No-platform car camping: sleeping considerations; little hacks for comfort?

[Iron Chef]

So I plan to car-camp inside my 2005 v8 every so often, and I'm trying to take a minimalist approach. I know platform builds with fancy drawers and stuff are all the rage, but I'm not feeling it. 4th-gens are by default easy to sleep in, since the rear seats fold flush with the trunk floor, without a weird ramp like the 5th gens. I just want fold the seat down, inflate my camping pad, and catch some zzz's.

I've already removed the rear seat cushion to maximize sleeping length. There's a gap (the footwell) between the front seat and the folded rear seat that I plan to fill with a container box of some kind. From my measurements, I think this one from Target should work. The 10.88" height should mean the top cover will be flush with the folded seat. But if someone already knows the perfect container for this purpose, I'd be happy to see it!

One things that bugs me is the the latch rings for child restraint chairs on the seatback (the manual on page 108 calls these "anchor brackets")


It makes an annoying hard bump that will make it uncomfortable if I want to sleep front-to-back.

Does anyone know how can I remove these? (Including the plastic housing)

I might encounter other issues. I'd be grateful for any tips from others who have experience in this no-platform sleeping style!

 

[xtremewlr]

If you are using a sleeping pad, those rings shouldn't be an issue. I've slept in my 4runner many nights now and they have never bothered me.

I use this sleeping pad - Amazon.com : QOMOTOP Ultra Comfortable Side Sleep Friendly Single Self-Inflating Camping Mattress, 80”x28”x4” Sleeping Pad, 7.5 lbs Portable Roll-Up Camping Mattress, 4 Inches PU Foam, 24h Without Leaks : Sports & Outdoors

Rolls up, self inflates and you can manually adjust the firmness using the bag as an air pump. Works really well.

Tilt the sunroof up if it's not raining to give yourself some air flow.

 

[Iron Chef]

If you are using a sleeping pad, those rings shouldn't be an issue. I've slept in my 4runner many nights now and they have never bothered me.

I have the Thermarest X-lite, which I love for backpacking. I haven't tried it with the 4runner yet, but I would imagine that I would feel the bump on my neck/back if I shift around. I'm trying to minimize my purchases (and adventure packing) and use stuff I already own if possible.

It is good to know it's not an issue with more beefy pad like the one you showed, and I might get something like it as a last resort, but I'm still hoping there's a way to remove that little bump.

 

[little_joe]

I cut a piece of 3/8" plywood about 4 ft long X 2 ft wide, my wife was kind enough to put a thin layer of memory foam on it and cut a cover from some fabric which we stapled to the plywood. This makes for a nice flat sleeping surface over which I put my Exped mat.

While in transit, it lays flat, and I can pile stuff on it. Added bonus is I can put items under it to slope whichever way when not parked on a flat surface; and cover the dead space you mentioned.

We did this ~15 yrs ago when I had my 80, and I still use it. Cost was virtually nil and it makes sleeping in the vehicle quite comfy.

The only other hacks are little "awnings" for the windows to get ventilation even when it's raining - random material with magnets secure it. (I need to incorporate some screening with them to keep bugs out.) And I ran wiring to a fuse box in the back direct from the battery and have dual usb ports on both sides of the cargo area, one of which is primarily used for a flexible usb light.