DIY SUV Bed Platform (5th Gen 4Runner & Others)

Download the free PDF design plans: www.nickcarverphoto.com/files...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- General design notes (00:24)
- Plywood cuts (1:50)
- Support planks (3:03)
- Rug wrap (3:38)
- Under-lighting (4:09)
- Support pipes (4:32)
- Install (6:34)
- Turnbuckle stabilizers (7:25)
- The mattress (7:52)
- Mesh window sleeves (9:10)
- Cargo tray (10:07)
This is one of those videos where probably 2 or 3 people will REALLY benefit from watching it. The rest will just have to watch my ugly mug talk about something of no value to them for 10 minutes. Sorry!
In this video I'll walk you through the design and build of my custom DIY camping bed platform for the back of my SUV. Mine is designed specifically for a 5th generation Toyota 4Runner, but its simple design could be easily adapted to just about any SUV, van, or hatchback. And even if you don't need a bed platform, you might like the sweet cargo shelf this thing doubles as.
The entire project comes from supplies found at Home Depot or Lowe's and requires minimal handyman skills to get it done. The platform itself is composed of 3/4" plywood cut to size, wrapped with an indoor/outdoor rug, reinforced with 1x4 poplar board, and supported by Steeltek 3/4" structural pipe. All-in, cost of materials is under a couple hundred bucks. And if you want to spruce up the design, install some LED puck lights underneath and use some turnbuckles to add rigidity when off-roading.
One of the nice things about this bed platform is the single-person easy install and the flat storage when taken out. And since it's built of 2 main pieces, you can use just the rear section of the platform as a cargo shelf in the trunk.
The mattress itself is a memory foam bed topper found on Amazon or at Bed Bath and Beyond. It cuts easily to size and rolls up tight for storage. I also made some custom noseeum mesh window coverings to give me some ventilation at night.
All-in-all, this bed platform has served me well and is reasonably convenient compared to pitching a tent when I go out solo camping. And building the thing was fun, too.
Thanks for watching!
But the way, check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering
Website: www.nickcarverphoto.com
Instagram: / nickcarver

[@trailtrade]

I think why some are suggesting the measurements are off for the legs is due to the different styles of 4Runner. I have a 23 with the sliding tray and the back is already level. I believe there is a slight slope if you don’t have the sliding tray or if you have the 3rd row seats. I like the concept of being able to use my sliding tray and getting the platform above the 2nd row seats so I don’t have to take them out. Awesome design!

[@TheKetchupPacket]

In this episode of "This Old Car" Nick Carver does is best impression of Norm Abram. Dude, you specify the screws, and if you screw up cutting the pipes how to fix it. You sir are a legend.

[@nickcarverphoto]

New Yankee Workshop is one of my favorites! I’m not worthy to be in the same breath as Norm Abram.

[@shelbycarver4353]

Nick Carver gonna work on your cahh in the gahden with Rogah?

[@Wiks33]

I have to say: I have a 4runner, I'm not going to build this platform ever, but I watched this video and really enjoyed it. Probably one of the most professional, no nonsense instructional videos I came across on youtube. Thank you.

[@ccsocal768]

Yup, if you are over 6ft then forget it.

[@twally8324]

Just built this for a 2021 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium (no sliding tray or 3rd row of seats). Great outcome but some adjustments were necessary: Leg lenghth front to back - 23", 12.75", 15.5" 15.5" Had to move the 2nd (from front) 1x4 forward on the plywood 5.5" so that the 2 legs under it didn't wind up directly on the slanted part directly behind the rear seats. Now for a worthy road trip... Thank you Nick!

