Folding Camping Platform with Dimensions (1 Viewer)

[NorthwoodsGX]

I plan to use my GX for some camping this summer, so I wanted to design the lowest-profile sleeping platform that I could build that will come out of the truck easily for storage. I figured I would share some pictures and dimensions to help out someone else trying in the future. These dimensions are pretty good, but not perfect, there is about 1/2in wiggle room between the wheel wells, and some open space behind the wheel wells so the hinged section can fold forward. I realized the dimensions sheet switches from fractional to decimal dimensions, but you get what you pay for.

It would be a lot easier to just make the whole platform a consistent width, but I wanted to get as much support for a mattress as possible since my fiancee and I will both be sleeping in it for a few nights. After I cut the shape for the rear-most section I layered the middle section on top and used a router with a template bit to copy the shape, rinse and repeat for the section at the front. I am also a little over 6' tall so this is about as long as I could make the platform. I used locking hinges like these for the "legs" Amazon.com - https://a.co/d/8NhBGMj, and the middle section overlaps the legs by about an inch when it is extended and feels reasonably sturdy. I used 1 sheet of junky 3/4in plywood that was underlayment in a previous life, and it is covered in a $15 outdoor rug from Menards. The whole assembly stores behind the 2nd row without any issues, and with the mattress on top it is pretty quiet/doesn't bounce around too much on fire roads. The sections are all hinged together so I can drive to a campsite with the forward-most section folded under, park, scoot the seats forward, then deploy the last section and I was limited by vertical clearance (hence the corner cutouts).

The shaded sections indicate material was removed:

 

[r2m]

Very nice!
Plan on adding any drawers in the back?

 

[Cold Iron]

Very nice, good job!

Must be from Minnesota I see that snow brush there. In another month can finally take it out for the 6 weeks of piss poor sledding that is just around the corner

 

[NorthwoodsGX]

Very nice!
Plan on adding any drawers in the back?

I have an extra set of drawer slides in my garage that I considered mounting and making a drawer that will sit between the legs, and I might still do it, but the first trip is just to use it as an extra bed while visiting a friends cabin so I am not in a huge rush. I need to finish making some screens for the windows and something to go in the rear hatch. Right now I am trying to figure out where to store a backpack/change of clothes to get dressed in the morning, my old ride was a Suburban which was palatial by comparison. Does anyone have a diy storage alternative to those MOLLE panels for the rear window/ maybe a gear hammock for above the bed?

Very nice, good job!

Must be from Minnesota I see that snow brush there. In another month can finally take it out for the 6 weeks of piss poor sledding that is just around the corner

You are correct! looking forward to some nice enough weather this afternoon so I can get out for a bike ride at least!

 

[NorthwoodsGX]

Very nice!
Plan on adding any drawers in the back?

I will add my goal isn't to store the platform in the truck all the time. It folds relatively small (36x46x4in) so I can pull it out of the truck and keep it in my garage, so the drawer would just be another thing to store, but I might try and hunt down a good plastic tote to throw in the void.

 

[sheptastic]

I have an extra set of drawer slides in my garage that I considered mounting and making a drawer that will sit between the legs, and I might still do it, but the first trip is just to use it as an extra bed while visiting a friends cabin so I am not in a huge rush. I need to finish making some screens for the windows and something to go in the rear hatch. Right now I am trying to figure out where to store a backpack/change of clothes to get dressed in the morning, my old ride was a Suburban which was palatial by comparison. Does anyone have a diy storage alternative to those MOLLE panels for the rear window/ maybe a gear hammock for above the bed?

You are correct! looking forward to some nice enough weather this afternoon so I can get out for a bike ride at least!

Not a DIY option, but you may be able to take some inspiration from Bison Gear GX460 - Bison-gear.com - https://bison-gear.com/en/35-gx460. They were the cheapest option when I was shopping around a few years ago. MOLLE panels and mesh shelf mount to the 3rd row grab handle bolts. You should be able to fab something and use those as mounting points.

 

[Cold Iron]

I too went with the Bison Gear attic rack. I have no desire for MOLLE panels blocking the rear windows.

Years ago when I had an Xterra I built an attic rack for it using a rubbermaid shelf. The large deep ones. They were common and called a Lobo rack after a Sheriff named Lobo that came up with the idea. Not mine a snag off the internet searching for "Xterra lobo rack"

Haven't seen anyone do it with the GX but doesn't mean it couldn't be done.

