Feedback request from all those who sleep in their 4Runner

[rageandlove]

I'm 5' 11" and I just fit without removing the front of the rear seat.

 

[The4RunnerDude]

I'm 5' 11" and I just fit without removing the front of the rear seat.

That looks awesome man! I've been wanting to build something similar with 2 sections for easy removal but with hinges on the "lid" to store tarps, rope, tools, and survival kit stuff...like small stuff that I can organize underneath there and just keep for emergencies and limit the amount of pouches and containers I am currently using.

For example, I like to have a 24" axe, framing hammer, flat crowbar, and socket and wrench set in a tool roll with me at all times, even though I may only use each tool a handful of times in a year. It's just nice to know they are there and are basically taking up no space really, so why not incorporate that into my build?

Right now I'm storing all of that in a pretty big toolbox in my cargo area. Once I build the mattress leveling platform though, I'll be able to store much of it out of sight and out mind until I actually need to use any of it.

Anyway, your build looks great.

 

[JoeBand]

i spent 8 1/2 months living out of a 2nd gen with a sleeping platform the level of the back seat folded up.

it was in two sections, so the front piece could be slid back and fold down one or both back seats.

the front section rested on the seat bottom and the back was on 2x6 creating space to slide boxes underneath, 6 in total. worked great.

 

[uh0h50]

I'm 5' 11" and I just fit without removing the front of the rear seat.

Looks awesome. Did you put any kind of sealer or coating on the wood?

 

[rageandlove]

Looks awesome. Did you put any kind of sealer or coating on the wood?

I put about 5 coats of water-based urethane on the top in case of small spills, a bit of rain, etc. Left the bottom raw.

I also recently took an exercise mat and trimmed it to shape to put on top of the wood when I'm just driving around town. Protects the platform a bit but more importantly stops things from skidding around.

 

[tylertenny]

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 ?

I used to sleep with my head behind the front seats but after building a platform I started sleeping with my head toward the back hatch because my sunroof was robbing me of some needed headroom.