[@DeltaXi1884]

Am I reading this correctly; Leg height on forward most legs - 23", Rear legs on Big piece - 12.75", all four legs on smaller piece - 15.5"...... as opposed to 23", 14.75" & 12" respectively listed on the plans? Have a 2023 ORP and going to attempt to build

[@TomW-rc8kz]

Hey there, I built mine for a 2021 ORP. Assuming the 2023 ORP is the same as my 2021, you should do the most forward legs 23". Those are the front legs on the forward section. The rear legs on the forward section are 12.75". All four legs on the rear section are the same - 15.5". Also I had to relocate the rear 1X4 on the front section 5.5" so it didn't wind up on the slant. This is a fantastic addition to the 4Runner. We've slept on it a handful of times. Kind of tight getting in and out. You'll need to be agile and preferably not too tall or big. If you're claustrophobic, this might not be a great thing to sleep on being somewhat close to the ceiling. Even without sleeping on it, the increase in cargo space (by effectively adding a top shelf) for road trips make this a worthwhile build.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Nick, these plans worked out well for my 2019 4Runner. Just a heads up to those who also have 5th gen 4Runners without the sliding cargo tray; the middle four pipes need to be longer than 12”. I made all four for the rear platform the same length at 14.75” and the two for the front piece 14”.

[@tabithahilton6790]

Thanks for the tip. I just finished except I used the original 12 inch pipes, I wish I had seen your comment before running with the design. I’m off to the hardware store for 4 more pipes at 18 inches to cut down to 14.75.

[@carloso5102]

Thank you for this info. I do not have the tray either.

[@DaveValHit]

So you used 14.75 for the 4 pipes in truck area? 14 for the middle two to level out and account for slope?

[@ChrisDarnell]

That’s what I did, yeah. The shorter 14” pieces sit a little funny because of the slope they sit on but it still seems to work. I also went with a small ratchet strap because the turnbuckles kept coming loose on bumpy roads.

[@ArtemisTRD]

So wish I had seen this BEFORE putting it all together. Have to cut some more pipe, but think I will sub in some PVC. That steel pipe is a pain to cut.

[@jackhuminski3390]

Just did this to my 21’ SR5 4WD without the tray. Really sweet setup. ~$300 and 10 hours of my time with some help from a buddy for about half of it. I’m not handy and needed to buy the pipe cutter and staple so gun so if you have the tools and expertise would be easier and cheaper. Some difficulties were the 1 1/4 screws you maybe want to go longer. Also had to adjust the pipe length to 2x23, 2x12.75, and 4x 14.75 (front of car to back). I may add a 1/4in dowel to the middle 4 FYI. In addition I moved the front 1x4 of the truck piece a couple inches further toward the trunk to make sure the poles wouldn’t be sitting on the slope since his model has a different floor plan than mine. Still deciding between turnbuckles or ratchet straps to secure it down with the d rings and haven’t slept on it yet so more to come

[@nickohdub]

I've seen a lot of these builds, this is definitely the style I like the most. Minimal and efficient. Edit: I ended up doing this for my 2011 4runner and just converted some of the sizes and it turned out EPIC. I made it lower so I could fit a 6" trifold mattress on top. It now just stays in my car so I can take naps wherever I go.

[@christopherpetro6716]

I have this model of 4Runner and have done a TON of research on home build bed platforms, this is by far my favorite bed build. It's sp well thought out and functional. Definitely want to build this for my truck.

[@nickohdub]

@@christopherpetro6716 you'll love it. The steeltek mounts were not easy to find, the only place I was able to find them was lowes.com when they were in stock.

[@bruceleonard3096]

How much lower did you go? I want a thicker mattress so my nose doesn’t touch the ceiling.

[@nickohdub]

@@bruceleonard3096 what year is your 4runner?

[@bruceleonard3096]

@@nickohdub 2014 Trail Premium. It’s the first year of the 5th generation I believe.

[@jimthompson717]

What a professional quality video and narration. Helpful. Thanks. Use galvanized conduit instead of black pipe. Cuts easy with a pipe cutter. Is plenty strong enough in compression. Doesn't need painting. The pipe fittings will still fit.

