DIY Cargo/Sleeping platform

[avslash]

I did similar years ago. I built mine to nest, where the section for the second row slides over the cargo area portion so when you need it, you just slide it forward and screw the legs into position.

I would also tell you that if you never use the third row that their is a ton of storage available underneath the platform if you pull the third row seats.

 

[steevo]

I keep kicking around ideas for a rear storage system, but it would make it a whole lot easier to envision/build if I got a rear tire carrier and did not have to worry about accessing the spare tire winch. This at least looks light enough that you could remove it if you need to access the spare winch, correct?

Yes, even with the plywood mounted I can easily lift it in/out by myself. The spare and 3rd row seats were why I wanted something easy to put in/remove.

 

[adclark]

@steevo I need one of these that spans the length and width of both the cargo and mid-seat-section (all back seats lay flat) - so my hubby and I can camp comfortably overnight at trailheads and keep our backpacking gear underneath. Any chance I can purchase one from you?!?

 

[steevo]

I keep kicking around ideas for a rear storage system, but it would make it a whole lot easier to envision/build if I got a rear tire carrier and did not have to worry about accessing the spare tire winch. This at least looks light enough that you could remove it if you need to access the spare winch, correct?

Yes, even with the plywood attached I can easily install and remove the entire platform by myself

 

[djkaosone]

I did one similar to @steevo and @avslash. The rear looks like @steevo without the center brace, so I can get to the spare tire winch. Mine is just tall enough to fit a 5 gallon bucket and some Plano Sportsman bins. The only difference with mine is a double folding platform extension hinge mounted to the platform, and it sits perfectly behind the 2nd row. I used a set of 8020 extrusions on (server rack) slides with pivoting table stand leg to hold up the fully extended platform.

 

[CRYA]

I did one similar to @steevo and @avslash. The rear looks like @steevo without the center brace, so I can get to the spare tire winch. Mine is just tall enough to fit a 5 gallon bucket and some Plano Sportsman bins. The only difference with mine is a double folding platform extension hinge mounted to the platform, and it sits perfectly behind the 2nd row. I used a set of 8020 extrusions on (server rack) slides with pivoting table stand leg to hold up the fully extended platform.View attachment 24410View attachment 24411

Got any more closer pics of the front half of the platform and it's setup?

 

[djkaosone]

2nd row seats folded down and the extended platform folded in half.

Extended platform half deployed with legs extended and fridge access.


Clearance from the bottom of the platform with Plano storage bins.


Fully deployed platform. Don't mind the mess, it was for a quick pic.

Legs retracted and ready to be put away.

 

[ftillier]

Really clever use of the slide rails, nicely done! I'm looking to build a platform that would take the place of the 2nd row seats. Hoping I can fit most of my stuff there, and keep more headroom in the cabin. I'll probably still have to shuffle things into the front seats, but if it's just a little bit of stuff that's ok. I like being able to sit up in bed.

 

[djkaosone]

Yeah, my biggest gripe about my setup is lack of space with the overhead storage and ridiculously high platform. I'm a small guy and I barely fit up there. I'm a side sleeper and and I hit stuff attached to the overhead storage. I might end up building drawers and lowering the platform. Who knows.

I know I have to go back and blue loctite hundreds of screws, but this was my first iteration and I wanted to revise it down the road. I really like what @avslash did, he used square tubes and quick corner connectors that didn't require screws. Now that's a slick setup.

 

[ftillier]

How often do you use the 2nd row seats? It's not super tall in there, and there's the **** for the center tunnel, but by my rough estimates all my recovery gear and tools should fit where the seats were. Probably my camp kitchen too. Not the cooler, though it's easy enough to move around so no biggie if it sits above. Only downside to having everything under the platform is you have to access through the rear doors, which may or may not work well if you're in need of the recovery kit.