Sleeping in the back setups?

M_RED

New member
I'm curious what people have done for convenient arrangements to sleep in the back of the 4runner?

I just saw this ridiculously over-priced air-mattress,

https://trail4runner.com/2022/05/02/luno-life-5th-gen-4runner-specific-air-mattress/


And this foam still which, other than the inability to pack up nicely, seems like a better choice,,,

Xprite Portable Sleeping Pad Cushion Toyota 4Runner (2014-2018) NitePa
– Redline360



But I am curious what the more ingenious people have crafted for themselves? Who out there made their own setup for sleeping in the back? I need some creative inspiration...
 
Register to hide this ad
built a leveling platform out of 1/2" wood using (3) cut down 2x4's for legs. It's bolted down in (4) locations to the vehicle where the original D-rings are and has a slide out table that I use all the time. I also removed the 60% back seat and built a platform this time using some metal legs I welded together that bolt to the original (4) seat mounting points.

I covered the entire thing in some indoor/outdoor fabric I found at Home Depot that basically matches the interior so the entire thing looks surprisingly OEM. When I camp in there I like having the carpet, it's more cozy, although less resilient to water/dirt so something to consider.

After that I use my sleeping pads, but recently upgraded to the Extra Large KLYMALOFT Sleeping Pad. Sorry no pics of everything all together. Just imagine two full size pillows and some blankets all in there :P

img_9338-jpg.99317

img_4940-jpg.99316

img_0900-heic-jpg.99318


If you're interested in any details let me know, I made some videos or can provide more pictures/information.

I also made reflective window shades for all my windows out of a roll of Reflectix I bought from Home Depot. I punched holes in it along the top so I can keep the windows cracked with my rain deflector thingies and have some air flow. In the summer I have a fan I use.

O_hmbpWNMyr585mypmATS8OrrEMxWFcnTBrYF96LH0y1_rwzfkOmfw-r_j1m3VEP-1lRpVSd0mGYNC-Up1oTAFSda7iRv18m833d7STk-d5lP_zfKttNBtCionraNyldizMO3g85Bl_M88IRTS-bAxZ1r5lYI_r9hOy4GfekCxHb1O9BYRWE8Eixx4oMtM_h5kpvYhww1hziIr0IQkOZKKvL6l_brpndTCYSSoo4iW6z-UDi2Wbtpdlqd2Uo4yKXww5Dlqv4PrpzpRsjAIOPQNXrl27ufeED_FlPJL_89AaU679YCcfQxDnOszCWhLog0MuRarIkteWL7oW6cTCUASvwi8QyW1hPkkH2Oen18I93969P1rk2mzhdKwaqIzUgi7sZ0pDB_HXuIWGAwDUdAU9zvVf1vU8HVUaV56ytiVfPBltzMfcdHvicXxvsOqXcxhb1anF3ojiG94ZwglZ-lMG6fcmUHGulWPlGPC-3-k8MPSnp-HIJC2_4W5Lxj-0qa-mxEw7yJvotLDhecBU8BIQho03XNczKVWMY3DyfKo7SN2Uv-zWQmzZOYBCLoWBoSCGHdFBHFMXb-7rD5cNop_Z_JMJmo8m3d8iQMc4l4PbHE25YH2oDlDKMtzhxq1QqRfwzebXLHe2TwqjisJj_HdMGhnNWDtgBZpqqrRS17vs5BiqY8VD-P_IWkQo9RwEr_9MPF31v9YKlu2N9w-SdTf91_Et-IyiRZTU4PUmwWP57pLduAYWHR3woCWn0zSs=w1223-h917-no
 
Last edited:
I have the airbedz one.
Perfect for solo-ing it. Got myself a suction mount for my ipad i put on the back window for watching movies and gutter guard vents so i can crack the windows and allow air flow.
 
Wood Working is not my thing, so I just ordered a pre-cut kit yesterday from solid wood werx. I think its going to cover the bases for me, I hope I can assemble it and stay square!
 
