Sleeping Platform Discussion (Pre-built and DIY)

Let's discuss sleeping platforms, drawer systems, both pre-built and DIY! Share your thoughts, plans, concerns, and pictures!

Personally I'm in the planning phase of building out a 50-60% sleeper platform system with drawers underneath and leaving room for a small fridge and possibly a medium gunner dog kennel. Taking a lot of inspiration from this list so far.


AIR DOWN GEAR UP - SS1 - 5th Gen 4Runner Sleeping Platform / Drawers
https://store.airdowngearup.com/products/ss1-5th-gen-4r-sleeper-drawer-builder

SHWOFFROAD ULTRALITE + SLEEPING PLATFORM
All Products: https://shwoffroad.com/product-tag/vehicles/toyota/5th-gen-4runner/
Drawer System: https://shwoffroad.com/product/5th-gen-4runner-drawer-system-copy/
Platform: https://shwoffroad.com/product/sleeping-platform-add-on-for-drawer-sytem/

GOOSE GEAR

https://dasmule.com/products/4runne...d-sleeping-platforms-2010-current-model-years

DIY BUILDS I LIKE

Grumpy Gobbler
https://youtu.be/v7xVu8BDXo0

Nick Carver
https://youtu.be/HdvCvUzbAsg

• https://trail4runner.com/2021/01/05/diy-sleeping-platform-storage-divider-5th-gen-4runner/
• https://www.tentside.com/toyota-4runner-5th-gen-platform-build/

OTHERS

• https://lunolife.com/products/4runner-sleeping-platform
  
• https://www.birchgear.com/products/toyota-4runner-5th-generation-sleeping-deck
  
• https://www.reddit.com/r/4Runner/comments/iicbwa/i_built_a_sleeping_platform_for_my_5th_gen_4runner/
  
• https://www.goose-gear.com/products...e-package-toyota-4runner-2010-present-5th-gen
  
• https://www.rocktechoffroad.com/collections/plate-systems-sleeping-platforms/4runner-5th-gen
  
• https://gxbasecamp.com/products/5th...-build-manual-for-vehicles-with-3rd-row-seats

This isn't so much a sleeping platform build but a very cool stealth camping build that implements an awesome DIY aluminum roof rack system. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/SgP6dreM3xY?t=428

 

DESIGN PLANS

• https://www.nickcarverphoto.com/files/5th-gen-4runner-bed-platform.pdf

MATTRESSES

• $96 Beautysleep Siesta Memory Foam Lounger, Portable Rollaway Sleeping Mattress with Washable Cover and Travel Bag, Ideal for Camping, Guest Bed, Comfort Foam Sleep Floor Bed, Twin
  https://www.amazon.com/Simmons-BeautySleep-Siesta-Memory-Mattress/dp/B00FLCFI68/

AIR MATTRESSES

• https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/products/luno-4runner-air-mattress-2-0
  
• https://deepsleepoverland.com/products/deepsleep-solo-mat-for-toyota-4runner-more

 

What are your sleeping side preferences? Most sleeper builds have the bed on the drivers side.

My only concern with this is that if you have to park on the side of the road somewhere you are more at risk if a car hits your 4R since the driver's side is typically facing the street. I don't ever plan on sleeping in my 4R on the side of the road but you never know.

 

I have been through several DIY versions so far. Each one had pros and cons. My work tends to be a little bit less refined, lol, but here is a post from my build thread. Maybe you can get some ideas of what to do/ what not to do.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/th...where-all-of-my-money-went.12919/#post-138760

 

This is great stuff! Thank you I will read through it

 

I opted to go with a no-drawer platform. I removed the 60% side backseat and then added a "leveling platform" to the rear so I can sleep with maximum head room. This has been working great for me! Drawers are nice for storage, sometimes I wish I had it, but the headroom is also nice haha.

I promise I'm not trying to hawk my vids, but it's easier to just post links if you wanna see further than uploading a bunch of pics. <3

Update vid showing tie-downs and changes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dLKNwRGhIM

Building the 60% seat replacement platform:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgKoIkBfxWc

Building the original leveling platform prior to improvements:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgZq3DyGGZM

 

Please feel free to share! Would love to see the pics. This looks great so far, watching now

 

Subscribed, I'm always interested in how people do this.

