Homemade sleeping platform for my ORP Hybrid

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!

This is awesome! Thanks for so many pictures and info!

This is very useful, thanks!

You nailed this design man. Absolutely awesome. I ran a similar up on my Gen 5 and have been trying to figure out how i could replicate it on the Gen 6, you nailed it 100%.

Great work!

thank you so much for sharing this.

Thanks all for the good feedback. Couple of other points I forgot to mention:

1. My choice of 5" pipes for the legs was done because that is what it took to have it level on a flat level driveway surface with the hybrid battery. If your parking area is not level, the pipe can be threaded in or out of the flanges to give you about 1/4" of adjust on top and bottom. If you don't have the hybrid battery (and the increased floor height that comes with it), you can just get longer pipes.

2. If you don't like the idea of flanges on the bottom of the platform feet (the side that touches the 4R floor), you can also use rubber feet that you put on the bottom of chair legs. I close the flanges because it gives me some more height adjustment and it spreads the load out a little bit more for stability.

Happy building!