200 Series Sleeping Platform

[wingnutted]

This is 100% a work in progress, but I spent a few hours over the weekend knocking together a sleeping platform that fits in the back of my 2013 LC. I'm sure that many/most things about it will be changed/revised over the coming months as I start using it, but it seems like a decent starting point.

Purpose - Create an inexpensive folding sleeping platform that is easy to modify in the future, that allows for use of the middle row seats, while being easily removable.

Planned improvements include covering the exposed hardware when unfolded to prevent damage to mattress, black paint/carpet to blend into the interior and reduce rattling noise, integrated tie-down points for either turnbuckles or cargo straps (currently have ratchet straps looped around and over it), attach a bottle opener (most important), and additional pieces to cover the sides in the cargo area.

I'd love feedback, especially constructive criticism, if you've built/used something similar.

 

[kcjaz]

Cool. Lets see some pics of it in the rig.

 

[wingnutted]

@kcjaz here's the only picture so far of it inside.

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

Great job! I’ve had a similar idea rolling around in my head for awhile now, but I’m thinking about a “half platform”. As in just one side for trips by myself…no way my girlfriend will sleep in the back of truck

 

[wingnutted]

Great job! I’ve had a similar idea rolling around in my head for awhile now, but I’m thinking about a “half platform”. As in just one side for trips by myself…no way my girlfriend will sleep in the back of truck

I thought about a half width platform a little bit too, as it would make storage of taller items (cooler specifically) much simpler in back area. For my use case, I'll have the wife and dog along at least some of the time, so the full width will be needed.

Another option would be to make the platform in the cargo area full width, and the sections that unfold half width (more likely 2/3 width, to cover the wider section of the folded down middle seat.

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

Looks nice. One suggestions dill a hole in the middle section for either a pull strap or just a hole to stick your finger through so to pull the according section up.

 

[wingnutted]

Looks nice. One suggestions dill a hole in the middle section for either a pull strap or just a hole to stick your fire through so to pull the according section up.

I've been thinking about how that should work, and the initial thought was just a simple length of paracord through two holes, I think similar to what you're suggesting. I think this one might be something that I wait a little bit on, and just use it to see where the ideal attachment point is, and what the smoothest movement is to unfold the whole thing.

Solid suggestion, thanks!

 

[Tex68w]

So how will it stow in the truck when not in use?

no way my girlfriend will sleep in the back of truck

Crazy, my wife prefers to sleep in the truck over a ground tent or RTT.

 

[wingnutted]

So how will it stow in the truck when not in use?



Crazy, my wife prefers to sleep in the truck over a ground tent or RTT.

Do when mean when not being slept on? The first picture shows it folded up, and the middle row seats just flip back up and are usable as normal. When not in "use" it just acts as a shelf in the back cargo area, and once painted/carpeted it will also conveniently act as a discrete cover for anything left inside the car.

 

[TG1]

This is 100% a work in progress, but I spent a few hours over the weekend knocking together a sleeping platform that fits in the back of my 2013 LC. I'm sure that many/most things about it will be changed/revised over the coming months as I start using it, but it seems like a decent starting point.

Purpose - Create an inexpensive folding sleeping platform that is easy to modify in the future, that allows for use of the middle row seats, while being easily removable.

Planned improvements include covering the exposed hardware when unfolded to prevent damage to mattress, black paint/carpet to blend into the interior and reduce rattling noise, integrated tie-down points for either turnbuckles or cargo straps (currently have ratchet straps looped around and over it), attach a bottle opener (most important), and additional pieces to cover the sides in the cargo area.

I'd love feedback, especially constructive criticism, if you've built/used something similar.View attachment 2622708View attachment 2622707View attachment 2622706

Excellent work!

Love the design capability of a permanent cargo area platform with hidden storage area and the simplicity of unfolding onto a full sleeping platform.

Do you have specs (dimensions including thickness of platform material as well as weight?) and a parts list including where you found the components (hardware store, Home Depot, Amazon etc).

How much room do you have between the platform and the headliner?

PLATFORM MATERIAL -
WEIGHT -
LENGTH (Folded and fully unfolded) -
WIDTH -
PLATFORM MATERIAL THICKNESS -
HEIGHT (variable?) OF LEGS -
FASTENERS/HINGES -

Thanks!

