Hi Michelle! Just saw your video, 1st time viewer here.... I have a 2018 4Runner and never slept in it because of that hump on the floor when the back seats are down. But next weekend I will be camping and decided to build a platform so I could sleep in the Runner. My brother helped me, it's a real simple build, and only 25 inches wide and it can stay in the Runner even when the seats are upright. I put it on the right/passenger side, since the back seat on that side is bigger (wider) than 25 inches. We just finished the platform today, I'll be keeping it in there from now on, just in case I need it. By the way.. I sub'd! Sorry for the "book", ha!
Hi! Is Melissa, but I respond to Michelle 😃 I did recently build a 3” platform for the rear to flatten the floor in case I had to sleep in the 4Runner in an emergency. I’ve often thought of building a custom platform that I can leave in there. I’ve watched many videos but I rarely have the time to start such a project. You are kind of inspiring me to consider it further though! I enjoyed reading your “book”! I love hearing about what people are doing, or what they are thinking! Have a great day and thank you for the sub!
I just did the same thing with a piece of 1/2” plywood laid over some 30in 2x4’s. Had the guys at Home Depot cut them for me, and then I just screwed them together and stapled some carpeting on when I got home. 🙂
Lovely setup, I too overland with my 2016 4runner trail addition that's all decked out. You might want to consider a mollie rack system that uses the rear inside corner windows and has a top shelf that runs between them, I have this system in mine, and i really love it. Can't beat a 4runner for this type of camping. Be safe out there.
Thanks! I’ve seen the mollie racks. I’ve considered it, but I haven’t put more thought into it than that as of yet. I may look into it in the near future, thanks!
So awesome! This is one thing I need to do. I don't sleep in the car often, but when I have, it hasn't been the greatest for comfort. I would definitely sleep in there more with a proper setup. Hope you're healing well, Melissa!
Great setup! I currently camp in my Jeep Patriot, and am looking to upgrade in spring. A 4Runner is top of my list, it’s great to see how you have yours set up! And funny coincidence, I camp with my dog, who is also named Ruby ❤ thanks for sharing!
Awesome! What kind of dog do you have? I love the 4Runner but I definitely would prefer fold-flat seats and I’d prefer if the seats didn’t fold into the footwell. On a recent trip I did remove the rear seats to retain the storage in the back seat floor and I was able to use the bed in full size form that way. It worked well because I could raise it and move it closer to the door and I gained a fair amount of extra space inside.
Hi Melissa, just seen this video. Nice setup you have. I have similar in my grand jeep Cherokee and I love it. I’ve upgraded to a small fridge with a compressor. Can be run off 12volt or 110 outlet. Makes a huge difference to me. No more sloshy ice water trying to ruin the food. Glad I ran across your video! Cute pup even too! 😊
Thanks! What fridge did you choose? I may upgrade at some point in the future. I feel like it would be a solid choice if I’m going to spend more time on the road.
I’ve camped in my 4Runner a couple times when I didn’t want to tow my T@B trailer. One thing I’ve found really useful is a Kelty Sideroads awning. I set it up on the side of the 4Runner and have a dry place to cook, eat, and read. It always rains when I camp. I’m interested in that little REI table. Unfortunately it no longer seems to be on their web site.
That table is great. That’s sad they don’t have it. I was considering making an awning for the reasons you mentioned. I’ll look into the Kelty one though, thanks for the tip!
Really dig it! Helps inspire me and prepare for my own build out soon. Are you thinking of extending the build to some sort of awning or canopy over the back hatch?
I am, but I’m unsure of what I want to do. I’ve used a small tarp and bungees off the roof rack before on a different car, but I need poles to do it. I have a popup screen tent I can use but it’s bulky and heavy. I prefer the idea of an awning.
It’s from REI. If you have no tools and zero building skills it’s definitely sturdy, but for far cheaper, lighter and possibly more portable you could build something. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. If I had a van/minivan or covered pickup it would be perfect. I’d prefer the bed to be a couple inches lower. But it is very sturdy.
I was actually looking at that same bed last year. Great use of it. Hey did you end up having to relive the driver side “bottom” back seat? I noticed your passenger side seat is still intact. I guess my question is does the bed still fit with that attached? Thanks in advance. 😊
So I’ve done both. For longer trips I take both seat bottoms out. When I do that I can use the bed it it’s normal setup. With the seats in, there is a side of the platform side rails that are about a foot long. I do not put those in place. I let them hang down. The middle support I use the small bungees to tie the support in place so it fits in the correct location in the car (non fold flat seats are issue) it definitely took some messing with it to figure it out. I will keep this as I ended up figuring it out. I did end up building a small platform for the rear to make the back flat. I’m going to be using it again while I travel for the eclipse with my son. We will have 2 people and a dog in there 😂
Yes, that would be challenging. If you have a large enough SUV with front seats that tilt forward a bit you probably could fit. It’s annoying that lots of cars now have front seats that don’t tilt forward anymore. That was a good feature for cleaning and moving things around. I guess you could also put the front seat back all the way and also have a short platform that matched the height and overlapped the front to five you tons of flat space. You might be able to do that in a smaller suv or van.