[@miya7525]

Just did this on my 23 trd off-road prem. Leg lengths are off in this video, and I see several ppl in the comments say the same. If you did this these measurments, the platform would sink in. To have it leveled, you keep the front legs in the front panel 23" and back legs 14.75". The back panel legs should all be 15.75". In this config, platform sits pretty high which is fine but not good for dogs, etc and you can't make it much lower because the folded seats are in the way of the front panel. Also the screws on the flanges get loose after getting in and out a couple times. Don't know how long this thing will last but i honestly wished i never started. Respect that you tried helping

[@wadeharris3535]

Now I'm looking forward to "Nick Carver's World of Gardening" and "Plumbing Tips By Nick" how-to videos!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Time to diversify this channel.

[@Ficalos]

@@nickcarverphoto No joke, I'd listen to you talk about DIY/handyman stuff all day. I bet you have clever stuff like this all over your house, right?

[@nickcarverphoto]

Mitcham Tuell thank you, my friend. Apartment living for now, but looking forward to building stuff for a house one day.

[@thaixlien]

this platform was so fun to make. taking my runner on its first adventure tonight!

[@ucevrim]

i'm commenting just to make sure youtube algorithm knows I love this genius man.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much for that!

[@scottschulz3475]

Great design Nick and thank you for sharing this. My son and I used this design but made a few minor tweaks to make it fit a 2006 Lexus GX 470. For the rear platform, most of the measurements in the 48 wide direction we kept the same. I'll share what we did because I feel you have one of the best builds out there. Since we did not have a slide out tray, which is super sick BTW, we added one center support in the middle of the rear section and 2 additional center supports on the front and rear of the front section. This gave us a total of 11 supports and the measurements are as follows. Instead of four 12 inch posts on the rear section, we used 5 and made a sixth to have a spare support in case we need to load a heavy item. On the rear portion front section, the floor on the GX does not taper like the 4Runner, so we were able to use 3 more 12 inch posts. On the front part of the front portion we used two 20 inch posts and one 18.75 post that we angle grinded to meet the slope on the middle hump. We decided to add the center posts on the front section because the bulk of the weight of getting in and out of the sleeping platform would be there. If one does not want to use a center post on the front of the front section, you could lengthen the front portion 6 to 7 more inches to get more head and foot room. However, you will need to move front seats all the way up and unless you drive that way, it wasn't a reasonable option if you wanted to keep it in tact. Once could play with this measurement based on their seat positions. But both front and rear sections at 36 inches does work and a 5.11 person or taller can drive with the sleeping portion fully in tact. The only other notable change we did was instead of securing the posts to the plywood with the #12 woodscrews, we opted to use T-nuts and bolts. We used smaller T Nuts with the "D" rings as well. We still used the wood screws to secure more of the 1x4 to the plywood sheet. You can barely feel the T-nuts through the carpet, but we figured we would have a sleep topper on there and it would not be noticeable through that. In our build, we only used the Steel-Tek rectangular style Flanges. For our build you will need the following: 6x8 Carpet 1 Quart of paint, small roller and brush. 4x8 3/4 inch Plywood, Lowes was cheaper and had better quality (2) 10 foot 1x4 boards (Home Depot) (8) 12 inch posts (Lowes) (2) 20 inch posts (Lowes) (1) 18.75 inch post (we did build a bridge spanning the center hump out of leftover plywood scraps to get a level landing. Since we had some left over pipe, we cut another at 12 inches, used some left over plywood and carpet to make a support to be able to use if needed. For the above, we bought a 10 ft and 6 ft section of pipe. We also out a metal cutting blade in our chop saw and cut it that way. (Lowes) 12 Flanges Lowes part number 962236 For the Flanges, we used 3/8 inch T nuts to secure them. The ideal length is 1 3/4, but all we could find were 1 1/2 or 2 inch. We had to add washers to the 2 inch or not use any on the 1 1/2, so we opted for the 2 inch. (12) 1 inch Rubber Let Tips (Home Depot) Box of 50 #12 x 1 1/4 wood screws (Home Depot) Box of 50 1/4 inch x 1 1/2 Round head machine screws (Home Depot) (12) 1/4 T Nuts (Home Depot) (24) 3/8 inch T Nuts (24) 1 3/4 machine screws 6 Turn Buckles 3/8 x 7 3/4 (Home Depot) 6 Quick Links 3/16 (Home Depot) Staple Gun 9/16 inch Socket & Ratchet Tape Measure Ruler A Speed Square, comes in really handy. Hammer. Chop Saw with a metal cutting blade, I guess Lowe's will cut your posts too. Hand sander to smooth the edges. I had Lowes cut the plywood, 36x48, 36x30 and 36x18. (4) 1x4 47.75" Long (1) 1x4 38.75" Long It was a fun project that took us about a day and a half and 6 trips to Home depot and Lowes and we kept making tweaks here and there. Thank you again...maybe we will see you out there!