I did a table slide out to help level my sleeping area and utilize a Therm-a-Rest Basecamp extra wide/thick sleeping pad. I wanted head room since i am tall and travel alone so no drawers. Worked out perfect for a multi month adventure:

LIBYR0Ul.jpg


esn3Jfyl.jpg


esERmBXm.jpg


4MYTOiHm.jpg


EcD62Szm.jpg
 
Last edited:
wood werx platform. King camp self inflating pad from amazon. this worked great for 2 of us (5'9").

Wood Working is not my thing, so I just ordered a pre-cut kit yesterday from solid wood werx. I think its going to cover the bases for me, I hope I can assemble it and stay square!

it works well, i paid for his plans and made it myself, this was before he offered the cut kit. I wish i had done that for sure. wood working sucks.
 
Here was mine in the Pro with sliding cargo tray. I miss that setup.

84abaf6a58896ec5fc42676d5952b6b5.jpg


My current crappy setup. Even though it works I want to make improvements. Like permanent mounting of the platform and then add a fridge slide.

c393689e23b43319d2e7cc642927debc.jpg


4eeeeb6793f995406e233d7f51f89d3e.jpg
 
Wife and I have used a 30$ Walmart full sized blow up a few times, it kinda shapes to the wheel wells if you inflate in the car. Only annoyance is it tries to pop up over the wheel well if it's inflated more firm. This makes the mattress taco shaped which is annoying and squeaky.

So I see the advantage of a shaped Fancy mattress. If it was just me if get a Walmart twin and be Happy. I've slept Solo on the full and it's great though.

I'm probably gonna buy a fancy fitted one just to see if it's better though....


EDIT: Thanks for bringing this topic up. I did a little googling and found this via Reddit. Seems like a great alternative at only 90$

Amazon.com : PAVONI Car Inflatable Air Camping Mattress Pad – with Electric Mattress Pump, Towel, Repair Patches & Storage Bag – Bed Mattress for SUVs, RVs & Minivans – Quick Inflation/Deflation – Durable & Comfy : Sports & Outdoors
 
Last edited:
Great thread. I’ve slept in the back of my Tacoma but curious how to set up my 4Runner when it arrives. Need sleeping space for two people and some storage for light gear. These are great ideas.
 
Wood Working is not my thing, so I just ordered a pre-cut kit yesterday from solid wood werx. I think its going to cover the bases for me, I hope I can assemble it and stay square!

im local to him so I just paid for box + install.
I wrapped mine in carpet. you wont be disappointed.
 
Solidwoodworx. I added the carpet and the aluminum L to the edge. I changed my sleeping pad to an exped. This sea to summit pad was decent.
e6092a8d756877876b45bd5e7b65aab4.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Sorry, just room for me and the dog! Exped on a ho’made drawer box
 

Attachments

  • AB903E89-516A-481B-83BC-29C4B6F44652.jpg
    AB903E89-516A-481B-83BC-29C4B6F44652.jpg
    116.5 KB · Views: 4,644
Great solution. Lots of storage. Another benefit of not getting the rooftop tent (not to mentions saving $$$) is the roof rack remains free for lots more storage/carrying.
 
Whoa... what is that tent thing attached to your hatch??????

Yes! A few drawbacks but works great. Held off a week of Oregon rain last year. Nice you can open and close hatch from inside, roomy approx 8’x8’ in side and nearly as tall I’m 6’-1 and can hang a small lantern and not hit my head. Has a closure on the hatch side so you can drive off with it set up. My 4R is not lifted and it’s at the max the hatch fly can cover…I’ve had a few occasions where the front legs are an inch or two off the ground due to uneven ground, still functioned just fine. Setup is awkward solo. Pole sleeves could be better. Don’t like that the door is zippered along the sides and top, door ends up on the floor when open. But rolls up out of the way. Oh and it’s a ‘B’ to get back into the bag it can with. So I stuff it in the bin in the photo and strap it on my RR. It’s a Rightline SUV tent avail through REI…more points more stuff!,
 