6”4 and with the passenger seat all the way forward I have a few inches of space, I also sleep with my head at the back, I’m sure you’d be able to fit!
You may have talked about this in a later video but I couldn't find anything skimming through your vids. After having it for a while, would you recommend the REI sleeping platform? Despite the cost, did you like it? Was it comfortable?
I haven’t done a follow up video. I think it is a sturdy and well built product. It has some adaptability for different size SUV’s as well. It packs up pretty good if you follow the instructions sewn into the bag. I’m on the fence if it’s a good value for most people. I don’t use the mat it comes with because it’s just too hard for me. I use an inflatable pad on it instead. If someone has zero tools or building skills or no where to build it this is a great option. However for the price I think someone with a basic level of skill and has appropriate tools could build something cheaper. Because of the dimensions of my 4Runner and location of the odd drop in the floor I have to bungee the legs to the platform top. Also I did it because if you knock hard enough it could come apart. Now that I own tools I can’t imagine buying this again. I would’ve just built something. The value in this item is the sturdy materials and all the work is done for you. I hope this helps. Take care!
@@UnlikelyHiker Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I decided to skip it for now - I tested an air mattress and that seems to elevate and cushion me enough to not feel the uneven floor bed and putting some memory foam under the bottom half of the mattress makes it more level. Are you on other social media platforms?
Thank you. Now a 25" bed costs a whopping $350 in REI and the 40", $450. Wondering what makes it so expensive. Wish we had some competitive products similar to this that are less expensive and yet great quality.
The price of everything has gone out of control. It’s pricy but it’s solid. I think one could be made out of plywood/ 2x4 or even the right width plastic shelf cut to height. There is no need to spend so much $. Recently I used scrap wood to build a 3” platform for the rear to flatten the bump in case I ever have to sleep in there unexpectedly. It’s not perfect but it works. There are lots of possibilities if you get creative. Pallets/pallet wood could be a source of scrap wood also. At least some of it 👍🏻
@@UnlikelyHiker Good to know. I just made a leveling platform myself (no idea about carpentry though) that just costed me around $60 (4x4 plywood, 2x4 studs, two sided tape, costco area rug $16). Platform is now leveled. Being 5'11' I need to figure a way to make myself comfortable. Let me see if it works for me.
We just got an old 4Runner and was thinking about getting a roof top tent but a friend that paid $2800 for his tent said he’s selling his and asked if we wanted to buy it. After hearing the price I asked him why he was selling and he said I can’t climb in when I’m drunk. Example of buying something really expensive thinking you’ll use it but don’t. We are considering sleeping inside and getting a Tule instead now. Tent is half the price we paid for our car lol.
I line the idea of a rooftop tent, but it isn’t very stealth, and yes-they are expensive! Cargo box is a great idea. I’ve had them in the past. Now I use a hitch carrier. Easier to manage what I need and if you use the right size container you can still open the hatch. I like the security of being inside the car personally. I lock the boxes on the outside. The ones I use are the black ones with yellow lids. They work good.
@@UnlikelyHiker yea that’s a great option as well. Not having to climb up a ladder for everything is nice. Might get old fast. Also a rooftop tent would be so annoying for a person like me who always have to pee at least a couple times a night. I can imagine slipping on a ladder with condensation half asleep. lol.
Homemade kitchen table and Homemade shower tube & Awning shower. Try. Because Fiftness and Fuel Store shower will more expensive for next time. Believe me.
MSR dromedary bags are nice for h2o storage, & when they're empty they take up almost 0 space. Nice reliable Toyota stealth camping rig you have there. A Toyota Highlander is my "Scout About Motor Lodge." 😉 Happy Travels.
Thanks! I’ll check out that water storage! I feel like a Sienna would be a little better but I do tow a trailer, so the 4Runner won lol. Highlanders are great too!
This platform is only 3” high that I built which just evens out that hump. That way I can just throw a sleeping pad down for quick overnights when I don’t need much storage!
It's very brave of you to keep your water container on its side like that. Everyone thinks their water storage is impervious to leaks...until it isn't.