[@maximpopov9891]

Hello, do you think you could make and upload a quick video of your build? I have the same vehicle and would want to use your design if you don't mind. You have very clear instructions, but it would be beneficial for visual learners like myself to see the platform. Thank you!

[@scottschulz3475]

@@maximpopov9891 It is my son's vehicle and he is now in Colorado. I may have a few photos, but no video's, sorry.

[@maximpopov9891]

@@scottschulz3475 Thank you for your response! Do you lift and lock the second row seats at the second position up against the front seats?

[@scottschulz3475]

@@maximpopov9891 No, we designed the system so he could lay his second row seats flat (you do have to remove the headrests). With the seats leaning forward, there was not enough room for him to lay down. That way if he needed to transport more people he had the option. He decided in the end to remove the second row seats completely to gain more storage space. FYI, a Yeti 45 fits under the deck perfectly.

[@maximpopov9891]

@@scottschulz3475 Thank you so much!

[@daryljohnson9010]

I was in and out of a 5th Gen 4Runner yesterday trying to figure out how to sleep in there at 6’ 7” with camera gear, clothes, food, water, and adequate sanitation. This definitely helps me think things through. Thank you.

[@MarioLoco03]

I built this exact platform based off the plans that were provided. Held up very well on a 1 week trip with significant off-roading. The turnbuckles start to shake loose after a while but that is an easy adjustment. I also ended up using bolts instead of screws to secure those fittings that the pipe insert into. The screws didn't hold up too well from the off-roading. I've had it for 2 years now and it's still going strong!

[@EPiQ_cR]

Getting set up for overlanding as a way to get myself back into landscape photography. Glad the youtube algorithm suggested this video to me today.

[@yakinkate7946]

Awesome video. Would love to see you get in and out of the sleeping area!

[@beckyberg2458]

Hey Nick, don't know how often you check your comments section but I built this platform with some minor adjustments and thought I'd report back on a very specific change that improved this design a TON for me. The issue was turnbuckles. I'm somewhat convinced that turnbuckles are the worst because any kind of bumpy road/vibration will cause the turnbuckle to spin out and loosen. Every test road I took it on with monster potholes they were almost completely loosened by the end of and who wants to retighten those things after every since road? Only really expensive turnbuckles have a locking mechanisms and the extra metal bits jangling around added road noise. Lashing straps seemed like the right way to go, but ratchet straps are too wide, too long, and have that giant bulky mechanism to content with AND they're also kind of expensive. I found these NRS 1" lashing straps that work PERFECTLY and don't loose their tension the way the turnbuckles do. You can order them in different lengths, and I only needed 4 total for the original d-ring location in your plans. I used x2 3' straps for the back anchor points and x2 6' (I probably could have used 4' though) to thread through V style for the center points. They also come in black. www.nrs.com/product/1440/nrs-1-hd-tie-down-straps Because of the wiggle room the steeltek receivers have, I wrapped the base of each pipe with some black gaffer tape to reduce wiggling, road noise, and tighten the grip slightly. The d-rings I bought came in a 4 pack and the front of the center platform still wiggled a bit so I added the remaining d-ring anchors to the front mirroring the other side. Then I used a couple more straps to anchor those d-rings (you can get away with 2' straps or possibly even 1' depending on where you put your d-rings) to lash the front of the platform to the rectangular anchor point in the center of the bottom seat cushion. This further reduced platform wiggle. My overall results look a little different because I used a lot of scrap wood/leftover paint I had laying around but I think this is a fantastic system and I'm happy I built it. Thanks for sharing the plans, and I hope anything I wrote here might be of help to you!

