Floating sleeping platform

[Sam Handwich]

I've been contemplating making a 2/3 width (approx 32" x 72") a sleeping platform for my 4runner for some time, and hit on and idea today: Instead of legs, what if I use cam straps to "float" it from the grab handles, and a few more going to attachment points below to stabilize it? It would be height adjustable, cheap, simple to install and remove, and you could even adjust it to an angle if you were parked on non-level ground.

The only issue I see is choosing material for the platform that wouldn't flex too much. I've read about Baltic Birch plywood, which seems like it might be a good option. Otherwise, I could frame it underneath for stiffening, or even put an adjustable, removable leg in the center.

I'm open to thoughts though. Anyone have material suggestions, or pitfalls I haven't thought of?

 

[Bumbo]

This thread has good timing…

I was thinking of something similar because I enjoy sleeping in the truck on solo trips but I wasn’t planning on suspending the platform. That said, I was absolutely thinking about different ways to level myself because many of the places I off-road to, level ground isn’t always available.

I don’t know if I am going to platform the entire rear, or only in the 60 or 40 split so I can keep the fridge in there along with some gear when I sleep.

Look forward to seeing your build if you do it.

 

[AuSeeker]

I've been contemplating making a 2/3 width (approx 32" x 72") a sleeping platform for my 4runner for some time, and hit on and idea today: Instead of legs, what if I use cam straps to "float" it from the grab handles, and a few more going to attachment points below to stabilize it? It would be height adjustable, cheap, simple to install and remove, and you could even adjust it to an angle if you were parked on non-level ground.

The only issue I see is choosing material for the platform that wouldn't flex too much. I've read about Baltic Birch plywood, which seems like it might be a good option. Otherwise, I could frame it underneath for stiffening, or even put an adjustable, removable leg in the center.

I'm open to thoughts though. Anyone have material suggestions, or pitfalls I haven't thought of?

I'm a custom cabinet builder so I know wood very well, I wouldn't use plywood for what you want to do, I would try and find a rigid frame camping cot and suspend it as you described, the cot could also still be used out of the vehicle on the ground as you would normally use it, plywood is just too heavy IMHO as well as stiff as a board(pun intended), the cot would be much more comfortable if you ask me and a lot lighter than plywood would be which would make suspending it more doable.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Sports-Outdoors-Camping-Cots/zgbs/sporting-goods/3143613011

 

[Sam Handwich]

I'm a custom cabinet builder so I know wood very well, I wouldn't use plywood for what you want to do, I would try and find a rigid frame camping cot and suspend it as you described, the cot could also still be used out of the vehicle on the ground as you would normally use it, plywood is just too heavy IMHO as well as stiff as a board(pun intended), the cot would be much more comfortable if you ask me and a lot lighter than plywood would be which would make suspending it more doable.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Sports-Outdoors-Camping-Cots/zgbs/sporting-goods/3143613011

Interesting thought. As far as stiffness goes, that's not a problem as I will have a mattress of some kind.

 

[Boort]

[MENTION=147243]Sam Handwich[/MENTION]

I've been contemplating making a 2/3 width (approx 32" x 72") a sleeping platform for my 4runner for some time, and hit on and idea today: Instead of legs, what if I use cam straps to "float" it from the grab handles, and a few more going to attachment points below to stabilize it? It would be height adjustable, cheap, simple to install and remove, and you could even adjust it to an angle if you were parked on non-level ground.

The only issue I see is choosing material for the platform that wouldn't flex too much. I've read about Baltic Birch plywood, which seems like it might be a good option. Otherwise, I could frame it underneath for stiffening, or even put an adjustable, removable leg in the center.

I'm open to thoughts though. Anyone have material suggestions, or pitfalls I haven't thought of?

You could suspend 3/8" baltic Birch ply. but it is expensive, heavy, likely hard to store, and could do some damage if swung about while you are sleeping.

I've seen some rigs that swing a hammock between a mount on the front Pass, grab handle and the rear Drivers. Others which teather from the head rest on either front seat to a strap at the back of the rig. Might work well if you're light enough. There have been a few kickstarters along this line:

Car Hammock by Hanson Ely — Kickstarter
Car Hammock - Hammock, Outdoors, Camping and Outdoor Gear | Car Hammock

Vansnoozer - a Hammock that fits in a Van, Estate Car or SUV by Stephen Saunders — Kickstarter

You can use these as a guide for what has been done before and taylor your solution to your rig and needs.

I went with a home built drawer system and sleeping platform. Make sure that you have your key fob with you to unlock the doors as my 4th gen does not expect someone to be sleeping in the truck and honks loudly if an unlocked door is opened without first "unlocking it'. Not sure if this "feature" is stock 4runner or some dealer added alarm that is prevalent around here.

Boort