Creative Solutions to level the Cargo Lip for Sleeping

[razehound]

Don't really want to spend $80 on leveling pads from Deepsleep. Feels wrong to buy and bring gear whose only purpose is to fill space.

So I'm looking for any creative ideas on how to level that area for sleeping on a mattress, while also getting functionality/utility from the space.

The catch? Nothing permanent or arduous to install/remove. Looking for a modular solution that can function when I need it, but not take the space Mo-Fr. No plywood platforms etc

So far, I'm looking at RotoPax, as they have some water cans that are about 4" thick. So that could be my water storage and go under the mattress-end on trips. Note theyd only be placed in that way when sleeping, and only a foam mattress+feet will be on top of them. Not going to stack anything heavy on the cans obviously.

I was also looking at under-bed storage containers, ones that are 4-5" tall and can provide that support under the mattress while also storing clothes or gear.

Let me know what other ideas are out there!

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[HighVelocity]

Just kidnap yourself and curl up in fetal position in the trunk like you owe the Vegas Mob money from gambling debts.

 

[razehound]

Idk its not nearly cramped enough back there to maintain the illusion...

 

[BroncoA512021]

I use the deepsleep overland mattress and the leveler. YOLO

 

[GroovyGeek]

I have the DeepSleep leveing mats. They work well, and unlike their mats, are not ridiculously sized and roll down to the size of a sleeping pad. I use them all the time, together with a cheap self inflating foam mat from Amazon. I also use a cheap inflatable gap filler for the space between the two seat rows.

The space is question is so small that it would be difficult to find a dual use item for it. the cheapest DYI solution is to buy plywood and carpet and level it yourself. But then you loose that vertical space permanently. If you REALLY want to save $40 you can buy two cheap closed-cell foam matrices and fold/cut to size. But this will take more space than the DeepSleep mats. Alternatively you can buy a cheap inflatable sleeping pad, cut to size, and then attempt to seal with a hot iron. Final thing that comes to mind are the foam pads they sell for lining the floor of your home gym. But those would cost about the same as the DeepSleep.

None of these are worth the elbow grease IMO.

 

[zuke]

Anything I'd put there, I'd want better support than a rotopax or an underbed storage box is gonna give you. At some point you will put weight on that while getting into/out of the sleep position, and then destroy your rotopax and get the bedding all wet. I'd build my own storage box, out of, yes, plywood. Actually 2x4 sides, and 3/4 playwood top and bottom, that should be nice and level with the rest of your sleeping area, and give good support. Make the top either latch on, or route the edges so it stays in place as a lid... then use the inside for storage.

add; could even put some 1x2 peices on the lid to position it, if you didn't want to route the edges or latch it.

 

[razehound]

Anything I'd put there, I'd want better support than a rotopax or an underbed storage box is gonna give you. At some point you will put weight on that while getting into/out of the sleep position, and then destroy your rotopax and get the bedding all wet. I'd build my own storage box, out of, yes, plywood. Actually 2x4 sides, and 3/4 playwood top and bottom, that should be nice and level with the rest of your sleeping area, and give good support. Make the top either latch on, or route the edges so it stays in place as a lid... then use the inside for storage.

add; could even put some 1x2 peices on the lid to position it, if you didn't want to route the edges or latch it.

That is a great point, yes the rotopax would be under the foot end, but thats also how you climb in and out...

Good catch!

 

[razehound]

I have the DeepSleep leveing mats. They work well, and unlike their mats, are not ridiculously sized and roll down to the size of a sleeping pad. I use them all the time, together with a cheap self inflating foam mat from Amazon. I also use a cheap inflatable gap filler for the space between the two seat rows.

The space is question is so small that it would be difficult to find a dual use item for it. the cheapest DYI solution is to buy plywood and carpet and level it yourself. But then you loose that vertical space permanently. If you REALLY want to save $40 you can buy two cheap closed-cell foam matrices and fold/cut to size. But this will take more space than the DeepSleep mats. Alternatively you can buy a cheap inflatable sleeping pad, cut to size, and then attempt to seal with a hot iron. Final thing that comes to mind are the foam pads they sell for lining the floor of your home gym. But those would cost about the same as the DeepSleep.

None of these are worth the elbow grease IMO.

I agree its hard to find something that isnt super labor intensive.

What kind of gap filler do you use? I was just going to use a pillow

 

[GroovyGeek]

I agree its hard to find something that isnt super labor intensive.

What kind of gap filler do you use? I was just going to use a pillow

On short trips I use this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3HQY5PP

On long trips I stick two Dometic 3gal water containers in the gap
https://www.rei.com/product/210821/dometic-go-hydration-water-jug-11-liters29-gal

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