I'm of the simple leveling platform mentality but I do appreciate a nice drawer system.

Re,: which side to sleep on, I use the passenger side because I can leave it all set up including having the passenger front seat moved all the way forward during the entirety of the trip.

 

Also worth adding to the list: https://solidwoodworx.com/products/precutkittoyota4runner

Seen in action here:

 

I removed both rear seats. Plenty of space for me to sleep and travel gear (for me only - no passengers). I slept inside just fine for 17 days of a 20 day trip last fall. I will be heading out west again mid September for a four week mountain bike trip. Sheet of plywood, exercise pad, and 3" mattress. Real simple / real comfortable! I'm 5'11, 177 lbs. Slept great! I lack skills and imagination therefore I am a firm believer in the KISS theory - Keep it Simple Stupid!

 

https://trail4runner.com/2023/06/19/5th-gen-4runner-drawer-systems/

 

I car camp solo. My 2017 SR5 is my daily driver too.
Here is my sleeping cot which stores well in garage. Also my home made awning and window screens. Having drivers side passenger seat up works great for changing clothes, reading and I just roll onto cot for sleeping.
If anyone wishes more details sent me a PM

 

I sleep in my 4Runner about three nights a week. I did not want a sleeping platform with drawers because I wanted to be able to sit in the back if necessary and enjoy the space.

Having lived in Japan and having used a futon on tatami, I bought a 3" x 27" x 80" futon that I could roll up when not in use. I place a 15mm Yoga mat underneath it. I have removed the driver-side rear seat back for more foot room as I'm 6' 3" tall.

I keep my Trek racing bike in the back next to me.

I have about 120 nights in it.

 

That looks perfect to me. I like the mattress on the plywood. Simple and effective. Nice!

 

I had the bike inside for just one day! I wanted to be capable of storing the bike inside for theft prevention only. Otherwise it is on the 1up rack. I too like having the ability to sit upright. Easier to change clothes and not feel like I was in a submarine.

 

I may eventually build one with drawers, but my wife wanted something that left maximum headroom, so I started with this.

 

Post I made last fall about this topic:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/anyone-using-a-yoho-sleeping-platform.20648/page-2

 

For me, it's all about headroom. I removed the seat bottoms for extra length. I use either the 4" inflatable pad, or more recently a 4" tri-fold memory foam pad from Amazon. The Amazon pad is super comfortable.

I'd love a drawer system for storage and security, but I don't want to give up my cabin space. I've even thought about going a few inches lower with the goose gear stealth platform.

 

This topic always reminds me of a third rate Vannin reject page.

 

Anyone with a 3rd row have just a basic sleeping platform? I don't want to take out seats, just be able to sleep 2 people, perfectly level.

 

What type of mattress do you use?

 

I mostly use a Luno mattress, although I also use a backpacking mattress once in a while.

 

What are you thoughts on the Luno?

 

It's quite comfortable, and you can inflate either full or half-width. It comes with a little 12V DC pump to inflate and also to deflate. You can set it up or put it away in a couple minutes. Since it's uninsulated (and I think unbaffled), it needs to augmented in freezing tempts by something with some R-value, such as a layer of closed-cell foam. That would be true of any similar mattress. I use a Thermarest Z-rest pad for that.

 

@backpacker
Thanks for the info! Currently debating between the Luno Thermarest combo that you are using and the Deep Sleep mattrest.

 

3rd row doesn't already fold down perfectly flat? (I don't have one - but based on looking at them online...?)

 

They do, but judging from the pics I’ve seen, the floor has a significant slope going upwards towards the front…flat, but at a significant angle.

 

No. There is a slight include to the 2nd row. Just enough to mess with your back.

 

That's not flat.

 

Does the whole thing slope at the same angle? Or is each area different?

I remember that, in addition to the offset, the cargo area and rear seat backs are at slightly different angles on the non 3rd row version. That made it more interesting to get the platform to sit level. But, it was easy enough to figure out.