[@woodducc]

I don't even own a 4runner or camp in my vehicle, yet I enjoyed watching this. 10/10

[@vanessadu9216]

This is exactly what I am looking for! Cannot wait to put a bed in my SUV. Thank you so much!!!

[@zenofthemoment]

Did this today with my '18 SR5 without the sliding cargo deck. Instructions were basically spot on. I moved the front two legs out the the widest point possible. The only other significant change was the rear legs on the front section, those ended up being 11" long instead of 14.75". Alternatively, I think you could leave those 14.75", and make the 4 rear section legs about 15.75", which should be level, but taller. In my case, I wanted the rear to be a little lower. This also means the front isn't level, it's at a slight angle, which is a good trade-off for my needs. Rear hatch pop & window control harness and switches are on their way. That's the final piece for me on this project. Thank you for the tutorial and the PDF! Simple and effective, and it'll make my frequent cross country road trips with my dogs so much better. Cheers! 🍻

[@19bmk90]

Just made this over the weekend with our '17 SR5 and those measurements for the 4 back legs are correct (15.75") for it to be level. And we moved the 14.75" legs to the back of the front half, and moved those mounts in to 9.25" so they would sit where the D-rings go so they sit level. Other than that everything was the same.

[@miya7525]

Thank you for confirming this. I’m just about done with my project and was wondering why level was so off. Did some testing and came to the same conclusion as yours

[@nathanc108]

Quality of this video and the simplicity of the explanation is unreal!

[@aboud510]

I surprisingly enjoyed this video way more than I thought I would, Nick never disappoints.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I appreciate that! Was a little worried I was turning my back on most viewers with this one.

[@Sassytalker530]

I just want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I was able to do this! You were excellent at describing how to do it. Also you pdf design was PERFECT!!. I just went to Lowes and had the boards cut to your specifications and did exactly what you said and it worked. I was too intimidated by this who thing until I saw your video. It was so well laid out. Having it in pieces made it so much easier to manage.

[@neilking9894]

Was shown this inconveniently AFTER I built my bed platform in my SUV. I love this design. It looks so easy to set up and store! I’m definitely going to steal a few details from your design, Nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Damn! I knew I was late.

[@davids9577]

Great idea to add in the turnbuckles. I often wonder as I watch these DYI in-car camping videos what happens when an accident causes instant deacceleration. Your idea would do away with that feeling that you could take a fatal blow to the back of your head by your own bed platform while driving down the road.

[@nickcarverphoto]

A few people have asked about the height on this platform. You can make it shorter if you're willing to remove the rear seats rather than just fold them up. I made the platform as tall as I did so that I wouldn't have to remove the rear seats. If you look at minute 7:13 in the video, you'll see that the platform sits just on top of the folded up seats. If you remove those, you can drop the platform several inches until it hits the wheel wells.

[@rvansplinter]

How high does your current configuration sit above the wheel well? Adjusting pipe heights accordingly...

[@SEEZELIFE]

I have a configuration that allows for a shorter platform for more head room and doesn't require you to remove the rear seats. Check out the video on my channel. Great work by the way! SEEZELIFE!

[@strumstrumstrum]

Hi Nick - do you happen to know how far in you out the d-rings (the center connects) - I figured out the ones for the trunk area but can’t tell about the others.. looks like about 4” in? Thanks!!

