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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Good design! After you build you should do a write up.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

yeah! great ideas here. I'm definitely going to put something together soon my self!

 

Hi folks, bumping this because I've been collecting ideas for my own sleeping and storage platform, and had a question on materials. Has anyone used 3M or Coosa reinforced polyurethane foam as a plywood/MDF alternative? I'm asking because I'd like to save some weight (helpful for install and removal, as well as just GVW) and really like the idea of it being moisture proof. I will end up storing a lot of wet gear inside this thing during ski season, build up moisture while sleeping in the cabin, and would like to not worry about warping and rotting.

1) Has anyone used it?
2) Anyone know which products are equivalent strength to 1/2 plywood? There are multiple densities, thicknesses, and with or without woven roving. Here's an example: http://www.fisheriessupply.com/coosa...s-marine-board. At $200 it's 5X more than plywood, but in the grand scheme I don't mind an extra $150 to build this once, the exact way I want it.

 

sure I'll play this game..

It's all right on the web pages You gave. It's 45% stronger than ply on average so if you are a light weight the 1/4 inch is slightly less than half inch ply. They aren't real specific on what kind of ply. So just get the same thickness you would wood.

The 20lb stuff spans < 12"..