JKU Sleeping Platform with Gear Storage

[HiTekRedneck]

After months of planning, drawing out ideas, testing said ideas, and taking measurements, our sleeping platform has finally been built. My wife and I built the main structure over the weekend and I worked on the finishing touches over the last few days. Quite the project! We both had fun building it...but only wanted to do it once, so it was overbuilt wherever possible. Total sleeping area is 50 1/2"W x 72"L and collapses to 60"L with plenty of room to lean the front seats back and be comfortable. Headroom is a little tight (we have slept in smaller tents) and I have since removed the soundbar to give us a little extra room for getting in and out. After a shakedown trip, I'll clean up all the edges with a router and hit it with some good outdoor paint. Also need to get the surface covered to give our dog Daisey Mae some traction. Probably going to use a utility rug we have up in the attic, but that is only one of many options we have to pick from. Also narrowing down our options for what to sleep on, thin mattress, foam pad, outdoor furniture cushions, etc. Anyways, on to the pics...

Collapsed, 50 1/2" wide X 60" long.


Extended, 50 1/2" wide X 72" long.


Main structure built. We built it up high to maximize the storage area underneath. Only downside is that it is not easily removed.


Boxed in the middle cubby with 1/4" plywood to store recovery gear.








The back of the platform is anchored to the tub on both sides. It should hold up, but if it doesn't, I'll upgrade the hardware.


Building a platform to mount our water jug. Countersunk the factory seat bolts into two pieces of 1"x2".


Top on the platform screwed down and two anchor points added.


continued.....

 

[HiTekRedneck]

Water jug is secured in place with a tie down strap. Also note, to the left is where the front of the platform is anchored to the front seats on both sides with wire rope.


We like to use multiple small ice chests, plenty of room for another 1 or 2. All the lids are held down with magnetic cabinet latches.


Platform closed up and seats leaned back. The headboard slides in and is kept in place by the front anchors.


Got creative with some hinges to make the headboard support.


Headboard on the supports. I braced the middle so it doesn't try to move on us or start to warp.


The rounded corner on the lids is to clear everything where it can be laid flat when open.


Chain holds up the headboard supports and a turnbuckle provides the right amount of tension.


All of this recovery gear fits in the middle cubby.


Inside shot of the recover gear cubby. I added 2"x2" corner bracing after this picture was taken.


All the recovery gear put away.


continued...

 

[Hilldweller]

Neat.

...scared to ask about the weight...

 

[HiTekRedneck]

All three lids open up and lay flat for easy access.


We don't travel with the Jerry can or generator, but it gives a good idea about how much space is available.


Rear bracing added to support the very edge of the plywood. Lots of storage space, there is actually a 455 Rancher chainsaw with a 20" bar tucked back under there. The tailgate closes right up next to the platform to provide some security as well.


Some designs cover up or make access to the rear cubby and jack area difficult. This was something I wanted to keep and was able to do so.


View of the platform facing rearward. The top surface is high enough that the center console will still open easily.


When I removed the soundbar I moved the Boston Acoustic (MOPAR 5081670AB) speakers to the front. If you have the base stock speakers and want a relatively quick and inexpensive upgrade, check these out. They run about $30-$40 each and bolt/wire right in. Can't say if they are an upgrade from the Infinity speakers, YMMV.

 

[HiTekRedneck]

Neat.

...scared to ask about the weight...

I haven't added it up yet, but here is a quick material list from what I can remember: (5) 2"x4"x96", (1) 2"x2"x48", (2) 1"x6"x48", 1.5 sheets of 23/32" plywood, 1/2 sheet of 1/4" plywood, 1lb. of deck screws, and misc hinges and hardware. Of course I never got around to weighing the rig before I started. I'm hoping that without the rear seats it won't add too much more weight.

 

[SiliconTi]

Nice job. I did something similar in my JKU, though it folds back in such a way as to retain the rear seats. As far as mattresses, I use a full length Thermarest. Works well, and can be packed away easily.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Nice job-

I did about the same, but covered/secured/holds all recovery gear/tools and removeable in 5 minutes !

Left the rear seats installed, minus ctr safety belt !

Might as well take advantage of ALL THAT ROOM-

:costumed-smiley-007:bike_rider: JIMBO

 

[Dan Grec]

Wow, that's awesome, nice work.

I dream of something similar for the back of my future JKU.

To get the 72 inches of length, is that with both seats all the way forward?

I'd like to squeeze a little more than that (I'm 6 2), so I'm thinking of putting a fold n' tumble seat from a 2 door as the passenger seat, folding it forward then having a little extra board that flips up for maybe 6 extra inches.
Thoughts?

Thanks!
-Dan

 

[HiTekRedneck]

Wow, that's awesome, nice work.

I dream of something similar for the back of my future JKU.

To get the 72 inches of length, is that with both seats all the way forward?

I'd like to squeeze a little more than that (I'm 6 2), so I'm thinking of putting a fold n' tumble seat from a 2 door as the passenger seat, folding it forward then having a little extra board that flips up for maybe 6 extra inches.
Thoughts?

Thanks!
-Dan

Thanks, we can't wait to try it out. Yes, seats all the way up and leaned forward all the way as well. I'm 5' 10" and my wife is even shorter, so length wasn't a huge concern for our build. There is maybe about 2" total left that we didn't use; that and the seat backs have a little give in them as well. I'm not familiar with the 2 door seats, so I couldn't say for sure if that would work, but a great idea nonetheless.

 

[SSF556]

Neat.

...scared to ask about the weight...

The platform I added to my WK was about 5 pounds more than the rear seat and rear storage compartment that I removed.....

 

[Hilldweller]

The platform I added to my WK was about 5 pounds more than the rear seat and rear storage compartment that I removed.....

My new JKU backseat that I took out is MUCH lighter than the old JK 2-door fold/tumble backseat that I took out of my last Jeep. The little dog perch that I built almost weighs as much.

 

[HiTekRedneck]

I had planned to make a Boy Scout style patrol box for our cooking gear. However, if I wanted to store the stove in it, it would be too tall to fit under the sleeping platform. So I kept all our trip experiences in mind and set out to create something that would work best for us. Very versatile in means of setup at camp (spare stays on till then); remove the spare tire and bolt it on, set it on a set of collapsible sawhorses or even a picnic table. Stores everything we use except the stove (has its own case) and dutch oven. After a trip to see how it works out, I'm going to smooth down the edges, stain/seal it, and put on a set of leather belt closures for that timeless look. Might also add some dividers if necessary.

 

[conifers4]

Good Lord that platform is fancy! Nice work!

 

[bradfordrovers]

For what its worth, definitely keep at eye on your rear tire carrier, and tailgate. The factory black tire carrier is cheap pot metal cast, and easily breaks with over sized tires after awhile. Also, keep an eye on the spot welds for the tailgate.