I'd like to introduce the 200 Series cargo/sleep platform from GX Basecamp (supporting vendor)

[amongmany]

Hi there folks! I haven't been particularly active in this forum before as I'm a GX driver. I'm also the creator of the GX Basecamp platforms currently available for a number of popular overland rigs. We've just released our new platform build manual for the 200 Series LC/LX, and I wanted to introduce myself and our latest product to the folks here. Please shout if you have any questions!

A few salient points:

• Our platforms are designed to accommodate popular storage solutions like the FrontRunner Wolf Pack
• The sleep extension is an option if you're looking to camp in your rig. (If not, save some cash and build just the cargo area platform.)
• Our build manuals offer detailed, step by step instructions including links to purchase the necessary parts for your build.
• The LC200 platform is designed to accommodate vehicles with 3rd row seats, BUT it is easily adaptable to those without.

Here's our prototype platform which was released into the wild yesterday:

 

[greynolds]

I’m honestly not a fan of how the design doesn’t provide for shelving that goes to the edge of the cargo area behind the 3rd row seats nor the way it’s causing the floor mat to pucker up around the feet. If someone is going to build something like this, coming up with the measurements on their own isn’t challenging enough to warrant paying $35 for them, IMHO, especially when there are a bunch of builds posted in the forums. I would also think that most people building a platform are going to remove the seats to gain the extra space, so I would have prioritized designing something with the seats removed. I appreciate that you’re not intending to provide a finished product for sale, but I just don’t think there’s a product that’s worth buying there.

That said, I do like the use of the 8020 style extrusions, hinges, etc. as it does open the door for lots of flexibility and customization and should also be very strong without being too heavy. Black extrusions would probably look a bit better, but are also more prone to getting chips in the paint, so there’s definitely a trade off there.

 

[amongmany]

I’m honestly not a fan of how the design doesn’t provide for shelving that goes to the edge of the cargo area behind the 3rd row seats nor the way it’s causing the floor mat to pucker up around the feet. If someone is going to build something like this, coming up with the measurements on their own isn’t challenging enough to warrant paying $35 for them, IMHO, especially when there are a bunch of builds posted in the forums. I would also think that most people building a platform are going to remove the seats to gain the extra space, so I would have prioritized designing something with the seats removed. I appreciate that you’re not intending to provide a finished product for sale, but I just don’t think there’s a product that’s worth buying there.

That said, I do like the use of the 8020 style extrusions, hinges, etc. as it does open the door for lots of flexibility and customization and should also be very strong without being too heavy. Black extrusions would probably look a bit better, but are also more prone to getting chips in the paint, so there’s definitely a trade off there.

The design is easily customizable. The floor mat is puckering because it's an additional thick rubber mat on top of the flooring; I can't really help what a given user chooses to put on the floor of their cargo area. I'm aware there are free options and people are more than welcome to utilize those options if they'd prefer. If you have the seats removed, extending the platform to accommodate more space is an easy change, but not one that I had the opportunity to measure for. Black extrusion is available from our provider.

If you don't think there's a product worth buying...don't buy it. That's totally cool.

 

[greynolds]

Given the use of the word "prototype" in your initial post, I sort of assumed you might be looking for some feedback. Your response suggests otherwise. Like I said, there are definitely some good things in the design, but there's also some room for improvement if you're looking to sell something and I think you'll find the LC crowd to be a demanding (but reasonable) group.

I haven't built a platform for my LC yet, but did build a platform of this sort that I used in my 2014, 2016, and 2017 G-Wagons, so I do have some experience in building these things and in figuring out what works and what doesn't after using them for a while. The one I built for the G-Wagons used square aluminum tubing and fittings (from EZTube, using and customizing a design I borrowed from someone who built something similar for a Land Rover LR4) that worked really well. The wood top was carpeted with OEM Mercedes carpet to give it as close to a factory look as possible. I would definitely go with 8020 (or comparable) extrusions next time as it provides for a lot more flexibility for mounting tie downs and other accessories. The EZTube stuff is definitely easier to cut and costs less, but the 8020 style extrusions are probably a superior option in all other respects.

Assuming you're interested in feedback, please take responses that provide suggestions and even criticisms as such. If you're not interested in feedback, then carry on and best of luck to you.

 

[amongmany]

Given the use of the word "prototype" in your initial post, I sort of assumed you might be looking for some feedback. Your response suggests otherwise. Like I said, there are definitely some good things in the design, but there's also some room for improvement if you're looking to sell something and I think you'll find the LC crowd to be a demanding (but reasonable) group.

I haven't built a platform for my LC yet, but did build a platform of this sort that I used in my 2014, 2016, and 2017 G-Wagons, so I do have some experience in building these things and in figuring out what works and what doesn't after using them for a while. The one I built for the G-Wagons used square aluminum tubing and fittings (from EZTube, using and customizing a design I borrowed from someone who built something similar for a Land Rover LR4) that worked really well. The wood top was carpeted with OEM Mercedes carpet to give it as close to a factory look as possible. I would definitely go with 8020 (or comparable) extrusions next time as it provides for a lot more flexibility for mounting tie downs and other accessories. The EZTube stuff is definitely easier to cut and costs less, but the 8020 style extrusions are probably a superior option in all other respects.

Assuming you're interested in feedback, please take responses that provide suggestions and even criticisms as such. If you're not interested in feedback, then carry on and best of luck to you.

I did include the word "prototype" as that's what the pictured build was, but the product — the build manual — is already released on our website. I'm sure there's room for changes, however your needs may differ from the next guy's. That's part of the reason we sell build manuals and not finished platforms; this allows every person room to customize the finished product to their own needs and desires. We've created similar builds for many vehicles at this point; we're not new to the process.

We're more than happy to hear feedback and welcome it, but consider also that pointing out your belief that someone shouldn't/wouldn't pay for a product may not be the most welcome expression of that feedback. We're a small team creating these build manuals as a side gig to have some fun and support the overland community. Each takes a lot of time, effort, research, and some cash outlay to create — hence the price attached to the product. If anyone doesn't feel the need or see the value in paying for that work, that's totally cool.