[@treybaskett9347]

I echo all of the comments here about the great, but simple, design of this platform. I built it over the course of a couple of weeks as I sourced materials. I also had Lowe's cut the pipe for me on their machine. I'm no finish carpenter. Nick, you did an outstanding job of walking us through the build and providing the design. This thing adds so much functionality to my 5th Gen 4R. Couldn't be happier. The only modification I made was to the length of the 4 center posts. Because I don't have the pull out tray the four center posts were short. I added roughly 2 inches to Nick's dimensions to level the front and back decks. The two middle posts on the front platform sit directly on the ramp in the center of the cargo area that is part of the folding rear seat frame when they are down. They tend to shift a little bit on the ramp. This means you might need to make a few adjustments to height in order to tune the fit. No big deal. I took it to the backcountry last weekend. Performed like a champ. Thanks, Nick! Keep up the good work.

[@coreyhart1850]

Nick Carver 2020 “Yeah, I’m pretty great.” 😂👏🏼

[@nickcarverphoto]

Not just any old mind can come up with the genius that is notching out the corner of a memory foam mattress. Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Nick Carver.

[@dpratt2000]

Note key word "pretty".

[@1958zed]

You didn't demonstrate how easy or challenging it is to get in and out of your bed.

[@marcust.5754]

@@1958zed Via the left back door I guess , removing that part of the platform. Stiil a bit claustrofobic .

[@kylerodriguez6817]

I’ve been looking at so many different videos on this and I keep coming back to yours. This is the best and easiest one to do.

[@MichaelRungPhotography]

DUDE... This is almost exactly what I decided I wanted to do after a recent trip to CO. I'm giddy with excitement. Haha

[@nickcarverphoto]

Boom! Glad I'm not the only one who gets giddy about DIY bed platforms.

[@paulaandress4551]

I just put my name on the waiting list for a 2024 4Runner. And I had this idea for a hinged 2 piece, but I couldn't figure out the 3rd piece for the cooler. And you put it all together like fitting a puzzleI LOVE this layout the best! Creatively done! Love the lights! BRAVO!!! And thank you!!! 😊

[@huntstyle]

Dude, this is the best sleeping platform I've seen! I was already thinking of painting the exposed wood black... not sure why more people don't do that! And wrapping the carpet around the edges... looks much more professional. Love the idea for the steel pipes as supports so that they can be removed to take up less storage space (which I'm short on). Great job, I'm gonna use this as inspiration for mine!

[@filmbyhari]

I totally expect to see a darkroom behind your truck one day!

[@nickcarverphoto]

The day I finally let myself try wet plate collodion, I’m sure I’ll fall deep in that rabbit hole and have to start bringing a darkroom with me in the field.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

@@nickcarverphoto Maybe the New55 film was your way of developing in the field?

[@rahulsaxena6511]

Way more better than other platform beds videos. Technically designed with attention to details and very well explained.

[@derekzimmer6335]

So, I took screenshots of key parts of the video. Even took notes on the screenshots. Just prior to the end of the video, I thought: Does my Toyota Highlander have D-rings? Hallelujah, it does! Great video! Great concept, even down to using dowels for subtle leveling adjustments. Thank you for your efforts!

[@eggyjones]

I know nothing about cars, DIY or camping but I could watch everything you throw at us! Thanks for the content man.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@eggyjones]

@@nickcarverphoto sent you $20 man, its not much I know but it may pay for a shot of New 55. Thanks again pal

[@nickcarverphoto]

You’re the man! Thank you!

[@patdry]

love how passionate you are about everything you do 🙏🏼 keep it up nick 😎

[@misterdavidmccoy]

Wow this video was so impressive. Instructions were nice and clear and the presentation was joyous.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Haven’t got a 4Runner... Haven’t got a car... Haven’t got a driving license... Still watched it all because, you know... Nick...

[@robyoung125]

I think I could watch him prepare breakfast

[@KonradSarnowski]

Same here xD

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, my friend!

