DIY single or double sleeping platform

[The_Axeman]

So I’m about to embark on a little road trip . Roughly 4300 miles. I’m going to spend a few nights in the Bronco (roughly 5-6 total) and wanted a flexible and easy solution that would provide me adequate space, comfort and ease of setup. Although I’ll be going it alone this time, I wanted my platform to match the 60/40 seating and give me the option of going single or double.

I decided to use 5/8” plywood to keep things fairly light. I also decided on only 2 supports, allowing me access to my floor compartment. The supports are 6” tall and the platform ends up perfectly flat. I’m really happy with the result! I’ve also installed some Velcro tabs around the vehicle and have blackout curtains that surround the entire sleeping area. It takes me about 5 minutes to be completely ready to sleep (platform unfolded, curtains installed and air mattress filled). This option leaves you with an uneven trunk space when the platform is folded up and stored - but that wasn’t a big deal to me. It takes me about 10 seconds to put it in the Bronco or to remove it. I don’t have a scale but this thing’s pretty light. Maybe 35lbs. I also love the hidden storage that it provides if going topless.

I’m 6’2” and 230lbs and I fit without a problem. With my previously made (and posted) window vents and a battery operated fan/light that hangs from a roof latch, as well as my headrest mounted iPhone/iPad mount - I’m all set up!!!

Before anyone comments - I’m gonna replace the orange webbing with black - but I already had it and at least it matches my Badlands trim . Hope this inspires some even better ideas.

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[UncleBuck]

This is my favorite solution so far. Nice work. I was thinking that incorporating the seat backs to support a little more length on the platform would be possible. I might be stealing this one.

 

[Kos]

I like. Planning Off-Roadeo at Moab this summer and my wife shocked me when she got a mattress to sleep in the back of the Bronco. Maybe something like this will make that more feasible.

 

[Julz670]

I like your setup. Are the orange straps intended to take some weight off of the folded rear seats or just simply hold up the last section of your platform? Just asking because idk how much that plastic trim on the back of the driver seat will hold before they snap off. But it looks like there wouldn't be much weight there anyway, just your pillow and head area, the rear seats and rear-most section of your platform look like they would take the majority of any weight on top. Plus a mattress would spread out the weight too. So i guess not much of a concern. Ignore me haha

 

[choppersean]

Very nice solution! I love the 60/40 split. My Nissan Xterra has 60/40 and the seats go completely flat, so I will miss that with my new Bronco. I'm a backpacker and often will drive to a trailhead late in the evenings and sleep in my vehicle so I can hit the trail early the next day.

Also, the 60/40 split will still allow me to carry gear and a backseat passenger if I need that room as space is limited with my selected 2-door.

The piano hinges and "Z-fold" stow-away just gives ultimate flexibility and some hidden storage........very nice!!

 

[Landvalue]

Great idea! It probably cost less than a night in a motel.

 

[NAP51DMustang]

You don't by chance have dimensions and what not?

 

[604Bronco]

Nicely done! I also like the placement of your Badlands badging in the back.

 

[Jay634]

Great set up. Simple and very functional. I've been anxiously awaiting mine (hopefully delivered in March) and was going to start working on a platform right away.

 

[GU_tough_bronco]

Could you post the link to the carpet that you used?

 

[The_Axeman]

I like your setup. Are the orange straps intended to take some weight off of the folded rear seats or just simply hold up the last section of your platform? Just asking because idk how much that plastic trim on the back of the driver seat will hold before they snap off. But it looks like there wouldn't be much weight there anyway, just your pillow and head area, the rear seats and rear-most section of your platform look like they would take the majority of any weight on top. Plus a mattress would spread out the weight too. So i guess not much of a concern. Ignore me haha

. Yes - the tabs hold the last folding section of platform- which- as you mentioned- only hold up our heads. And if you’re an airhead like me - that’s next to nothing
However - because the force that’s exerted is essentially downward- those plastic hooks will still hold a decent amount of weight. The only thing I would suggest - as others have done on their platform designs - is to place a removable support in the void space created towards where the back seats hinge when folded down. I was in there working on putting up my curtains the other day and sat my big ass, crossed legged, right on the unsupported side of the hinge and it started cracking. I weigh 230lbs and the weight was pretty focused on one spot, so….
But I ripped a piece of 2”x6” to 2”x3.75” instead and it supports that area. I just place it there before unfolding the platform.