An attic rack is going to limit your overhead height on the sleeping platform of course.

 

[r2m]

I need to finish making some screens for the windows...

Will these work for you? https://www.amazon.com/Breathable-G...cphy=9031554&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&psc=1

 

[NorthwoodsGX]

I too went with the Bison Gear attic rack. I have no desire for MOLLE panels blocking the rear windows.

Years ago when I had an Xterra I built an attic rack for it using a rubbermaid shelf. The large deep ones. They were common and called a Lobo rack after a Sheriff named Lobo that came up with the idea. Not mine a snag off the internet searching for "Xterra lobo rack"

View attachment 3889700

Haven't seen anyone do it with the GX but doesn't mean it couldn't be done.

An attic rack is going to limit your overhead height on the sleeping platform of course.

The Lobo rack is intriguing, but I already hit my back on the roof when I climb in, so it might not be ideal. To start I might just string up a cargo net or something like that from the grab handles, that would at least offer some storage, but I have some time to figure it out (). What I really want, though is to be able to hang a backpack from the rear handle and keep it tucked up in the window cavity.

 

[MeefZah]

I might just string up a cargo net or something like that from the grab handles, that would at least offer some storage, but I have some time to figure it out.

You could do a paracord frame that runs in a square around the passenger grab handles and the rearmost grab handles, then attach an ATV bungee net to it and tack the sides of the net to the paracord with small zip ties, or velcro wraps cut to about 1". This would be good for light weight bulky item storage like jackets and such. This is my old 4R but concept is same-same:

It sounds like you have some vertical height limitations; have you considered "permanently" removing the 3rd row? Then if you go camping you can temporarily remove the 2nd row (assuming you don't need it for people transport on your trip?) and install your platform but it would be significantly lower. With my seats gone and on my platform I can sit up even on top of the mattress; headroom is no issue.

 

[NorthwoodsGX]

You could do a paracord frame that runs in a square around the passenger grab handles and the rearmost grab handles, then attach an ATV bungee net to it and tack the sides of the net to the paracord with small zip ties, or velcro wraps cut to about 1". This would be good for light weight bulky item storage like jackets and such. This is my old 4R but concept is same-same:

It sounds like you have some vertical height limitations; have you considered "permanently" removing the 3rd row? Then if you go camping you can temporarily remove the 2nd row (assuming you don't need it for people transport on your trip?) and install your platform but it would be significantly lower. With my seats gone and on my platform I can sit up even on top of the mattress; headroom is no issue.

I will consider removing seats down the road, but the convenience of throw everything in back and hit the road is really nice, vs removing seats for a weekend camping trip and then reinstalling them once I am back home. I will definitely try out your gear hammock though, that seems perfect for a change of clothes/jacket.

 

[r2m]

You could do a paracord frame that runs in a square around the passenger grab handles and the rearmost grab handles, then attach an ATV bungee net to it and tack the sides of the net to the paracord with small zip ties, or velcro wraps cut to about 1". This would be good for light weight bulky item storage like jackets and such. This is my old 4R but concept is same-same:

It sounds like you have some vertical height limitations; have you considered "permanently" removing the 3rd row? Then if you go camping you can temporarily remove the 2nd row (assuming you don't need it for people transport on your trip?) and install your platform but it would be significantly lower. With my seats gone and on my platform I can sit up even on top of the mattress; headroom is no issue.

Now you basically have a short bed, single cab pickup with a shell!

 

[MeefZah]

Now you basically have a short bed, single cab pickup with a shell!

Yes but only as needed! I can't sleep in the back of a pickup even with a shell; it's just too drafty and uncomfortable. This is the best of both worlds.

I actually just loaded it up earlier in preparation for two weeks out west, living out of the back, leaving in the morning.

 

[MeefZah]

I will consider removing seats down the road, but the convenience of throw everything in back and hit the road is really nice, vs removing seats for a weekend camping trip and then reinstalling them once I am back home. I will definitely try out your gear hammock though, that seems perfect for a change of clothes/jacket.

I get it.

I will say I originally thought removing the seats would be a PITA but after you do it once it's easy. It's a ten minute process. And the amount of extra space is, honestly, unbelievable. You're doing yourself a disservice by leaving them if you plan on sleeping in the back, IMO.