Most likely. It’s designed for SUV’s and vans are larger with more head room. Go to the REI website and check out the dimensions to see if it’s compatible with your vehicle.
No, I’ve thought about it though. It would take up too much space I think. If I took the back seats out for a long trip it might make sense. A small cooler works fine so far.
Both. For shorter trips when storage isn’t a big issue I flip them forward. Longer trips where I need the space, I take them out. The sleeping platform fits the whole length with the bottom of the seats removed. I leave the short end of the platform bars out when the seats are in.
![SUV Camping Conversion | Folding Sleep Platform & Workspace [4Runner Overlanding]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0N7R3ECoB6M/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Michelle!
Just saw your video, 1st time viewer here....
I have a 2018 4Runner and never slept in it because of that hump on the floor when the back seats are down.
But next weekend I will be camping and decided to build a platform so I could sleep in the Runner.
My brother helped me, it's a real simple build, and only 25 inches wide and it can stay in the Runner even when the seats are upright.
I put it on the right/passenger side, since the back seat on that side is bigger (wider) than 25 inches.
We just finished the platform today, I'll be keeping it in there from now on, just in case I need it.
By the way.. I sub'd!
Sorry for the "book", ha!
Hi!
Is Melissa, but I respond to Michelle 😃
I did recently build a 3” platform for the rear to flatten the floor in case I had to sleep in the 4Runner in an emergency. I’ve often thought of building a custom platform that I can leave in there. I’ve watched many videos but I rarely have the time to start such a project. You are kind of inspiring me to consider it further though! I enjoyed reading your “book”! I love hearing about what people are doing, or what they are thinking! Have a great day and thank you for the sub!
I just did the same thing with a piece of 1/2” plywood laid over some 30in 2x4’s. Had the guys at Home Depot cut them for me, and then I just screwed them together and stapled some carpeting on when I got home. 🙂
Lovely setup, I too overland with my 2016 4runner trail addition that's all decked out. You might want to consider a mollie rack system that uses the rear inside corner windows and has a top shelf that runs between them, I have this system in mine, and i really love it. Can't beat a 4runner for this type of camping. Be safe out there.
Thanks! I’ve seen the mollie racks. I’ve considered it, but I haven’t put more thought into it than that as of yet. I may look into it in the near future, thanks!
So awesome! This is one thing I need to do. I don't sleep in the car often, but when I have, it hasn't been the greatest for comfort. I would definitely sleep in there more with a proper setup. Hope you're healing well, Melissa!
Thanks! I’m doing pretty good overall!!!
Great setup! I currently camp in my Jeep Patriot, and am looking to upgrade in spring. A 4Runner is top of my list, it’s great to see how you have yours set up! And funny coincidence, I camp with my dog, who is also named Ruby ❤ thanks for sharing!
Awesome! What kind of dog do you have? I love the 4Runner but I definitely would prefer fold-flat seats and I’d prefer if the seats didn’t fold into the footwell. On a recent trip I did remove the rear seats to retain the storage in the back seat floor and I was able to use the bed in full size form that way. It worked well because I could raise it and move it closer to the door and I gained a fair amount of extra space inside.
Hi Melissa, just seen this video. Nice setup you have. I have similar in my grand jeep Cherokee and I love it. I’ve upgraded to a small fridge with a compressor. Can be run off 12volt or 110 outlet. Makes a huge difference to me. No more sloshy ice water trying to ruin the food. Glad I ran across your video! Cute pup even too! 😊
Thanks! What fridge did you choose? I may upgrade at some point in the future. I feel like it would be a solid choice if I’m going to spend more time on the road.
Very cool setup!
Thanks!
OMGoodnesss, my name is Melissa too, and I also have a 4runner camper.
Because we are awesome 😎 👍🏻👍🏻
Looks like you got things covered. You are ready for adventure.
I hope so 😂
Like your setup. Thanks ~
Thank you!
Sweet setup. 👍
Thanks! It needs sone work still. Any ideas?
Back country bidet🤣. What a great set up!!
Gotta keep clean in small spaces lol
Very nice! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Very nice setup! I’m jealous.😄
It’s ok. I’m not in love with the platform but it is very well made. I’m still improving it so stay tuned for the tweaks!
❤ I like your forerunner I want one too. I’m gonna start saving up for one in December 2024.❤❤
Thanks! It’s a good car for me. I’ve really been enjoying it!
Great choice and good luck!
Nice setup 👍
Thanks!
Thank you for the video. I have the same vehicle and I’m trying to do something similar right now. I have cots for the tent I may try
I thought about trying that too. The ones I had were a bit too long, but a smaller one could certainly work!