 

[wingnutted]

Excellent work!

Love the design capability of a permanent cargo area platform with hidden storage area and the simplicity of unfolding onto a full sleeping platform.

Do you have specs (dimensions including thickness of platform material as well as weight?) and a parts list including where you found the components (hardware store, Home Depot, Amazon etc).

How much room do you have between the platform and the headliner?

PLATFORM MATERIAL -
WEIGHT -
LENGTH (Folded and fully unfolded) -
WIDTH -
PLATFORM MATERIAL THICKNESS -
HEIGHT (variable?) OF LEGS -
FASTENERS/HINGES -

Thanks!

Thanks!

This initial version was built from a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood, you can get it from any big box hardware store. I haven't weighed it, but I used the majority of the sheet. The full 4' width fits through the tailgate opening, so I just left the width as is. Used a handheld router to clean up the edges.

The three sections are roughly 38", 21" and 24", in order, back to front, when unfolded. The outside edges of the headliner would only clear 22", so I suppose that would be the height? Several inches more in the center. This measurement is essentially dictated by the height of the legs, as shorter legs would allow greater clearance above, but less storage space below.

Height is currently variable, and I'll dial it in over time with use. Pre-threaded steel pipe sections that can be found in the plumbing section. I think it's currently 13" of vertical space under the platform.

Hardware was pretty much just what I had laying around, with the exception of the stainless steel piano hinges, and a box of t-slot nuts and bolts.

This wasn't a particularly scientific endeavor, and these are just the measurements I recall, take them with a grain of salt.

Let me know if any other questions.

 

[terrapin]

Another option would be to make the platform in the cargo area full width, and the sections that unfold half width (more likely 2/3 width, to cover the wider section of the folded down middle seat.

Here is the modification I made to my platform so I could use one of the rear seats (removed in this photo) or have more storage room. It is sized just right to fit around my cooler slide. This happens to be in my 100, but the idea is the same. The piano hinges were easy to cut with a hacksaw.

The platform is from Air Down Gear Up and I am very happy with it. I shortened the legs to give me more headroom. The Front Runner box currently in the slide fits perfectly under the extension to support it.

 

[TG1]

This initial version was built from a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood, you can get it from any big box hardware store. I haven't weighed it, but I used the majority of the sheet. The full 4' width fits through the tailgate opening, so I just left the width as is. Used a handheld router to clean up the edges.

The three sections are roughly 38", 21" and 24", in order, back to front, when unfolded. The outside edges of the headliner would only clear 22", so I suppose that would be the height? Several inches more in the center. This measurement is essentially dictated by the height of the legs, as shorter legs would allow greater clearance above, but less storage space below.

Height is currently variable, and I'll dial it in over time with use. Pre-threaded steel pipe sections that can be found in the plumbing section. I think it's currently 13" of vertical space under the platform.

Hardware was pretty much just what I had laying around, with the exception of the stainless steel piano hinges, and a box of t-slot nuts and bolts.

This wasn't a particularly scientific endeavor, and these are just the measurements I recall, take them with a grain of salt.

Let me know if any other questions

Thanks!

This initial version was built from a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood, you can get it from any big box hardware store. I haven't weighed it, but I used the majority of the sheet. The full 4' width fits through the tailgate opening, so I just left the width as is. Used a handheld router to clean up the edges.

The three sections are roughly 38", 21" and 24", in order, back to front, when unfolded. The outside edges of the headliner would only clear 22", so I suppose that would be the height? Several inches more in the center. This measurement is essentially dictated by the height of the legs, as shorter legs would allow greater clearance above, but less storage space below.

Height is currently variable, and I'll dial it in over time with use. Pre-threaded steel pipe sections that can be found in the plumbing section. I think it's currently 13" of vertical space under the platform.

Hardware was pretty much just what I had laying around, with the exception of the stainless steel piano hinges, and a box of t-slot nuts and bolts.

This wasn't a particularly scientific endeavor, and these are just the measurements I recall, take them with a grain of salt.

Let me know if any other questions.

Thanks.

Excellent description!

Appreciate you going into all that detail. I’m still gathering scoop about options and what level of effort I want, and am able to accomplish, so this gives me lots to consider.

If you make any additional mods would like to hear what you’ve done.