeping areas, and I have been getting a lot of questions on mine, so I thought I would start a thread with lots of pictures! I know we all love pictures!

Anyways, I wanted something that I could sleep on but remove very quickly when I wanted to. The cargo box will be permanent and is fastened down on all 4 corners very well. I wanted one big drawer for the most space as well. To build the rear portion is actually quite simple without the drawer. Here is what you will need excluding making a drawer and some measurements.

(1) 3/4" Plywood- 36" x 48" (For top piece) (Don't wimp on 1/2"!! use 3/4"!!)
(2) 2"x10" that are cut to 36" long (Next to wheel wells)
(1) 2"x10" cut to 35 6/16" (for in between the other two pieces for added support)
(1) 2"x2" piece cut to 38 6/16" (for front piece to rest on when connecting the front portion for sleeping area.

If you want to make a drawer you will need to finish all of this first and then once you order drawer sliders take measurements to make the drawer whatever size you would like it. I used these drawer sliders from TCH. They are 26" long and rated at 250lbs. They work perfect but if I had to do it again I would prob get the 500lb rated ones just because.

26" 250 lbs Full Extension Drawer Slide - 250 Lbs Drawer slides - TCH

For the handle I used this:

Large Recessed Handle - Recessed Handles - TCH

For the front piece, it is just a piece of 3/4" ply that is cut to 48" wide and 38" long. Cut in half so you have two pieces that are now 24" x 38". Drill a hole in each piece as well as the 2x2 that this will rest on and secure it together with whatever kind of bolt you would like. I used a wing nut so I could take it out in seconds. For the front I made two legs that screw in and out so when I fold the front piece up I can store the legs as well.

I also put removable hooks in a few spots as well as removable mounts for my Hi-Lift Jack! Carpet it all up and you have one mighty fancy cargo box that is incredibly versatile! Hope this answers some peoples questions and feel free to ask my any other questions you have!
 

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These pictures show the removable legs up front as well as how the front piece is attached to the rear piece. The front piece sits on a 2x2 that is drilled to the rear cargo box 3/4" lower than the top. Set it on there, drill two holes, and now it is mounted flush to the rear box and you have two removable legs for the front!
 

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This is the front piece. You can see how it is hinged and how it folds perfectly in half When you want to store it.
 

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In this you can see how I have removable rings for mounting a sub box as well as removable Hi-Lift Jack Mounts. You can also see how I mounted all four corners
 

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And the final product! You can see it with all the seats back in it and the shovel and Hi-Lift all mounted up. Pretty sweet eh?!
 

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Man thats awesome, really inspiring thanks! I will probably fab something similar for my trip next year, you gave some great ideas!
 
thanks for this build thread, this is very helpful and inspiring; I will probably construct my own this weekend, just in time for the Memorial Day camping trip...
 
This conversion is super slick! Good job on all the custom work and hope you get to do some wandering soon. :car:

I have already used it multiple times and it holds up so well! Sometimes I just leave the whole thing in with only the front two seats and i have space for days!
 
*snip
Sometimes I just leave the whole thing in with only the front two seats

If so I HIGHLY recommend a better mounting solution for the shovel.
In an accident, that is one big spear aimed right at your whole life.

Great work on the the whole unit! A definite inspiration to get mine going!
 
*snip


If so I HIGHLY recommend a better mounting solution for the shovel.
In an accident, that is one big spear aimed right at your whole life.

Great work on the the whole unit! A definite inspiration to get mine going!

Ya I completely agree, never really thought about that. When I do have it like that I usually have a lot of other things behind me too, so it is usually covered up. That is not to say that something else wont do it though!

It really is like having a 6 foot truck bed when it is completely set up! Just addin to the UTILITY in SUV! haha
 
Awesome work and thanks for posting the photos!

This is excellent and on my radar as a project for this spring.

How is sleeping on really cold nights? Do you need anything to heat the inside or just go with a warmer sleeping bag? Does it sleep 2 pretty comfortably?

I've slept in mine with the seats folded down and the upward kink of the rear seats makes it uncomfortable plus, I'm 6'2'' and was still uncomfortable sleeping by myself at a diagonal.
 
This is excellent and on my radar as a project for this spring.

How is sleeping on really cold nights? Do you need anything to heat the inside or just go with a warmer sleeping bag? Does it sleep 2 pretty comfortably?

I've slept in mine with the seats folded down and the upward kink of the rear seats makes it uncomfortable plus, I'm 6'2'' and was still uncomfortable sleeping by myself at a diagonal.

Slick job OP!

Cytronus if you are going to be building one of these this thread may be a good read as well:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/81843-rear-cargo-box-thread.html
 
[MENTION=75426]g3ran3t[/MENTION] what is the vertical depth in your drawers. It seems like you can fit a complete tool box standing up. Interested in seeing how I can manipulate this to work for my needs.
 
Hey guys, I know this thread is super old but I'm looking to buy a used 3rd gen and want to be able to sleep in it on road trips. I'm 6'2" so wondering what the lengthwise sleeping dims are on a sleeping platform like above when the front seats are all the way forward. Thanks!
 
Hey guys, I know this thread is super old but I'm looking to buy a used 3rd gen and want to be able to sleep in it on road trips. I'm 6'2" so wondering what the lengthwise sleeping dims are on a sleeping platform like above when the front seats are all the way forward. Thanks!

I'm 6'1" and sleep well in the back as long as the front seat is move most of the way forward.

- Matt
 

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