I’ve camped in my 4Runner a couple times when I didn’t want to tow my T@B trailer. One thing I’ve found really useful is a Kelty Sideroads awning. I set it up on the side of the 4Runner and have a dry place to cook, eat, and read. It always rains when I camp.
I’m interested in that little REI table. Unfortunately it no longer seems to be on their web site.
That table is great. That’s sad they don’t have it. I was considering making an awning for the reasons you mentioned. I’ll look into the Kelty one though, thanks for the tip!
I’ll take Ruby!! 😁😁😁. I love Ruby ❤️❤️
Awesome setup
😂 I usually do too until she drives me crazy! Wet dog and car camping doesn’t mix!
Really dig it! Helps inspire me and prepare for my own build out soon. Are you thinking of extending the build to some sort of awning or canopy over the back hatch?
I am, but I’m unsure of what I want to do. I’ve used a small tarp and bungees off the roof rack before on a different car, but I need poles to do it. I have a popup screen tent I can use but it’s bulky and heavy. I prefer the idea of an awning.
Nice set up..
Thanks!
Yeah great setup. I’m messy too with th truck camping so I can’t help ya there LOL
I’m a slob when I’m traveling 😂 I have a new saying…don’t put it down, put it away 😂😂😂
Good to go! 👏
Thank you! 😃
Just subscribed!
Thank you!
Absolutely taking inspiration from your setup! Where did you get that bed frame
It’s from REI. If you have no tools and zero building skills it’s definitely sturdy, but for far cheaper, lighter and possibly more portable you could build something. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. If I had a van/minivan or covered pickup it would be perfect. I’d prefer the bed to be a couple inches lower. But it is very sturdy.
@@UnlikelyHiker yeah it looks very sturdy, was really nice the space you had underneath it
I was actually looking at that same bed last year. Great use of it. Hey did you end up having to relive the driver side “bottom” back seat? I noticed your passenger side
seat is still intact. I guess my question is does the bed still fit with that attached? Thanks in advance. 😊
So I’ve done both. For longer trips I take both seat bottoms out. When I do that I can use the bed it it’s normal setup. With the seats in, there is a side of the platform side rails that are about a foot long. I do not put those in place. I let them hang down. The middle support I use the small bungees to tie the support in place so it fits in the correct location in the car (non fold flat seats are issue) it definitely took some messing with it to figure it out. I will keep this as I ended up figuring it out. I did end up building a small platform for the rear to make the back flat. I’m going to be using it again while I travel for the eclipse with my son. We will have 2 people and a dog in there 😂
@@UnlikelyHiker nice, thanks so much for getting back to me! And good luck with 2 people and the dog! 🙌🏽🤞🏽🙌🏽
@Unlikely Hiker, what do the little labels on the Jackary say?
Those are fir my mom pointing out what button to turn the power on with 😂
You got it right Melissa. I wish I wasn't 6'6" tall or I would get one.
Yes, that would be challenging. If you have a large enough SUV with front seats that tilt forward a bit you probably could fit. It’s annoying that lots of cars now have front seats that don’t tilt forward anymore. That was a good feature for cleaning and moving things around. I guess you could also put the front seat back all the way and also have a short platform that matched the height and overlapped the front to five you tons of flat space. You might be able to do that in a smaller suv or van.
6”4 and with the passenger seat all the way forward I have a few inches of space, I also sleep with my head at the back, I’m sure you’d be able to fit!
Yeah just take the seat bottoms out and you could make it work
You may have talked about this in a later video but I couldn't find anything skimming through your vids. After having it for a while, would you recommend the REI sleeping platform? Despite the cost, did you like it? Was it comfortable?
I haven’t done a follow up video. I think it is a sturdy and well built product. It has some adaptability for different size SUV’s as well. It packs up pretty good if you follow the instructions sewn into the bag. I’m on the fence if it’s a good value for most people. I don’t use the mat it comes with because it’s just too hard for me. I use an inflatable pad on it instead. If someone has zero tools or building skills or no where to build it this is a great option. However for the price I think someone with a basic level of skill and has appropriate tools could build something cheaper. Because of the dimensions of my 4Runner and location of the odd drop in the floor I have to bungee the legs to the platform top. Also I did it because if you knock hard enough it could come apart. Now that I own tools I can’t imagine buying this again. I would’ve just built something. The value in this item is the sturdy materials and all the work is done for you. I hope this helps. Take care!
@@UnlikelyHiker Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I decided to skip it for now - I tested an air mattress and that seems to elevate and cushion me enough to not feel the uneven floor bed and putting some memory foam under the bottom half of the mattress makes it more level. Are you on other social media platforms?