Attachments

  • 16D66D72-E88A-40CE-B055-E30DD3E7B3C8.jpg
    16D66D72-E88A-40CE-B055-E30DD3E7B3C8.jpg
    74.6 KB · Views: 2,191
Last edited:
built a leveling platform out of 1/2" wood using (3) cut down 2x4's for legs. It's bolted down in (4) locations to the vehicle where the original D-rings are and has a slide out table that I use all the time. I also removed the 60% back seat and built a platform this time using some metal legs I welded together that bolt to the original (4) seat mounting points.

I covered the entire thing in some indoor/outdoor fabric I found at Home Depot that basically matches the interior so the entire thing looks surprisingly OEM. When I camp in there I like having the carpet, it's more cozy, although less resilient to water/dirt so something to consider.

After that I use my sleeping pads, but recently upgraded to the Extra Large KLYMALOFT Sleeping Pad. Sorry no pics of everything all together. Just imagine two full size pillows and some blankets all in there :P

img_9338-jpg.99317

img_4940-jpg.99316

img_0900-heic-jpg.99318


If you're interested in any details let me know, I made some videos or can provide more pictures/information.

I also made reflective window shades for all my windows out of a roll of Reflectix I bought from Home Depot. I punched holes in it along the top so I can keep the windows cracked with my rain deflector thingies and have some air flow. In the summer I have a fan I use.

O_hmbpWNMyr585mypmATS8OrrEMxWFcnTBrYF96LH0y1_rwzfkOmfw-r_j1m3VEP-1lRpVSd0mGYNC-Up1oTAFSda7iRv18m833d7STk-d5lP_zfKttNBtCionraNyldizMO3g85Bl_M88IRTS-bAxZ1r5lYI_r9hOy4GfekCxHb1O9BYRWE8Eixx4oMtM_h5kpvYhww1hziIr0IQkOZKKvL6l_brpndTCYSSoo4iW6z-UDi2Wbtpdlqd2Uo4yKXww5Dlqv4PrpzpRsjAIOPQNXrl27ufeED_FlPJL_89AaU679YCcfQxDnOszCWhLog0MuRarIkteWL7oW6cTCUASvwi8QyW1hPkkH2Oen18I93969P1rk2mzhdKwaqIzUgi7sZ0pDB_HXuIWGAwDUdAU9zvVf1vU8HVUaV56ytiVfPBltzMfcdHvicXxvsOqXcxhb1anF3ojiG94ZwglZ-lMG6fcmUHGulWPlGPC-3-k8MPSnp-HIJC2_4W5Lxj-0qa-mxEw7yJvotLDhecBU8BIQho03XNczKVWMY3DyfKo7SN2Uv-zWQmzZOYBCLoWBoSCGHdFBHFMXb-7rD5cNop_Z_JMJmo8m3d8iQMc4l4PbHE25YH2oDlDKMtzhxq1QqRfwzebXLHe2TwqjisJj_HdMGhnNWDtgBZpqqrRS17vs5BiqY8VD-P_IWkQo9RwEr_9MPF31v9YKlu2N9w-SdTf91_Et-IyiRZTU4PUmwWP57pLduAYWHR3woCWn0zSs=w1223-h917-no


this is basically what I did, without the fancy d-ring tie downs. I put a legit 4" memory foam mattress in it. it fits a full size mattress. had to cut out the wheel wells. sleep better in there than i do at home.
 

Correct! Just make sure you remove it before going down a dusty trail! Made quite the mess on a desert run with it installed. Great eye M_RED!

I also made an insert for the driver rear window that’s an exhaust fan. 2 computer fans with a usb connector, to a small battery pack. Keeps people from worrying about dog when I’m in a store and provides fresh air when sleeping.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,054
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top