Sleeping platform: How to get started?

[Martinjmpr]

I love my 4th gen sleeping platform. I used 3/4" ply in a half hour glass shape to conform to the wheel wells- it sits a fraction of an inch above where the double-decker thing sat. I used 4 1x10 boards running front to back as vertical supports joined across the back by a 1x6. I did not taper for the sloped floor. There is no bottom. Rubbermade tubs slide freely in the 3 channels created by the vertical supports. This stays in the truck full time with recovery gear and a cooler stored underneath. For camping trips, the back seats fold down, and additional boards rest on a lip on the back of the storage platform and the folded down seat bottoms I made 2 boards- one wider than the other, so I can sleep 1 while still keeping half the seats up. The sleeping surface is not flat, but it's close enough for me. I'm 6'4" and mostly fit, even with my girlfriend and a 60 lb dog (front seat).

Sounds interesting - do you have any pictures, by chance?

 

[SOAZ]

Dan,
Interesting choice in photos. I think the subliminal message here is that a sleeping platform, no matter whether it be a drawer system (Foreground 4runner) or a flat surface with storage bins below it (Bronco in background), is highly attractive to naked hippies in Death Valley. Be careful, as we've found that this eye catching vehicle feature will cause you to be swindled out of beers, tequila and some of your group's steak dinner. I hypothesize that the platform works to mark you as a prepared sort of person to the hippie, the type that would carry excessive amounts of brews, booze and food that could be appropriated.
Build carefully, the power of the platform is strong.
SOAZTim :sombrero:

First you have to decide on the height of the platform and if you are going to want built in drawers etc. or use other containers/boxes (Action Packer/Pelican Cases Rubbermaid Totes) for storage.

Make a mock-up with a piece of plywood to see how much head-room you need. Try it out with a rough built prototype version to see if you like it first. Try climbing in and out of the truck to see how it works.
Experiment with the length of the sleeping platform as a raised platform limits how much you can recline the front seats.

Are you going to leave the back seat in or remove it completely? If you are leaving the back seat in you could build a removeable "box' type of platform with a separate piece that covers the back seat when sleeping. You can cover the top with carpet padding and indoor outdoor carpet.

I have my back seat out and have a 6-foot long flat floor to work with. I have experimented with several platforms and it is nice to be able to sleep inside with out unloading everything.

Here is a photo Lower Profile (from the forum) and my 4R with the flat floor.

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

I built a sleeping platform in the back of my 4th gen for my wife and I to travel through SW CO for a week and it worked well, although I did make mine a bit tall so we felt a little cramped when sleeping. I removed the seat cushions on the backseat (easy) so we could gain more storage and had legs from the platform go down to the floor for stability. Mine was REALLY simple and made with scraps from around my garage. I had two pieces that covered it and those were coverd with indoor outdoor carpet. I see your in Englewood, im in SE Aurora and would be happy to have you over for a brew and you can check it out and get an idea if its something you want to model it after or if you want to go a totally different route.

 

[DGarman]

Dan,
Interesting choice in photos. I think the subliminal message here is that a sleeping platform, no matter whether it be a drawer system (Foreground 4runner) or a flat surface with storage bins below it (Bronco in background), is highly attractive to naked hippies in Death Valley. Be careful, as we've found that this eye catching vehicle feature will cause you to be swindled out of beers, tequila and some of your group's steak dinner. I hypothesize that the platform works to mark you as a prepared sort of person to the hippie, the type that would carry excessive amounts of brews, booze and food that could be appropriated.
Build carefully, the power of the platform is strong.
SOAZTim :sombrero:

:Wow1:
The Power Of The Platform is strong. Always use it for good, not evil.

Dennis

 

[ebg18t]

is highly attractive to naked hippies in Death Valley. Be careful, as we've found that this eye catching vehicle feature will cause you to be swindled out of beers, tequila and some of your group's steak dinner.
SOAZTim :sombrero:

Can't you smell them coming? Down here the hippies have a very strong scent..

 

[Desert Dan]

SOAZ Tim
That one photo isn't mine but it probably was taken in Saline Valley??

 

[smiper]

Sounds interesting - do you have any pictures, by chance?

Will grab some in the light tomorrow. Any secrets to posting pics? I'm new here.

I did a lot of research and found the bottomless with tubs design to be the best mix of weight, strength, and versatility.

 

[SOAZ]

SOAZ Tim
That one photo isn't mine but it probably was taken in Saline Valley??

Dan,
Yep. That's my photo, but I took it to take a sneaky pic of my buddy getting harassed by the naked hippie. Surprised no one noticed the nakedness.
I recommend sleeping platforms and naked hippies. haha.
Great trip...

 

[southpier]

maybe the hippies have something http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKEZoY-TMG4