 

[The_Axeman]

Could you post the link to the carpet that you used?

Install Bay AC301-5 Auto Carpet, 5-Yards (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001JSY7BU...t_i_RWQPTEJ0AXQSF2TJKC43?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[zebraquick]

So I’m about to embark on a little road trip . Roughly 4300 miles. I’m going to spend a few nights in the Bronco (roughly 5-6 total) and wanted a flexible and easy solution that would provide me adequate space, comfort and ease of setup. Although I’ll be going it alone this time, I wanted my platform to match the 60/40 seating and give me the option of going single or double.

I decided to use 5/8” plywood to keep things fairly light. I also decided on only 2 supports, allowing me access to my floor compartment. The supports are 6” tall and the platform ends up perfectly flat. I’m really happy with the result! I’ve also installed some Velcro tabs around the vehicle and have blackout curtains that surround the entire sleeping area. It takes me about 5 minutes to be completely ready to sleep (platform unfolded, curtains installed and air mattress filled). This option leaves you with an uneven trunk space when the platform is folded up and stored - but that wasn’t a big deal to me. It takes me about 10 seconds to put it in the Bronco or to remove it. I don’t have a scale but this thing’s pretty light. Maybe 35lbs. I also love the hidden storage that it provides if going topless.

I’m 6’2” and 230lbs and I fit without a problem. With my previously made (and posted) window vents and a battery operated fan/light that hangs from a roof latch, as well as my headrest mounted iPhone/iPad mount - I’m all set up!!!

Before anyone comments - I’m gonna replace the orange webbing with black - but I already had it and at least it matches my Badlands trim . Hope this inspires some even better ideas.

Looks great. Where did you get your extinguisher?

 

[djp]

So I’m about to embark on a little road trip . Roughly 4300 miles. I’m going to spend a few nights in the Bronco (roughly 5-6 total) and wanted a flexible and easy solution that would provide me adequate space, comfort and ease of setup. Although I’ll be going it alone this time, I wanted my platform to match the 60/40 seating and give me the option of going single or double.

I decided to use 5/8” plywood to keep things fairly light. I also decided on only 2 supports, allowing me access to my floor compartment. The supports are 6” tall and the platform ends up perfectly flat. I’m really happy with the result! I’ve also installed some Velcro tabs around the vehicle and have blackout curtains that surround the entire sleeping area. It takes me about 5 minutes to be completely ready to sleep (platform unfolded, curtains installed and air mattress filled). This option leaves you with an uneven trunk space when the platform is folded up and stored - but that wasn’t a big deal to me. It takes me about 10 seconds to put it in the Bronco or to remove it. I don’t have a scale but this thing’s pretty light. Maybe 35lbs. I also love the hidden storage that it provides if going topless.

I’m 6’2” and 230lbs and I fit without a problem. With my previously made (and posted) window vents and a battery operated fan/light that hangs from a roof latch, as well as my headrest mounted iPhone/iPad mount - I’m all set up!!!

Before anyone comments - I’m gonna replace the orange webbing with black - but I already had it and at least it matches my Badlands trim . Hope this inspires some even better ideas.

What kind of 5/8 plywood was used? Where did you buy? is it pressure treaded?

Also those 6" supports are they 2x6 pine, non pressure treaded ?

Where did you find the hinges please?

Thx... if you can provide more details that would great!
looking for a shopping list sort of

Bravo, great work, best i've seen on forum!

 

[The_Axeman]

Looks great. Where did you get your extinguisher?

At a local hardware store. The size was perfect and it’s been installed for a good while just using 3M mounting tape. I’ll see if it holds up to some good off-roading when I hit up ‘Ol Florida Off-Road Park during my road trip.

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