Homemade sleeping platform for my ORP Hybrid

[wavejd]

Hi All - I am a relatively new owner of a ‘25 4Runner ORP / Hybrid and since this forum has been so helpful to me, I wanted to share some details on a recent mod related to a sleeping platform that I built. I have been researching different bed platform ideas to work with the non-flat rear area of my 4Runner hybrid. Use case is overnight sleeping when on ski and other trips (where I prefer to just sleep in my 4Runner vs. tent, hotel etc.

I looked at the many different pre-built platform and cot ideas that are out there. However, I just wasn’t comfortable with the cost or design of pre-built solutions so I decided to try to build something myself in a low cost manner. Here are the requirements for my build:

• A width that would maximize the space for one person yet still allow the use of the rear seat behind the driver’s seat (either by a 3rd passenger or by me when trying to get dressed in the morning before skiing).
• A length that would accommodate my 6’2” frame but not require the front passenger seat to be pushed up too far
• Easily removable when not in use (i.e. nothing that needed to be bolted in or required vehicle mods).

Parts list:

• 4' x 8' x 3/4" sheet of birch plywood (qty 1 - about $100 depending on where you buy it - note you could use a cheaper plywood material but I wanted something something with a smooth, sandable surface)
• 5" x 1/2" pipe nipple for feet legs (qty 2 - about $10 total - note if you want to accommodate different leveling situation, you can also get some 4” and 6” pipe nipples)
• 1/2" Pipe flange for feet (qty 4 - about $20)
• 3/4" x #12 wood screw to attach flange to plywood (qty 8 - about $2)
• Stain of your choice (about a pint should do it - $10 unless you have leftover material from another project like I did)

Total material cost for platform: under $150

The only other cost was for a sleeping pad (selected for optimal fit of the platform dimensions; about $60; other options will work - If you are a frequent camper, you already have a sleeping bag and maybe also a sleeping pad.): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL6H7Y2J?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Tools required:

• Table or circular saw to cut plywood sheet down to size
• Jig saw to round the edges of platform
• Hand or power sander to smooth out edges
• Screwdriver to mount flanges for feet
• Tape measure
• Level

Time required: Less than 2 hours (not including time required for stain to dry)

Dimensions of platform: 74” long x 27” wide (you might be able to make it a bit longer if you are willing to push up the passenger seat a few inches)

Below are some pics of what I built. Tried it out for an overnight driveway stay this weekend and I am happy with the outcome. Can’t wait to use it on a real trip. Here are the details. Happy to answer any questions you may have!

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