LX570 DIY platform / dog bed

[jlm43]

How did I miss that?! thanks!

Probably the same way that I read T connectors as T nuts. Trying to multitask at work doesn't always go as planned.

This project really isn't that difficult. The hardest part was building it in my head. Once the aluminum and brackets came in, it's as simple as nuts and bolts. Just start putting everything together and adjust to fit. The pictures do a pretty good job of explaining how everything goes together.

I don't mind sending specific pictures if anyone needs guidance during assembly. Just pm me your phone number and I can send them via text.

 

[Itsky]

 

[mceagle555]

I've started taking measurements in my 2008 LX570 to built something very similar.

After a year of using it, any things you would have done differently?

 

[jlm43]

I've started taking measurements in my 2008 LX570 to built something very similar.

After a year of using it, any things you would have done differently?

PM sent.

Overall, there’s nothing I’d change. It’s a compromise on some of the aspects and I think I’ve nailed it for my usage.

 

[mceagle555]

Thank you to @jlm43 for inspiring me to start this project.

I did something very similar to him, but offset my center support to allow for the 3 of the "Instacrates" from Costco to fit underneath. I offset my support to the passenger size as that is the size I'll primarily sleep on. The crates fit 2-deep in the "horizontal section" while the other one fits in the "veritical section." I'll stuff the gaps with camping chairs, tool bags, etc...

Still need to build the front platform to go over seats, but I left a 1.5" lip on the platform for it to rest on. I'll also be covering my plywood with the closed cell foam and outdoor carpet.

 

[christa160]

How are the supports attached to the floor when they're not lined up where the D rings are?

 

[mceagle555]

How are the supports attached to the floor when they're not lined up where the D rings are?

Similar to the OP, I'll be installing turnbuckles.

 

[christa160]

Similar to the OP, I'll be installing turnbuckles.

Thanks. Where did you get the extrusions from?

 

[mceagle555]

Thanks. Where did you get the extrusions from?

This was the cheapest shipped price I could find. The finishing on each end was excellent and time from order to delivery was around 1 week.

Note: The high shipping costs is based primarily on length, not weight. Meaning, if you are going to order parts and already have a long piece (ex. 48"), the cost is minimal to add add additional parts. For example, I could have ordered an extra 30" bar for only the cost of the bar, opposed to paying the oversized shipping again later on.

https://www.tnutz.com/product-category/10-series-extrusions/

I believe the OP ordered from McMaster-Carr.

 

[spaber05]

This is just what I've been looking for! I had a Trekboxx in the old 100 series but I'm liking the modularity of this idea. @jlm43, is there much rattling etc. dealing with our lovely roads here in the Northeast? (I'm MA but go up to VT often). Love this idea as a simple way to throw bags under and keep the doggos elevated, they always seem to prefer a ride with a view!

 

[jesus888]

This was the cheapest shipped price I could find. The finishing on each end was excellent and time from order to delivery was around 1 week.

Note: The high shipping costs is based primarily on length, not weight. Meaning, if you are going to order parts and already have a long piece (ex. 48"), the cost is minimal to add add additional parts. For example, I could have ordered an extra 30" bar for only the cost of the bar, opposed to paying the oversized shipping again later on.

https://www.tnutz.com/product-category/10-series-extrusions/

I believe the OP ordered from McMaster-Carr.

How about that order list for the items that you have pictured pre-build... and maybe even your plans you have scribbled if they're accurate No sense in recreating the wheel!

 

[christa160]

How about that order list for the items that you have pictured pre-build... and maybe even your plans you have scribbled if they're accurate No sense in recreating the wheel!

How about that order list for the items that you have pictured pre-build... and maybe even your plans you have scribbled if they're accurate No sense in recreating the wheel!

The first post has the list of items needed and there is a link to the hardware items a few posts after that

 

[jlm43]

This is just what I've been looking for! I had a Trekboxx in the old 100 series but I'm liking the modularity of this idea. @jlm43, is there much rattling etc. dealing with our lovely roads here in the Northeast? (I'm MA but go up to VT often). Love this idea as a simple way to throw bags under and keep the doggos elevated, they always seem to prefer a ride with a view!

The only rattles I've found stem from the turnbuckles being a bit loose. To be more specific, once the platform is installed and turnbuckles are snugged up, they will become loose once you put a load on the platform. Reach underneath and give them a half turn or so and rattle goes way. No rattles from the structure itself if all hardware is tightened properly, which could happen overtime I suppose. One thing I prefer on this setup over my wife's ADGU setup is that all the hardware is accessible if something does work loose. The top plywood sections come out in less than 5 minutes giving easy access to any and all hardware.

 

[jlm43]

@spaber05 i will add that the forward and aft turnbuckles need to oppose each other in their pulling direction. Using the factory aft tie downs for the aft turnbuckles doesn’t create enough of a forward pulling force to oppose the forward turnbuckles which pull the structure aft. The factory tie downs has the turnbuckles too vertical. This will allow the structure to wiggle and squeak.

 

[jesus888]

The first post has the list of items needed and there is a link to the hardware items a few posts after that

One day (soon-ish) I will learn how to read!

 

[mfeferman]

I had a few times when I needed to take two passengers and the dog had to sit in the cargo area. No dog should have to suffer that much so I used up the leftover material to make new front section. This will cover the 60 of the 60/40 seats. Holes were located so I can use it on either side. Driver side is preferred as I can now fold the right side seat up if needed.

New section is 34” x 34”.

View attachment 3911297

This is super awesome!