simple sleep platform for my 4runner

[oxfordethan]

My wife and I are going camping this weekend. No kids!!! It's going to rain. No doubt. I don't care for pitching tents in the rain so I decided to build a sleep platform. I've been wanting to do it for a long time just never "had a reason". I spent close to $60 on materials.

23/32 sheet of plywood cut down to 4'x6' (could've gone thinner on this).
Rear 4x4 legs are 10".
Front 4x4 legs are 16".

I took the rear seat bottoms out so the front legs sit on the floor. It's all one piece. No hinges or compartments...yet. Let's call this the beta version for now.

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[Atomic6]

simple and effective... nice work :thumb3:

 

[TonyB66]

My wife and I are going camping this weekend. No kids!!!

When one of my buddies made something like that for himself and his wife, they didn't have kids, but that changed 9 months later. Have fun!

Nice job.

 

[oxfordethan]

When one of my buddies made something like that for himself and his wife, they didn't have kids, but that changed 9 months later. Have fun!

Nice job.

LOL! The plumbing has been capped off! No more for us!

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

On the rear seat bottom cushions- did you convert to some type of quick release pin or a simple nut and bolt? I'm getting closer by the day to building a rear platform/single bunk. I got a chance recently to look over a wooden tear drop trailer and got really inspired by the use of the small space.

 

[ElectroBoy]

From the pics it looks like you used pressure-treated 4x4 posts for the legs of your platform. The wood preservative used now is a copper-based chemical which is less toxic than the arsenic-based one of years ago, and may not really be a problem. But you may want to coat them with paint or polyurethane. I’m kind of OCD that way.

 

[oxfordethan]

On the rear seat bottom cushions- did you convert to some type of quick release pin or a simple nut and bolt? I'm getting closer by the day to building a rear platform/single bunk. I got a chance recently to look over a wooden tear drop trailer and got really inspired by the use of the small space.

I just removed the seat bottoms and replaced the bolts on their holes. Seat bottoms are sitting in the garage.

I do like the idea of a foldable platform. The possibility of this camping trip getting rained out one short notice was the inspiration. I have 1 year old Bilsteins on it (idk the exact model numbers. It’s the stock stance versions). The platform doesn’t weigh anymore than two adults sitting in the back seat. I’ll also be pulling a 5’x10’ trailer with 6 kayaks plus coolers and other camping stuff.

 

[oxfordethan]

From the pics it looks like you used pressure-treated 4x4 posts for the legs of your platform. The wood preservative used now is a copper-based chemical which is less toxic than the arsenic-based one of years ago, and may not really be a problem. But you may want to coat them with paint or polyurethane. I’m kind of OCD that way.

I did use pt 4x4s. That’s a good point. We will have a fan running because wife got a last minute spot at a campground with electricity and water. Whoop! I thought about using pipe for the legs. I don’t think it would feel as solid though. Probably should just paint the legs.

 

[NCRidgeRunner]

Great idea! Would you mind posting a picture looking through one of the back doors? (To show how it looks with the seat bottoms removed)

 

[oxfordethan]

The sleep platform worked great (I do want to make some improvements though). Used 2 foam mattress toppers and a comforter for cushion. Slept fine. Getting in and out was easier than I expected. It was nice to have power and water at the campsite.




My buddy lost his van key so we had to head into town so he could call a locksmith. I volunteered to ride in the bed. So comfy!


We paddled Bear Creek in Alabama.


Shred it!!!


Bye!!!

Great idea! Would you mind posting a picture looking through one of the back doors? (To show how it looks with the seat bottoms removed)

I'll try to get a pic tonight before I take out the platform.

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

Does your design allow access to the PS rear storage compartment?

 

[oxfordethan]

Does your design allow access to the PS rear storage compartment?

No access to the storage compartment with this design. Under the platform I was able to store our bag chairs, paddles, axes, fire tongs, various small bags (toiletries, cooking utensils, etc.). There's also a decent amount of storage under the platform via the rear side doors.
[MENTION=130490]NCRidgeRunner[/MENTION], here's the pic you requested. I may have "overbuilt" it a bit. No need for 4x4s although there was no movement when crawling on it. I was leery of putting the legs on the back of the seats for fear of damaging them. It's very stable.

 

[tystaco]

I have been meaning to build a sleep platform as well, and have thought about these for ventilation.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719B9JP...olid=2IW7EB5C6JNJ2&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Cheap and quick, not the greatest reviews but I'd have no plans to keep them on full time while driving and junk like some idiots apparently do. I've seen other guys here use the plastic framed gutter mesh and cut it to fit the window, looks good, but only gives a few inches of opening.

 

[oxfordethan]

Cheap and quick, not the greatest reviews but I'd have no plans to keep them on full time while driving and junk like some idiots apparently do. I've seen other guys here use the plastic framed gutter mesh and cut it to fit the window, looks good, but only gives a few inches of opening.

I just purchased a mosquito net and threw it over the windows when they were down.

 

[cccolin]

i'm curious why people build these platforms. I just took out the back seat lowers, put cushions in the resulting footboard space, and it sleeps great, plus you don't lose headroom like you do if you put in a raised platform.

 

[tystaco]

i'm curious why people build these platforms. I just took out the back seat lowers, put cushions in the resulting footboard space, and it sleeps great, plus you don't lose headroom like you do if you put in a raised platform.

Two people and a dog is tight between the wheel wells. Plus getting up a little bit can give storage for camping gear.

 

[cccolin]

Two people and a dog is tight between the wheel wells. Plus getting up a little bit can give storage for camping gear.

ah. I didn't think about the wheel wells. It doesn't bother the lady and I, but we also don't have a dog in there with us. I have a top box for the storage, But I can see the advantage there. my work buddy made his platform with a large drawer underneath for camping gear storage.

 

[oxfordethan]

20 years ago, I would have just thrown a sleeping bag in there and called it good...20 years ago. lol

 

[cccolin]

20 years ago, I would have just thrown a sleeping bag in there and called it good...20 years ago. lol

that's what I did at first. but it's too short for me so I couldnt sleep. 4 bolts and a couple long cushions later and it's all good. too comfortable, actually, I can't get myself to wake up in the morning.

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

When I was doing some very basic measurements, it quickly became obvious that I'd need to power slide the front seats as forward as they can go in order to get max platform space for my 6' carcass so now I'm working on ideas to make the platform telescope froward to gain max sleeping space then retract when it's time to move again.