AWESOME build so far! Really impressed with the number of practical mods you've done... very tasteful rig... I like the sleeping platform, and though I sleep in my rig from time to time, I'm more interested in the space implications, having that extra layer...
Question: what kind of bins are those, between the backseat and the back of the front seat? (in the picture where your backseats are folded down...) and looking closer at the picture, where did the backseat bottom seats go?! That explains why you're able to get it flat, as well as get those bins in!
I'm almost 6'1" myself and so I relate with the space in the 'Runner... I've noticed i have to sleep at an angle if I put my seats down, I can't sleep directly north-south... So am interested to hear how you make your 6'6" frame fit? Does the platform go further, closer to the back of the front seats and allow you to have another 5-6 inches of room?
Thanks for the compliment! It's really nice that others can appreciate what I am going for with my build, and I hope my contributions and trials can help others along the way....
The storage bins are Rubbermaid Action Packers. They can be bought in 3 or 4 sizes and are awesome for camping. I got them at Canadian Tire, not sure where in the States?? The small ones I have fit perfectly into the footwells of the rear passenger area as you can see.
I usually have my rear seat bottoms removed, so my truck is normally a two seater. My dogs go in the back, sans-seats, and then aren't crawling around on the seats. This also gives you a little more cargo space for the Action Packer bins etc. and allows the sleeping platform to fold flat (with my design anyhow...). To fit inside, I slide the driver and passenger seats fully forward, place the Action Packer bins on the floor on each side, and usually keep my small travelers camping bag on top of the bin. I sleep with my head at the rear hatch end and my feet dangle above my travel bag. (hey, at least I can squeeze in there somehow haha)
Now that I have had the sleeping platform in place for around 8 months I can fully comment on my setup.
Pro's:
- The drawers are priceless: camping cookware etc always left in the left drawer and recovery gear in the right drawer. Easy access and good organization. check.
- My original plan of storing my Thermarest mattresses in the extra cubby has failed due to it being slightly too small. However, it has made a excellent compartment for storing my spare CV axle for wheeling trips.
- I still love sleeping in the truck, 1-2 people it's perfect! (more on that later...)
- I can fit my 6'6" body inside and actually stretch out! Having the full width above the wheel wells is key for more shoulder room.
Con's:
- When the platform is folded shut, it's annoying having a 3/4" lump on the cargo deck above the drawers where the extended portion folds back on itself. Not a big deal though... could be re-designed to correct the issue.
- Loss of headroom when in "sleeping position." (obviously, due to the height of the sleeping platform off of the floor of the truck.
- Should have finished the faces of the drawers and the wood is getting dirty. Eww. haha I may re-bedliner the whole thing soon.
- Weight: I should have used 1/2" and slightly less bracing to shave some lb's off.
I just recently bought a good tent, however. I just find that with my big dog, my gf and her small dog, the sleeping platform simply does not have enough space. If just myself and the gf go camping or just me and my dog, I won't bring the tent. If I ever find that the sleeping platform no longer gets used because I like my new tent so much, I'll keep the drawers and simply eliminate the fold-out sleeping platform section and put a 1st gen roll-bar in instead for more storage options.
