Sleeping Platform?

Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

New member
I know there aren't a lot of "expedition" type builds here on T4R but just wondering if anyone's built a "sleeping platform" in their 4th gen. There are a lot of 3rd gen builds but I'd be interested in seeing what some 4th gen people have done.

I'm just trying to get some ideas and hate reinventing the wheel. What I'm looking to do is build a platform for a single sleeper (if the wife is with me we'll take the teardrop) that will go above the rear wheel well so I can use the extra body width there. Other things I'd want to do would be to have a way to secure my fridge (a small Dometic unit) as well as a cooler and other camping gear. I'm also contemplating a table or "interior tailgate" if I can figure it out.
 
Register to hide this ad
Martinjmpr said:
I'm just trying to get some ideas and hate reinventing the wheel. What I'm looking to do is build a platform for a single sleeper.
Click to expand...

I have the Double Decker cargo system which creates a flat floor that works well for sleeping. Many people have complained about finding the DD setup useless and a lot of them have taken it out. I'm under the impression the system can be fitted to a 4runner that doesn't have it. I bet it wouldn't be hard to get a hold of one.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/26966-flat-cargo-area-without-double-decker.html
 
FWIW, you can:

1) Remove the 3rd row seats (if equipped)
2) Recline the 2nd row seats back as far as they will go (if equipped to do so)
3) Remove the head rests from the front seats
4) Slide the front seats forward (almost) all the way
5) Recline the front seats until they are flat and flush with the 2nd row seats

Don't know if that would suit your needs. I have slept in it this way (on my back) and it was quite comfortable.
 
jambone said:
FWIW, you can:

1) Remove the 3rd row seats (if equipped)
2) Recline the 2nd row seats back as far as they will go (if equipped to do so)
3) Remove the head rests from the front seats
4) Slide the front seats forward (almost) all the way
5) Recline the front seats until they are flat and flush with the 2nd row seats

Don't know if that would suit your needs. I have slept in it this way (on my back) and it was quite comfortable.
Click to expand...

There's actually a procedure in the owner's manual detailing how to do this to create a sleeping area using the front seats and rear seats. The front seats will actually recline inline with the rear seat cushions (after removing head rest)
 
I'm not sure if there is much different between the 3rd and 4th gens that would change much. I have built a couple different versions in my 3rd gen. Before a trip, I wiped out a cheap platform that went over the wheel well and was only a one person. This left a lot of, full height, space for equipment. That height did give more space under the bed but you will feel the roof close to you when in bed. Also it is hard to change clothes in that space. My platform now has a finished height of 6.5" which gives me 32" to the roof. The wheel well bumps fall about where my waist is and I have never had to try to sleep around them. I don't notice them when sleeping.
 
I started out by cutting a sheet of 5/8" plywood to fit the rear cargo area and covered it with indoor/outdoor carpet. The plywood was then anchored to the body at the tie down points.

P1020497.jpg~original


P1020499.jpg~original


P1020498.jpg~original


P1020516.jpg~original


Slide attached to plywood using 5/16" bolts and T-nuts.

P1020523.jpg~original


P1020527.jpg~original


The storage drawer is secured by turn buckles attached to tie down points.

P1020696.jpg~original


A tie down track was installed across the cargo area to secure the back of the drawer.

P1020699.jpg~original


P1020670.jpg~original


P1020674.jpg~original


Top off the plywood deck with a Cabelas Cot Pad and a sleeping bag and you're good to go.
P1020613.jpg~original
 
I find having a body lengths worth of room on one side of the cot (or whatever) is key for getting in and out of your bed.

My setup is fairly simple. Roll-a-cot on one side, Thermarest and sleeping bag on that. Most of my gear and cooler fit under the cot. The rest goes in the front seats, while I'm in the cot.

I've spent 40 nights in the back of my 04 4Runner in the last 4 years. One of the nice things about this set up is it breaks down pretty quickly. Everything stores nicely behind the rear seat when not in use.
 
Dawg4Runner said:
I started out by cutting a sheet of 5/8" plywood to fit the rear cargo area and covered it with indoor/outdoor carpet. The plywood was then anchored to the body at the tie down points.

P1020497.jpg~original
Click to expand...

How did you anchor the plywood here to the tie down points? Love the build and might try and replicate something similar.

Also, what is the drawer system that you installed there?
 
I built this to go with the storage box I had already built myself
It's a 41" sheet of plywood split in half so there's 2 21" sections for easier removal and they are held together when in the car by 15" tarp straps attached to some carriage bolts
I built it to align perfectly in height and width with my storage box which is removable but for the most part stays in the back of the car. The sleeping addition takes about 5 minutes to put in and even less time to take out

It has all been sprayed with black Bedliner but I don't have a picture of that yet

IMG_2978.jpg

IMG_2985.jpg

IMG_2984.jpg

IMG_2723.jpg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2978.jpg
    IMG_2978.jpg
    130.8 KB · Views: 1,172
  • IMG_2985.jpg
    IMG_2985.jpg
    132.5 KB · Views: 1,163
  • IMG_2984.jpg
    IMG_2984.jpg
    126.1 KB · Views: 1,179
  • IMG_2723.jpg
    IMG_2723.jpg
    127.8 KB · Views: 5,108
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 362 (members: 2, guests: 360)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,304
Messages
3,554,041
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top