Sleeping platform blueprints

Roboito · 10-03-2006, 06:43 PM

Hey everybody this is my first post so forgive me if i screw up on something.

Awhile back i saw some pictures of homemade sleeping platforms on this site, i really like the way they looked but there was a couple things i wanted to change. The first and most important feature of this platform needed to be a place to put my surfboard while im on top of it(the platform that is). All the other people had put drawers underneath and that definetly wouldn't work for me. Another thing that i wanted to add would be a way to have one seat up and only half of the platform folded back. Well i took measurements in the back of my 4runner and came up with these blueprints. The estimated cost for this whole dealio came out to be about $50-$60. Not bad at all.
here's how i figured it.
- ~$30 for a 4X8 sheet of plywood
- ~$20 for two 4ft long piano hinges
- and hopefully some cheap carpet extras from a local carpet store
the rest of the stuff (metal tubing, turnbuckles, hardware and stuff) i have in my garage.

here's some of the blueprints i made...

Different view

opposite side view

a little more realistic

and a couple labels

Anyway give me some feedback and tell me what you think before i start building this.

-Rob

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Bob_98SR5 · 10-03-2006, 07:06 PM

i like the software! what is it?

so basically, this platform can hinge in half so you can have it in the back w/ the rear seats folded up?

Roboito · 10-03-2006, 07:16 PM

the software is google SketchUp and you can get it for free here http://sketchup.google.com/index.html

And yes the plan is to have the platform be able to fold all the way in half or have one seat folded in half etc. this way i don't have to sacrifice half the platform just so 2 passengers can ride in my car.

neliconcept · 10-03-2006, 07:23 PM

awesome design. I really like this. Im thinking of doing something similar.
are you going to add some type of storage underneath?

Roboito · 10-03-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neliconcept

awesome design. I really like this. Im thinking of doing something similar.
are you going to add some type of storage underneath?

I probably won't add any storage underneath, mainly because thats where im gonna put my surfboard, however if you wanted to it probably wouldn't be that hard.

SoiledGreen98 · 10-03-2006, 07:45 PM

Good design!

After you build you should do a write up.

SoiledGreen98 · 10-03-2006, 07:48 PM

You'll probably need some center support if you haven't already thought about it.

Roboito · 10-03-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoiledGreen98

You'll probably need some center support if you haven't already thought about it.

yeah i'm worried about that, if it does end up needing support i'll probably use some 1/2 in square metal tubing so not to sacrifice room underneath...

i'll try to do a write up as well, if i'm lucky and time permits, i'll have this project underway by this weekend!

SoiledGreen98 · 10-03-2006, 08:44 PM

If you have the means, maybe build a steel frame that fits the surfboards and then put on the top. just an idea. BTW Welcome to yotatech. good to have inventive guys on board.

123c · 10-03-2006, 09:22 PM

I am going to build a platform someday, but that will be after I get a canopy. I am thinking with my design, I am going to overbuild it, and have as much storage as possible by using larger drawers. I havn't really drawn it out on paper yet, but it's still all in my head...

reggie 00 · 10-03-2006, 09:47 PM

That looks pretty cool.

A couple of things i found out after my platform build.

We use 3/4 plywood. It seems to want to curl, it might have been a better idea to go with MDF (speaker box material, more stable). The price is about the same.

You might want to frame it. i think you will find you will need center support. Since your surfboard is not that thick you should be able to get a way with it.
Remember that the wheel wells are not equal on both sides, makes a difference on your front supports.

And definitely do Bob's seat mod, you gain much welcome room. which might make a difference in your board storage.

Good luck,

and thanks for sharing the software idea.

rngrchad · 10-04-2006, 06:39 AM

VERY NICE POST. I've been looking for some unique plans on building a platform differently than I built mine! The use of round supports really saves a ton of storage room! Like stated before, please post a thread on how the build up goes. ps----welcome to YT.

oly884 · 10-04-2006, 07:08 AM

pfff sleeping platforms, that's SOOOO yesterday

Just joking, I had a set up in the back of my truck see here

It worked great, very comfy. But now, I have this:

If you need to ask any Q's about some of the little stuff I did feel free to drop an PM.

UNR.Grad · 10-04-2006, 08:15 AM

In case you don't know what Bob's seat mod is, you can find it Here along with a ton of other good write ups.

Good luck with everything.

10-03-2006, 09:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
123c Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: East Wenatchee, WA Posts: 31	I am going to build a platform someday, but that will be after I get a canopy. I am thinking with my design, I am going to overbuild it, and have as much storage as possible by using larger drawers. I havn't really drawn it out on paper yet, but it's still all in my head... __________________ 1998 Tacoma TRD 31x10.50 BFG AT's JVC KD-G800 Sylvania Xtravision

10-04-2006, 06:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
rngrchad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Currently reside in Ohio Posts: 858	VERY NICE POST. I've been looking for some unique plans on building a platform differently than I built mine! The use of round supports really saves a ton of storage room! Like stated before, please post a thread on how the build up goes. ps----welcome to YT. __________________ 2008 Tacoma TRD Access Cab v-6. 97 regular cab tacoma 33x9.5bfg at, 4.10 gears, custom sliders, custom rear bumper, 4xinnovation tube doors, lockright. 1983 SA Axle Frameoff Restore. CB: Connex 3300hp Radio driving a FatBoy Amp doing around 1000watts on AM. Antenna: Monkey Made MM5 -=NO BAMA 08 =-

10-04-2006, 08:15 AM	#14 (permalink)
UNR.Grad Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Reno, NV / S. Tahoe, CA Posts: 927	In case you don't know what Bob's seat mod is, you can find it Here along with a ton of other good write ups. Good luck with everything. __________________ 2000 Silver 4runner :Highlander Edition: - Tundra TRD Coils/Blue Tokico Struts w/spacer- Downey Coils/N86 Shocks - Front Dif. Drop - Rear Dif. Breather - E-Brake Extension - Tundra Calipers/Rotors - Akebono Ceramic Pads - Goodrich SS Brake Lines - LX450 Wheels w/ 265/75/16 BFG A/T KO's and Full Size Spare - TRD Exhaust - Deckplate w/ Trueflow - Hayden Tranny Cooler - JAOS Rear Spoiler - Sport Skid - '01 Tails - Clear Corners/Bumper Lights - Leather Seats - Alpine CD player

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10-03-2006, 07:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	i like the software! what is it? so basically, this platform can hinge in half so you can have it in the back w/ the rear seats folded up?

10-03-2006, 07:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Roboito Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Clemente Posts: 87	the software is google SketchUp and you can get it for free here http://sketchup.google.com/index.html And yes the plan is to have the platform be able to fold all the way in half or have one seat folded in half etc. this way i don't have to sacrifice half the platform just so 2 passengers can ride in my car.

10-03-2006, 07:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
neliconcept Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 0	awesome design. I really like this. Im thinking of doing something similar. are you going to add some type of storage underneath?

10-04-2006, 07:08 AM	#13 (permalink)
oly884 Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,703	pfff sleeping platforms, that's SOOOO yesterday Just joking, I had a set up in the back of my truck see here It worked great, very comfy. But now, I have this: If you need to ask any Q's about some of the little stuff I did feel free to drop an PM.