Temporary Sleep Platform

[ozmanyyy]

Hi guys,

I've been thinking about setting up a simple temporary sleep platform in the back of the LC. I've searched the forums and most stuff is more than I really I need. I was thinking about folding the driver side of the second row seat and then lie the drivers side 3rd row seat down. Then get a 30x74 inch or so piece of wood (plywood?) to lay on top of it. I could put some pads on the seats first and tape up the wood etc.

I'd only need this for trips I do by myself, which is very many, couple times a year. We just tent it when we go as a family.

Is there any reason I shouldn't do this or does anyone have any other suggestions ?

TIA

 

[yeti in ga]

I have a removable single sleeper 1/2 platform, that I have used several times sleeping in the back. works great. But I have always removed the third row seat when doing this.

 

[ozmanyyy]

If I take the 3rd row out and just fold the second row all the way against the back of the drivers seat, I just barely fit. I pretty much have to lay diagonal. But I only fold the seat back of the second and third row down, I get 4 or 5 inches extra so I can lie straight.

I guess I'll just run out and get a piece of ply wood and try it.

 

[cap80]

Yoga mat would probably make a good pad between the seat backs and ply since it is grippy an would keep the platform from moving.

 

[r3run33]

hey keep us informed; I have been trying different ideas also; I'm tall and have to do the diagonal thing with an air pad from REI and a sleeping bag. Going to Expo east and testing different ideas that are quicker set up.

 

[nnnnnate]

I slept in the back of my LX in July a couple nights when it was dumping rain and I knew my tent was going to leak. I'm 6'3 and didn't fit very well but had a super bum knee at the time which made things worse.

I've been planning to build a platform like 1407driver (now Trekboxx) did in his initial build. Basically it was just square metal with a plywood top. I have a big dog that needs to fit in the back still so I've been hung up on that but just building a half frame with removable legs would work pretty well I think.

I'll be interested in seeing what you guys come up with though.

 

[r3run33]

Yup my issue is that my vehicle is a daily driver and would love to be able to keep the 3rd row there if possible or use one side folded down and then 2nd row just folded down half way not all the way up! With passenger seat all way up I got 86 all the way to tail gate

 

[REZARF]

I'd just get a good one man tent personally. It be more comfortable, bug free, and less condensation.

 

[r3run33]

Yes Tent is best but a few years back we had a run in with a bear!! Luckily it was a big group of us 3 vehicles 5 kids 7 adults and the bear came at dusk just after we ate! Kids thought it was great but all of the guys are like "oh s$&t!!" He ran off. I can't afford a roof top tent yet and this is just for me right now and my guy road trip fun times!

 

[r3run33]

Here is what what i have for area

 

[r3run33]

Left side will have fridge and food etc. kind of like a "bug out" package for one and dog

 

[r3run33]

Does anyone have one of those REI pads? Are they strong enough to put over seats just "as is" or will you feel the uneven parts of seats?

 

[cap80]

Quite the collection of stuffed animals you have there. I think your idea of the plywood sounds like a reasonable idea. Plywood is pretty cheap. Give it a try. What's the worst case, you are out $30 for a price of 1/2" smooth ACX ply. If you cut in in half and put a couple hinges on the bottom you can even fold it up for storage.

 

[jmaclaug]

I'm 6'2" and wanted a camping platform as well. My Solution: 3/4" plywood cut to 6'4" long placed on top of the half-folded middle row seats, and supported by the tailgate with two small jackstands. The 3/4" doesn't bend under our weight, I rounded off all the sharp edges. Gives about 13" of space underneath, room enough for stove, camping box, smaller cooler, etc. When cut to 6'4", I can leave the bed set up with our seats in our normal driving position while we're driving. At night, just move front seats forward for a bit more footspace. Cut a screen for each rear door window, hold it on the outside with four magnets - plenty of ventilation with my Weathertech deflectors. I have Thermarest luxury pads, much thinner than an air mattress, and a lot more comfortable, particularly with two people, no bathtub effect from an air mattress. We find there is enough "headspace" above us to get in and out very comfortably.

 

[nnnnnate]

Thats pretty interesting and I would have never thought to use jackstands. Do you pad the underside of the wood with anything to protect the leather?

As far as just buying a little tent... like I said earlier, I had one with my but it was raining pretty hard. The tent is a Kelty Grand Mesa "two" man but really is pretty small. If I'm stretched out I have to put my head on the one wall and my feet hit the other.

I did a run last year to the mud flats (salt flats) where it rained all night long. I had a large tent which was nice but I still had to pack it up and mess with the mud. One of my buddies and his wife slept in their 80 and didn't even bother to get out of it in the morning. They just drove home.

While not every trip is going to be like that with rain and mud it would still just be nice to have the option of sleeping inside, especially if it can be done on the cheap.

Something I just thought of, I wonder how a cot would fit and if there would be enough room to span over the middle row..... I may have to check that out tonight.

 

[Doctor Koko]

Keep it simple: forget the stands, plywood, REI pads, etc. This is what I did and my bed in the truck is practically more comfortable than the one in the house:

1. Get a thick memory foam mattress pad (I had an extra after upgrading mattresses, it was about 3-4 inches thick and originally from Costco (maybe ~US$120 iirc). Cut it in half lengthwise (assuming a queen or twin size). Or you could try folding it if you don't want to ruin it.
2. Place the pads in a duvet cover (another thing I found lying around in the house).
3. Fold down the second and third row seats as above.
4. Throw the doubled pads down over the backs of the seats.
5. Lie down.
6. Cover yourself with blankets, beach towels, a sleeping bag, whatever.
7. Enjoy a blissful night's sleep.
8. Wake up and write me a thank you letter.

One thickness won't be comfortable. Two will be. This whole setup will roll up to about 18 inches in diameter, which is bulky. Those gaps between the seats will not be an issue, and you will be shocked at how comfortably you sleep. The pads won't slide over each other or anything. It is remarkably comfortable, and just thinking about the last time I slept in it makes me want to go take a nap out there. As for condensation, crack the downwind windows (If it's really gusty and rainy, throw a tarp over yourself).

 

[r3run33]

cap80 you have no idea of the stuffed animals we have; my wife and I say we will never be able to retire because we waste so much money on these stupids thing lol. The kids love so thats what it is all about LOL Have to give them everything I never had as a kid I think the saying goes. I understand the plywood thing but was trying to set something up before the EXPO trip and keep all stuff inside but be able to store away the sleeping section. I would have to be able to fold the plywood some how or something. I may just go cheap and sleep on a foam that I can roll up. I actually have that cause of a left over fusion my wife was making for a backyard bench.

 

[r3run33]

the reason for going to the EXPO is to see all the gear available Roof tents etc so gonna just wing it hope to see some other 100 there

 

[cap80]

I see a product opportunity here. Sleeping platform that are inflatable and become stiff like an inflatable stand up paddle board. And are easily stowed.

 

[ozmanyyy]

I'm heading up to Vermon't Overland Rally too, so hopefully see you up there.

I'm going to just go the plywood route, seems cheap and simple and more than enough for my needs.