First things first, I am very much a lurker on here... often not even signing in but searching for info, etc. This forum is a goldmine and has been extremely helpful.
I thought others may find my car camping setup helpful. Some of it was inspired from other posts here, but it's primarily based on my experience with the first sleeping platform I built back in 2021. I undertook Version 2.0 earlier this year, and also designed an extra storage cabinet to address a couple significant needs I had for hidden storage, etc.
I'm a photographer, so the storage cabinet is a bit specific to my needs. To that end, I haven't drafted a fancy version of the design document, but I did do so for the sleeping platform (see below).
My main objectives for this build:
- Recover storage space under the sleeping platform
- Keep the platform low enough so I could still sit up somewhat in bed
- Keep the platform low enough so I could still get in and out of the truck via the bed-side rear door
- Design and build a far lighter and more space-efficient sleeping platform
- Provide hidden storage for my camera bag
- Provide storage for my clothes and miscellaneous items to eliminate the need for bringing my duffle bag
- Eliminate the shuffling of things around at any point just to access something I regularly need
- Retain use of the sliding cargo tray at the back of the truck
- Keep it cheap, simple, and easy to remove
Far more details are provided here: 4Runner Car Camping Build & Accessories | Michael Rung Photography
I also recorded a full walkthrough of the setup: 4Runner Car Camping Walkthrough + FREE Build Plans! - YouTube
And last but not least, if you just want to download the design plans/build instructions for the sleeping platform, you can do so for free here: Free Photography Downloads | Michael Rung Photography
I thought others may find my car camping setup helpful. Some of it was inspired from other posts here, but it's primarily based on my experience with the first sleeping platform I built back in 2021. I undertook Version 2.0 earlier this year, and also designed an extra storage cabinet to address a couple significant needs I had for hidden storage, etc.
I'm a photographer, so the storage cabinet is a bit specific to my needs. To that end, I haven't drafted a fancy version of the design document, but I did do so for the sleeping platform (see below).
My main objectives for this build:
- Recover storage space under the sleeping platform
- Keep the platform low enough so I could still sit up somewhat in bed
- Keep the platform low enough so I could still get in and out of the truck via the bed-side rear door
- Design and build a far lighter and more space-efficient sleeping platform
- Provide hidden storage for my camera bag
- Provide storage for my clothes and miscellaneous items to eliminate the need for bringing my duffle bag
- Eliminate the shuffling of things around at any point just to access something I regularly need
- Retain use of the sliding cargo tray at the back of the truck
- Keep it cheap, simple, and easy to remove
Far more details are provided here: 4Runner Car Camping Build & Accessories | Michael Rung Photography
I also recorded a full walkthrough of the setup: 4Runner Car Camping Walkthrough + FREE Build Plans! - YouTube
And last but not least, if you just want to download the design plans/build instructions for the sleeping platform, you can do so for free here: Free Photography Downloads | Michael Rung Photography