Thank you. Now a 25" bed costs a whopping $350 in REI and the 40", $450. Wondering what makes it so expensive. Wish we had some competitive products similar to this that are less expensive and yet great quality.
The price of everything has gone out of control. It’s pricy but it’s solid.
I think one could be made out of plywood/ 2x4 or even the right width plastic shelf cut to height. There is no need to spend so much $.
Recently I used scrap wood to build a 3” platform for the rear to flatten the bump in case I ever have to sleep in there unexpectedly. It’s not perfect but it works. There are lots of possibilities if you get creative. Pallets/pallet wood could be a source of scrap wood also. At least some of it 👍🏻
@@UnlikelyHiker Good to know. I just made a leveling platform myself (no idea about carpentry though) that just costed me around $60 (4x4 plywood, 2x4 studs, two sided tape, costco area rug $16). Platform is now leveled. Being 5'11' I need to figure a way to make myself comfortable. Let me see if it works for me.
We just got an old 4Runner and was thinking about getting a roof top tent but a friend that paid $2800 for his tent said he’s selling his and asked if we wanted to buy it. After hearing the price I asked him why he was selling and he said I can’t climb in when I’m drunk. Example of buying something really expensive thinking you’ll use it but don’t. We are considering sleeping inside and getting a Tule instead now. Tent is half the price we paid for our car lol.
I line the idea of a rooftop tent, but it isn’t very stealth, and yes-they are expensive! Cargo box is a great idea. I’ve had them in the past. Now I use a hitch carrier. Easier to manage what I need and if you use the right size container you can still open the hatch. I like the security of being inside the car personally. I lock the boxes on the outside. The ones I use are the black ones with yellow lids. They work good.
@@UnlikelyHiker yea that’s a great option as well. Not having to climb up a ladder for everything is nice. Might get old fast. Also a rooftop tent would be so annoying for a person like me who always have to pee at least a couple times a night. I can imagine slipping on a ladder with condensation half asleep. lol.
I'm with you on that Jennifer, I pee several times at night...
I also got bad knees, no roof top tent for me!
Homemade kitchen table and Homemade shower tube & Awning shower. Try. Because Fiftness and Fuel Store shower will more expensive for next time. Believe me.
I do have a solar shower I used a few years ago on a trip to Colorado and I loved it so much! I forgot I had it until I read your comment 😂
Thanks!
@@UnlikelyHiker Be safe. 😉👍
MSR dromedary bags are nice for h2o storage, & when they're empty they take up almost 0 space.
Nice reliable Toyota stealth camping rig you have there. A Toyota Highlander is my "Scout About Motor Lodge." 😉 Happy Travels.
Thanks! I’ll check out that water storage! I feel like a Sienna would be a little better but I do tow a trailer, so the 4Runner won lol. Highlanders are great too!
I have alot of camping stuff. Lol just convermy 4 runner as well.
I just build a platform to keep in the back to make it fold flat. I should’ve done it sooner!
@@UnlikelyHiker i can't do a platform. It would drive me crazy not being able to sit up back there lol
This platform is only 3” high that I built which just evens out that hump. That way I can just throw a sleeping pad down for quick overnights when I don’t need much storage!
It's very brave of you to keep your water container on its side like that. Everyone thinks their water storage is impervious to leaks...until it isn't.
You aren’t wrong! 😂👍🏻
Will it fit in my van
Most likely. It’s designed for SUV’s and vans are larger with more head room. Go to the REI website and check out the dimensions to see if it’s compatible with your vehicle.
No fridge?
No, I’ve thought about it though. It would take up too much space I think. If I took the back seats out for a long trip it might make sense. A small cooler works fine so far.
Do you take off the bottoms of the second row seats for more storage space or just fold the bottoms against the front seats?
Both. For shorter trips when storage isn’t a big issue I flip them forward. Longer trips where I need the space, I take them out. The sleeping platform fits the whole length with the bottom of the seats removed. I leave the short end of the platform bars out when the seats are in.
could you sell me a sleeping platform?
I’m sorry I don’t have one to sell
Disappointed in the dog for being a dog?
it’s not that hard to comprehend a joke.
@@fullmetalgrave she was joking but she seemed genuinely disgusted with him or can you not comprehend the obvious?
I enjoy giving Ruby a hard time. That was pretty gross though 😂
@@UnlikelyHiker She wasn't going full ham on it carrying it around and nawing on it at least, while I think the majority of dogs might have 😂
@rayland9305 I probably would’ve re-honed her 🤮
Just kidding 😂😂