Edit, I forgot to add with that paracord square that you build as the framework for the ceiling net, I found the best way to keep that super tight and still build in some adjustability is to use a Nite Ize cam jam rope tensioner on one corner of it. That way you can cinch it really tight. It never sags and you don't have to worry about trying to knot it perfectly to keep tension.

 

[r2m]

Yes but only as needed! I can't sleep in the back of a pickup even with a shell; it's just too drafty and uncomfortable. This is the best of both worlds.

I actually just loaded it up earlier in preparation for two weeks out west, living out of the back, leaving in the morning.

View attachment 3892228

If you make it to So. Cal (between L.A. and San Diego), PM me and we'll spill a beer together and swap lies.

 

[MeefZah]

If you make it to So. Cal (between L.A. and San Diego), PM me and we'll spill a beer together and swap lies.

Not going that far but thanks! Big Bend, Carlsbad, Guadalupe, Petrified Forest, Gila NF, Monument Valley and area, Bryce, Zion, remote north rim Grand Canyon.

Gonna try to come home via Denver for a Franklin Sandwich at the Denver Biscuit Company, too....

Sorry to jack your thread, OP....

 

[Cold Iron]

I get it.

I will say I originally thought removing the seats would be a PITA but after you do it once it's easy. It's a ten minute process. And the amount of extra space is, honestly, unbelievable. You're doing yourself a disservice by leaving them if you plan on sleeping in the back, IMO.

Edit, I forgot to add with that paracord square that you build as the framework for the ceiling net, I found the best way to keep that super tight and still build in some adjustability is to use a Nite Ize cam jam rope tensioner on one corner of it. That way you can cinch it really tight. It never sags and you don't have to worry about trying to knot it perfectly to keep tension.

View attachment 3892239

I have a couple of those around here somewhere they work well for low to medium loads. Work very well. I also have several Nite Ize gear ties they are what I use to hold the front of the dog crates to the back of the rear seats.

OK not to be another thread jacker but this came across my feed this morning and I thought of this thread

Privacy curtains came in around the early 80's. We never did have the rack straps even on a tincan that picture must be the new Navy. We would brace ourselves with a knee while we slept and rocked in heavy seas. Sometimes you would get thrown out on the deck, it really sucked from the top rack. Top racks are for the FNG.

Slept in the back of the FJ55 so much I had a regular mattress in it for a couple of years and never folded the rear seat up. Now days not so much, even the thought of sleeping in the GX hurts.

 

[r2m]

I have a couple of those around here somewhere they work well for low to medium loads. Work very well. I also have several Nite Ize gear ties they are what I use to hold the front of the dog crates to the back of the rear seats.

OK not to be another thread jacker but this came across my feed this morning and I thought of this thread

View attachment 3892408

Privacy curtains came in around the early 80's. We never did have the rack straps even on a tincan that picture must be the new Navy. We would brace ourselves with a knee while we slept and rocked in heavy seas. Sometimes you would get thrown out on the deck, it really sucked from the top rack. Top racks are for the FNG.

Slept in the back of the FJ55 so much I had a regular mattress in it for a couple of years and never folded the rear seat up. Now days not so much, even the thought of sleeping in the GX hurts.

Nice thing about Army, you generally have a full size rack in barracks unless you're outside on the ground, either way, there's lots of room. Although, as an officer, I usually get my own room.
I've slept in the back of my GX a couple times and I'm just too tall to stretch out in it and I can't sleep fetal all night.

 

[MeefZah]

I will definitely try out your gear hammock though, that seems perfect for a change of clothes/jacket.

I didn't actually have a roof net / hammock / what have you in the GX and this whole trip I just took I was saying to myself "damn, self, why didn't you install one?"

So I did today. I would note that the GX has different measurements than the 4R did. On the 4R I used a 28"x28" ATV net; on the GX a 15"x30" net works well. I got it for $7 at Rural King.

Set your paracord frame nice and tight with a CamJam as noted above, pull the hooks off the net, and zip tie the net up starting in the corners and working in.

Mine has a gun rack in place of the 3rd row grab handles but it's same-same if you have the handles.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

Mine has a gun rack in place of the 3rd row grab handles but it's same-same if you have the handles.

I like the net! Also, .30-30 or
.44 Mag? Hard to tell ejection port size on a phone. Lol