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

@@robyoung125 We have watched him prepare breakfast, search for the saguaro cactus vid's from 2 years ago.

[@paultaylor5513]

I don't have a car, not interested in cars, or driving, not interested in photography, not interested in men with beards, not interested in other people's cars, not interested in Orange County, Southern California, not interested in deserts, or people explaining things they've done to their car...you get the idea. But I still watched the video.

[@FunnyNESS]

You sir. Are an amazing human. Free pdf....free instruction..parts list...AND a video showing it animated. Dude. Thank you. Beyond thank you.

[@Sblancotx]

Amazing video, the attention to detail was incredible. Building one immediately for an upcoming Big Bend trip, can't wait to break it in!

[@royzfr1]

"hands down" Yours is the best design by far

[@gypsybelle4757]

I am *loving* your attention to details! The opposite corners of the foam overlay having the same notch cut as the bed was perfection. Thank you so much for sharing your build.

[@lenblatz3410]

This is by far the best design and functionality that I have seen so far for the runner . Can’t wait to build our own thank you for the ideas

[@nomsolo9935]

Some really great ideas in this video. The pipe hardware solves a lot of problems others have struggled with on these diy platform builds. Nice work.

[@dickspade7045]

Great design, workmanship & narrative, thanks for sharing.

[@shannonpalmer]

I’ve been watching your channel for film photography stuff for a couple of years, but as luck would have it, I’m also in the process of making a minivan camper, so it’s pretty awesome to see this here :)

[@esearles7839]

This was amazing. Your mind made me smile at every new brilliant idea you shared. LOVE this and determined to build it for my 4runner. Thank you!

[@PrivacyPlease_]

This is the best bed build I've seen yet!!! THANK YOU!

[@stevenxchang]

Man, I love how you present the contents! An engineer's approach and thoroughness! One of the best out of millions 4runner self made camper vids!

[@billykepler487]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Very helpful.

[@jvl2552]

Really awesome. I like the simplicity of the platform and how finished it looks when installed. Thank you for sharing.

[@RevirescoLTD]

What a great DIY video. I love the diagrams that you provided. Great work!

[@mattkoch1456]

bro, this is so well organized and you give away free plans.. all I can say is THANK YOU

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Great setup! This is the cleanest, simplest SUV sleeping platform out there.

[@deehouse7400]

Awesome job, I love the step-by-step detail. Gonna use this idea for my ford Expedition!

[@docgeo1779]

Strong work. Great job. Very professional design, install and video overall.

[@nikstone2420]

This is exactly what I want to do with my Explorer. Thank you so very much for the info my friend. Happy trails.

[@AZWCAT88]

I looked at a lot of options and I liked yours the best for my 2020 4Runner. There’s more clearance sleeping with my head towards the hatch back.I also lost some clearance by having to raise the board above the cup holders for the 3rd row seat. The length was just perfect for my height (5’2”). A taller person would need to extend the platform further toward the driver seats. The cutout is genius! Makes it so much easier to get out of the car. Thanks for the design!

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

Love the simplicity of the design

[@jengalloway4961]

Dude this is the best design I have seen. Totally fits my needs and hobby. Thank you for sharing. Love your attention to detail.

[@gregoryfoster8179]

Very nice set-up and your attention to detail is appreciated and even envied! I did pick up a couple of good points. Thanks for sharing. Good luck.

[@larrywallace3637]

You're quite humble too. But seriously, very nice set up.

[@black7rob]

Thank you Nick! I used your design for inspiration and I'm very happy with it.

[@user-kq7hb4mf7l]

Nick, we just finished the build. It’s perfect!!

[@corikk]

This was awesome! Thank you for sharing everything you did for this platform!

[@travisevans5701]

So thorough and detailed. This video is great! Going to use all this info on my 2016 Limited👍🏽

[@davidfain1454]

Nick, great video! I love your shut up and your attention to detail. Much appreciated. Keep up the good work

[@woadscout9955]

I have a 2015 Trail and this is awesome. Thanks for posting with all the specs!

