Got my sleeping platform/drawers started

[tperry616]

Still need to finish the actual drawers but I've got the start to the platform done and I'm pretty happy with it.

Used 3/4" sandeply.

 

[tperry616]

One more

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Nice use of the cabinet hinges. Are you planning to support the wings any more or no?

 

[CruisinTiger]

Looks good, how do the side panels hold up to weight with the 2 cabinet hinges...I can see a good amount of weight on them if camping in the back of it.

 

[tperry616]

Yes it definitely needs more support under the sides. I was thinking of putting some brackets right next to the hinges to hopefully not take up too much storage space.

 

[FJ60CRZR]

Looks good. Will you be able to put the rear seats down and lay flat?

 

[tperry616]

Looks good. Will you be able to put the rear seats down and lay flat?

Thanks.

The plan is when the back seat is down, there'll be another piece that will slide toward the front seat and make a solid platform.

 

[freepowder]

One more

If you're sitting in there and you've got a mattress of some sort, will your head hit the roof? Oh, and how tall are you? I've been thinking about doing the same thing.
Also been thinking of a fold-down shelves attached to the quarter panels that would hold an ice chest and gear box firmly without mashing down the mattress and could be folded up for sleeping after said items are pulled out in camp.

 

[jzilla]

Thanks for posting this, I have to do this in the next few months as well.
What do people use for a mattress (for two people)?

 

[Wheelingnoob]

Thanks for posting this, I have to do this in the next few months as well.
What do people use for a mattress (for two people)?

I have used a few different things, two Thermarest base camps (nice but $$), air mattress (comfortable but can be cold positive they pack small and are comfortable) and custom 3" thick foam made to fit the rear sleeping area (very comfortable and warm but bulky when rolled up, cant store stuff on top when moving). All 3 are viable options the Thermarests and custom foam are both in the higher budget ranges, the air mattress is cheap and easy to replace (they do get holes).

Really like this rear sleeping set up you are making look forward to seeing it done.

 

[WadeGreenwood]

I did a very similar design when I built my system. Right now I just use a 1" queen-sized foam mattress topper, which fits the dimensions of the 60 pretty well, it packs alright but its hard to get too small. Its not super comfortable, but pretty good when you throw a couple of backpacking thermarest pads on top of it. I built my platform to rise just above the wheel wells, I'm 6'0" and my head just touches the roof when I sit fully upright.

 

[jzilla]

Thanks for those ideas, was thinking the air mattress could be good, yeah the little holes and lumps they get are not the greatest. I would not have thought foam would be pricey? Guess I could try the foam shop in town and see what they say.

 

[tperry616]

If you're sitting in there and you've got a mattress of some sort, will your head hit the roof? Oh, and how tall are you? I've been thinking about doing the same thing.
Also been thinking of a fold-down shelves attached to the quarter panels that would hold an ice chest and gear box firmly without mashing down the mattress and could be folded up for sleeping after said items are pulled out in camp.

I'm 6' and can sit up when there isn't a mattress. I have yet to get the mattress though I'm planning on it being a little less comfy. I've thought about just getting some foam to help with that issue.

the fold down shelves would be awesome.

 

[tperry616]

Thanks for those ideas, was thinking the air mattress could be good, yeah the little holes and lumps they get are not the greatest. I would not have thought foam would be pricey? Guess I could try the foam shop in town and see what they say.

I think walmart sells those egg carton styles of foam mattress toppers. I was going to get a single layer air mattress but I think it'll be too thick and I'd rather not worry about blowing it up every time we stop for the night/deflate it when we pack up. I got the front half done and need to take pictures. I also made some custom curtains I think you guys will like.

If there's interest in them I could make more with templates and all the gear to make them.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I think walmart sells those egg carton styles of foam mattress toppers. I was going to get a single layer air mattress but I think it'll be too thick and I'd rather not worry about blowing it up every time we stop for the night/deflate it when we pack up. I got the front half done and need to take pictures. I also made some custom curtains I think you guys will like.

If there's interest in them I could make more with templates and all the gear to make them.

I tried those pads but they didn't provide enough support. Go to Target and get a 2" thick memoryfoam mattress pad. They're much more firm than the eggcarton pads and are much more comfortable to sleep on.

 

[lovetoski]

I tried those pads but they didn't provide enough support. Go to Target and get a 2" thick memoryfoam mattress pad. They're much more firm than the eggcarton pads and are much more comfortable to sleep on.

That seems like a good idea...do you remember the approximate price?

 

[jpeg]

bed, bath and beyond also sells the memory foam toppers. prices range depending on thickness and quality so you can expect to pay $100-$400.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

That seems like a good idea...do you remember the approximate price?

Depending on the quality of the foam, anywhere between $75 and $150. I got one for $50 off craigslist ( used on a guest bed, never slept on kind of deal ).

 

[3B power]

nice work mate

 

[WadeGreenwood]

I also made some custom curtains I think you guys will like.

I'd be interested to see what you put together, I've been mulling over different ideas on how to do this but haven't come up with anything I'm very fond of yet. Hoping to tackle this project before the next expedition with the girlfriend.