Looking for simple solutions for sleeping in the back of my 4Runner

I have not finalized my configuration. But it will be something along your lines or a 60% sleeping platform and a small plywood plate for the floor mounted fork holder for my mtn bike.

 

I use the Luno 2.0 air mattress. It's a little more on the expensive side, but totally worth it for the quality. I've had a cheaper air mattress from Amazon and didn't like that it would deflate so quickly. I pretty much nap on it daily on my lunch! I don't have a platform setup to level it because I don't feel the hump or slide down. It's quick to set up and put away (which I love).

 

My solution was to cut a piece of plywood to fit over my folded rear seats, and using 3m spray adhesive, I covered it with a layer of white closed cell material ,and then covered with automotive type rug. It provides me with a level surface over my rear seats. It great and out of the way when not needed. It also fits over both rear wheel wells to create a shelf if needed, and allows raising of rear seats. Then I put in rear of truck an with a piece of 2x2, At tailgate end to level for sleeping. It’s highly cushioned as is. But I use a self inflating sleep pad under a sleeping bag. I also cut black window screen to fit rear door windows, and rear gate window which I hold in place with magnets. Makes for a bug free interior and a great nite sleep.

 

Well done! I think I am going to go the 60% route on the sleeping platform and have the front fork floor mount on a 12" x 12" plywood plate or larger if necessary. I will be removing both lower seats and probably the 40% upper seat as well. By removing the upper 40% seat, it looks like it will kind of create a well for the rear bike tire to drop into. The plate idea will also allow me to move the handlebar at a angle or parallel with the bike frame if necessary. By eliminating the platform on the bike side I will retain approximately 2" of ceiling height for ease of rolling the bike in and out as well. I have thought about hanging a molle on the driver's side rear window to protect the window from the bike handlebar and to hang things on, but I'm not one for toting unnecessary stuff or liking the sound of things jostling around. Do you molle users find them useful and worth the expense? All of this is in preparation for a mtn bike trip out west in the fall and having the ability to secure the bike inside when unattended and to sleep inside. I have a 1up rack for all my local use! Thanks again for the pictures and input!

 

I find them useful. I hang a lot of stuff on them so that I cab keep my floor free. Folding shit shovel for camping, the Toyota first-aid kit, jumper cables, bungee cords, canvas grocery bags, extra clips, carabiners, etc. Things tends to rattle on them, so I put some Gorilla Tape through a few holes and just turn the music up.

 

2X2 times 4 and half inch plywood cut to spcc at HD ,wrapped with dark grey outdoor type cloth-not really carpet. 20 minute build. All based on advice here last year. 5 nights in canyon lands with the seat bottoms folded up.Perfect. Next trip I will remove the seat bottoms and store 2 Pelican cases/camera equipment. I debated using a double air mattress but ended up with a Big Agnes 5 inch inflatable air pad. I store a folding shovel,Axe and saw under the platform, couldn’t be happier.

 

Ok
Couple thoughts/ question's.

Would it make more sense weight wise to make the platform out of 1 piece of plywood and rip 2x4 down to get the 2.5 inches?

And camping mat or memory foam for sleeping comfort?

 

Sure, that would work.

 

So I'm assuming those are very comparable to the thermarest?

 

I have only used The thermarests for backpacking and traveling light on foot- look at a thicker air pad and enjoy sleeping indoors. I have the Big Agnes air core ultra insulated-It is on sale on their website and they have 6 other options. There are probably many other options-mine was recommended by some dirtbag climbing and canyoneering friends that basically use them 200 nights a year.

 

I'm a little late, but I did want to show what I did. I built a leveling platform out of 1/2" wood using (3) cut down 2x4's for legs. It's bolted down in (4) locations to the vehicle where the original D-rings are and has a slide out table that I use all the time. I also removed the 60% back seat and built a platform this time using some metal legs I welded together that bolt to the original (4) seat mounting points.

I covered the entire thing in some indoor/outdoor fabric I found at Home Depot that basically matches the interior so the entire thing looks surprisingly OEM. When I camp in there I like having the carpet, it's more cozy, although less resilient to water/dirt so something to consider.

 

Slide out table!! Now that shit is fancy! Looks awesome.

 

Just buy a 2x3 instead of a 2x4 - no ripping needed.

 

Sorry to be dense but ... to level this out with the seats folded ... you need to build up 3" or 2 1/2" total? If I use 1/2" plywood, I then use a 2 1/2" cleat underneath?

I know the answer is out there but figured you guys were just freshly talking about it

 

In a pinch I used 2 thermal rest pads, 1 partially inflated and folded in half for "build up" and another the full length. I was surprised at how well it worked

 

has anyone used the foam backerboard that is used in showers now? ... extremely light weight and can cut to any size easily.. wedi board comes up to 2" thick
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DURAL-D...ckage-of-9-96-sq-ft-TILUXBD-3248125/304276382

 

2.5" is about perfect. I don't think an extra .5" at 3.0" is going to be a deal breaker... But if you have to buy wood and cut anyway, may as well do it right....

Part of the sizing issue is that wood isn't sold "actual size" so that can make translating the numbers confusing as they apply to space measurements.

I personally used 2" x 2" wood (actual size 1.5" x 1.5") for the runners and two pieces of .5" plywood stacked on each other (actual size) for the top but other combinations would also get you 2.5".

 

Done

 

60% platform

 

THAT.......is a great solution. Thanks.

 

Too short? It's only 67" (I'm just 68") and if your remove the seat bottom, you'll have to fill the gap.

 

Remove the back seat bottoms. Pull the two front seats forward. Fill the backseat floor gap on each side with a Rubbermaid Action Packer 8 Gallon storage boxes. (The @MeefZah solution). Or something similar. Then any air mattress with the proper dimensions. (With a leveling platform of course).
This is as simple as it gets.

 

Haven't slept in the back (yet) but the platform I built makes the floor level.

 

... which is exctly what I said.

However, the mattress itself is still too short (67"). This has nothing to do with the car.

 

Oh, now I see. Yeah, that mattress is meant for short people with just the seat bottoms folded up.

 

Damn... how tall are you? I'm 5'10" and fit perfectly.

 

Mondoking 3D (25"x77") on OEM tray. Rear seat bottoms removed, and 8gal Action Packer to extend sleeping area.

 

got pics? I’m in Columbia SC and may def be interested!

 

From the hatch to the folded up seat bottom it measures 67-68 inches. You are 70 inches long. If you sleep curled up it’s fine. I slept in that way once and it bothered me, bumping my head turning around at night. Next time I removed the seat bottoms and it’s much better. Since then I built a two piece raised platform 9 inches tall with storage underneath.

 

Yeah, I feel you. Luckily I sleep on my side and it's not too bad. For me, the luno is the simplest set-up to sleep in the back without having to create a whole platform back there!

Cheers,
Ed