[@nwilson228]

Thank you for making this video! Adapted this same concept to my 100 Series LandCruiser. thanks!!

[@rhombus2212]

Super elegant design! Love the legs + set screws for quick isntall/removal

[@Sixxiron]

Great video and even better platform design - very cool!

[@bluebaconjake405]

8:38 i love it when he thinks he’s so smart and great because he actually is lmao “Yeah, im pretty great” xD

[@weewee9464]

I love how simple but very used full your design. Thank you

[@jays_a_jinx95]

Oh perfect! I’ve been having so much issues finding a frame design that would work with my seats as they fold like your and not like others Thank you so much!!

[@sikesy7]

This has to be the most informative build video on KZbin. Thank you sir

[@paulscottfilms]

Very impressive. I liked the attention to detail to make sure one's feet keep tidy and in place..

[@dereksturman58]

Dude! THANK YOU! Haha this is EXACTLY what I needed! Clean, simple, direct, hard to find videos that answer the questions directly so quickly!

[@beharford]

Very nicely done! You've aptly demonstrated how attention to detail and taking time to add finishing touches takes a project from 'Redneck DIY' to 'Professional' And I'll echo what others have said....you're an excellent orator!

[@jackhuminski3390]

This is the best 4Runner sleeping/organization setup I’ve seen

[@likeitartloveit]

This is the most legit platform I’ve found on KZbin so far. Great work man ✌🏽

[@theraptureisnearbelieveinj7695]

Awesome build and easy-to-understand directions! Thanks so much! :)

[@ginamacaluso5820]

Well done, man. I’m really impressed with your attention to detail. I will be referring back to this video when I outfit my car for camping trips. Thank you!

[@WestHaddnin]

This is genius!!!! Will do this on my HighlAnder this weekend !

[@ReadySetElement]

Nick thank you for sharing this. Your attention to detail is awesome! I'm the same way. We built something similar to this for our Honda Element when we do stealth camping. After watching yours I want to rebuild mine, really like your idea. Thanks again Nick 🙏

[@catherinelauda6948]

So precise! Thank you! I will check those structural pipes.

[@suzyn4447]

Thanks for this great detailed how to video. We are planning to get a 4Runner next year and this is exactly what we want to build.

[@strumstrumstrum]

Ahhhh this is SO GOOD!!! Have been looking for something like this (with attention to detail) and this is PERFECT! Thanks for sharing the dimensions too!!!! 🙏🏻🙌🏼

[@KG-cl9gv]

I like the spot “where the feet can land” area !! I found having this is easy to get out of the back fast and my shoes, water and keys lay. They lights are a good idea too

[@johnellebaker3725]

I really like the platform you did a great job. Love the bug screen.

[@billywalker2506]

Very, very, did I say VERY good info as I'm looking at a 4Runner as we speak. As usual, great job Nick!!

[@tallgirlhappyme]

*Dang, you are my kinda guy.* Pretty great! Thanks for all the deets!

[@mattnichols9158]

Loved it so much im one of the few nick that is building it. Just have to go get the carpet tomorrow. Thanks for a GREAT PROJECT

[@suzanneashford7276]

Awesome. I have a GX 470, but really love the detail I give

[@SProductions166]

Defiently doing this next weekend! thank for all the detail!

[@williamcallaway2228]

Very resourceful, very creative. I have the camper and a bed slide, just need the sleeping platform. This is perfect! Well done sir!

[@thewongster99]

Buying a 4runner in a couple of months. been watching many videos on different designs. Ended up going with yours! Thanks for the awesome vid!

[@bruceleonard3096]

Thank you! I’ve got the same model 4Runner and was looking for a video like this. Thanks for including the exact dimensions and making my life easy. No need to reinvent the wheel.

[@kathleeniman2672]

Excellent video, great help as I’m in process of building a platform in my Fj Cruiser. Thank you so much!!!!