My cargo platform solution build for overlanding (custom DIY)

[stom_m3]

Working on my Bronco platform build for a Death Valley trip at the end of the month. I'm new to the Bronco (acquired in 2/28/26) and quickly realized that space is a premium. I was looking for a platform that gave me the ability to level out the back for sleeping, retain the ability to access the underfloor storage bin, have a fridge slide and cutting board, and be able to strap items down on the open side when not sleeping. Here are some pics of the current state and different parts of the build. In the end, the sleeping side is 24" wide which is plenty for me. I'm able to store my table underneath and still have access to the underfloor storage. The L Track works nicely to provide flexibility in mounting stuff. The Toughbuilt StackTech stuff fits perfect and has a pretty impressive feel. I ended up getting both the StackTech drawer and toolbox (lid on top) to see which version will work best for my use. I also added a Broaddict cargo shelf to increase usability. Works well. I may eventually get the BroAddict Traildeck but need to make sure I can mount a fridge slide to it.

Here's the finished product with toolbox.

How it started. I needed a 3" opening to be able to fit a table underneath the platform.

Test fitting table and seeing how flat the sleeping surface will be.

I wanted to make the support rails from wood but I couldn't think of a good way to be able to secure to the floor and platform at the same time. I was going to use aluminum C-channel extrusion but found rectangular channel in the scrap bin which was only $3/lb.

Top view of the cargo area. I ended up putting the table on the driver side as I wanted to add a leg support under the sleeping side.

My ultra expensive CAD system layout

Seeing what the cargo floor would look like.

Top plate complete. Working on mounting the slides and checking clearance with the door mechanism.

Slides installed. Need to install tray and fridge top.

Added fridge tie down end pieces, carpet and EVA boat decking.

The clearance of door to fridge slide and fridge. Measure 20 times, cut once....

Installed L-track and table guides underneath the platform.

Initial install and fit checks. I also added carpet runners on the cargo floor to cover all the exposed body.

Test fitting L-track. The StackTech is a little too wide to easily access the L-track. Will need to build a quick connect base for the StackTech stuff.

The fridge slide is 26" and the tray slide is 30". I was limited on the fridge slide because of the access points to the main rails which attach the platform to the chassis.

Installed the BroAddict cargo shelf. The fridge and StackTech boxes fit well. **whew**

Because I had issues accessing the L-track to strap the StackTech cases down, I made a mounting platform that mimic'd the StackTech base.

Test fitting new mounting solution.

Ended up buying the dual drawer as well to see if it worked better.

Overall, I'm happy with the results. I'm not sure if I'm going to use the StackTech drawer or toolbox. The drawer has a total capacity of 32L (16L per drawer). The medium tool box has a capacity of 40L, the small toolbox 22L. The large toolbox has 57L capacity but I did not buy that one as I thought I was going to run the small over medium together. As it turns out, it's a pain to have lids because they're stacked.

Once TrailRax gets the brackets complete for the painted roof, I'll be able to add a cargo box to the top which should alleviate some of the storage issues.

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[dangerfoot]

Nice work man! That's really well done and I appreciate the tight fit.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Nicely done. Any idea of your total added weight before passengers and cargo?

 

[Nate Train]

Nice work on the custom job. I also found the Stacktech boxes. Those seem to fit pretty well in the Bronco.

 

[EveryDayBronco]

Where do you keep the jack and if in the factory spot how do you access it?

 

[IwannaGOfast]

@stom_m3

Nice work!!!

Does it require you to remove the plastic door trim to remove the table?

Where do you keep the jack and if in the factory spot how do you access it?

I'm guessing that there is enough room once the table is removed to get the jack out. With the BA Offroad Traildeck you have to remove the jack a similar way and this setup gives just a little bit more clearance.

 

[stom_m3]

Nicely done. Any idea of your total added weight before passengers and cargo?

The total added weight with just the platform, rails, slides, tray, carpet is around 35lbs. The heaviest items are the stainless slides. Everything else is aluminum, carpet, or wood. The aluminum angle and rectangle is probably 8lbs. The wood is birch 1/2" ply. I'll measure it after the trip. I plan on taking in and out depending on the timing of my trips.

@stom_m3
Nice work!!!
Does it require you to remove the plastic door trim to remove the table?

No, the table lifts right out. I plan on accessing the table often and had to be readily accessible which is why I needed the gap to be a certain height to clear the table.

Where do you keep the jack and if in the factory spot how do you access it?

I'm guessing that there is enough room once the table is removed to get the jack out. With the BA Offroad Traildeck you have to remove the jack a similar way and this setup gives just a little bit more clearance.

Correct, after you remove the table and carpet both jack and cargo bin are accessible. Granted you need to reach through the opening to do so. I keep recovery items and some tools in the cargo area. I'm assuming that if I have to access the area, it won't matter that I have to remove the table and carpet to access them.

Showing the rubber L-track covers for when I put the sleeping pad down and prevent cuts.

Showing the Big Agnes Campmeister. Removed both StackTech mount, and associated hardware. It's quick and easy.

Showing view from the other side of the air pad.

 

[EveryDayBronco]

Showing the Big Agnes Campmeister. Removed both StackTech mount, and associated hardware. It's quick and easy.

Showing view from the other side of the air pad.

That reach to the jack looks tight but it looks like you have it figured out.

I've contemplated taking the passenger seats out to see if I could sleep in there, I'm 6'2"!

 

[stom_m3]

That reach to the jack looks tight but it looks like you have it figured out.

I've contemplated taking the passenger seats out to see if I could sleep in there, I'm 6'2"!

Oh that would be tight. I'm 5' 8" so not an issue. The Big Agnes air pad is 72". I haven't tried moving the seat all the way forward as well as tilting it forward. I'm almost positive that it would be more than 74" though. But there would be a small amount that would be unsupported so you would need to build a little platform for the second row fill. I'll try to measure it.

 

[stom_m3]

That reach to the jack looks tight but it looks like you have it figured out.

I've contemplated taking the passenger seats out to see if I could sleep in there, I'm 6'2"!

Ok measured. The max length from tailgate to passenger seat moved forward and tilted forward is 6' 8"

The unsupported gap that you would need to make a platform is about 15". That said, you probably wouldn't need to fill the whole gap as the pad would do some supporting.

 

[EveryDayBronco]

Ok measured. The max length from tailgate to passenger seat moved forward and tilted forward is 6' 8"

The unsupported gap that you would need to make a platform is about 15". That said, you probably wouldn't need to fill the whole gap as the pad would do some supporting.

That's a 4 door, mine is 2 door!

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