How to build a bed in a SUV! EASY DIY SUV Bed Platform that sleeps 2 for $60 - RAV 4 CAR CAMPER

Today I'm showing you how to build a bed in a SUV! I walk you through the steps I took to build a simple & easy DIY SUV bed platform that sleeps 2 for $60 in my 2016 Toyota Rav 4.
This entire build cost us $60 in supplies and a little less than 2 hours of our time. I knew we wanted to build a DIY bed platform with storage for long photography road trips! If you are looking to turn your SUV into a SUV camper for 2 people, then this video is for you!
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Felicia Fullwood is a Michigan photographer that shares behind the scenes videos on her car camping and photography adventures in Michigan and beyond.
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[@catrashoo]

I can't remember of howmany different videos I watched before , this one is the easiest and cheapest to build , thanks for sharing 👍

[@feliciafullwood]

So glad you liked it! :)

[@christinagardener1889]

Love it!

[@nancyjohnson2070]

I too have watched many!! Love your design best!!! I’ll be making this for my Kia Sorento. ❤️

[@sheillaillamohdzain6882]

Indeed. I saved so many. Finally found her here.

[@MetalMilitia072583]

Seriously! I've been putting it off because of the complexity, but this one I can do on a Saturday morning 👷

[@leslieefird7062]

I have saved this to my KZbin library and listen to it often. I’m a 63 year old woman… starting my 2nd life… no idea 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@LifestylebyJayDesign]

Just bought all my supplies! With inflation it was $95! I’m so excited to build thank you!!!! You’re amazing ❤️

[@jacobharris1846]

With many people trying to do this as fancy as possible (which is cool) you guys have actually really filled a void by simplifying this and making it accessible for anyone. Really well done, this is so creative and effective and so cheap. Thanks a lot.

[@Ml65rt]

I actually really love this! I’ve been so overwhelmed with how complicated these other builds are and this looks so simple!! Seriously thank you so so much! ❤️

[@feliciafullwood]

You are so welcome!! I seriously just wanted something to get us out camping so as simple and cheap as possible! Glad it was helpful!! ☺️

[@MsLdyLeLe]

I agree 💯%!!! Thank you so much for the inspiration & build info! Absolutely appreciate this! 💗 Happy camping!

[@rhabdomere]

very nice video. I have one suggestion though: in case of car accident, it might be dangerous for the top piece to fly forward. To avoid this, it might be better to drill a few extra holes and use drop pins to fix the top piece of the plywood together with the lower half ...

[@feliciafullwood]

That is a great suggestion.. thank you so much!

[@catrashoo]

That would be one in a million possibilities, think positively 🤔

[@Gisellxo]

I was so overwhelmed with how complicated was to build those “easy” platforms… this was definitely an easy to follow and one of the few that don’t took out the seats… can’t wait to do it ☺️

[@feliciafullwood]

yay I'm so stoked to hear that. thanks for watching! :)

[@justineisabelle]

omg thank you for making this so simple ive been sitting here overthinking this whole thing for DAYS

[@feliciafullwood]

You are so welcome! I am the QUEEN of overthinking things believe me. So I’m super glad to hear this was helpful😅❤️

[@LiLoTech]

I hear ya on the overthinking. Now, that I have this down, I'm overthinking how to get plywood for a reasonable price!

[@marirose19]

@@LiLoTech Even ply is overpriced bc of pandemic & bc of a few millionaires/billionaires who have cornered the market accd to my brilliant son in law; ticks him off. Is affecting everyone.

[@PeterFrorer]

Fellicia, I just built this bed frame using your precise ideas !! I love it !! Here are my thoughts. Given it is 2022, the cost was certainly no where close to $60, the plywood sheet alone cost $95, the carpet cost $25, the Carpet tape cost $15, the 2x4 lumber cost $16 (two eight ft pieces), the screws and Hex bolts cost about $6, so total cost was more like $200, all of which was purchased at a large Home Depot. Having said that, the final outcome is EXCELLENT. My 2022 RAV4 also was best with the plywood cut in two 32" x 43" pieces just like your 2015 RAV4 but I added a third piece of plywood that is 10" x 43" so I could have my final length at 74" rather than 64". Your boyfriend could NOT sleep on a 64" platform that is only 43" wide, not unless he crushes you. My wife and I will be fine with our final product but we probably will sleep head to foot so that we have more room and don't end up too close together when we truly wish to sleep soundly. I can see why you might prefer 6" cut lumber pieces rather than 9" pieces shown in your video, but I went with the 9" pieces so I could make maximum use of storage underneath the platform. Climbing onto the platform is tight in my case, so no way I can truly sit up or move around with ease. But given that I want to store camping gear under the platform and given that we only intend to climb in the back and sleep, I think we made the right decision, it is not like we are trying to live for days and nights in the back of a RAV4, this new flat platform will save us a fortune in HOTEL bills given how much we like to ferry out to Vancouver Island or head to Squamish for fishing and hiking or south to Leavenworth, WA....so sleeping one or two nights in this manner per trip will end up saving us thousands of dollars over time and will be fun and convenient at the same time. As far as I am concerned, the $200 cost will be saved with one trip to Leavenworth or Tolfino, so using your great ideas has been truly a wonderful investment and exactly what I was looking for!! Thank you for your great, quick paced video, after I found your BLOG, I simply followed all your ideas (after doing my own measurements to make sure my 2022 had the same dimensions as your older model). I am so pleased, with the black carpet my flat bed looks like it was manufactured and came with the vehicle. So cool!!!! Huge Hugs, Peter Frorer

[@UTeeNye]

I always like people who keep things simple and this build is simple thank you for sharing. Now all you need is some plastic bins from Walmart to slide underneath for storage and no need to build shelf.

[@feliciafullwood]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! Tried to keep things as simple as possible. We use bins underneath and we did actually just add a drawer as well and we love it! :)

[@marirose19]

@@feliciafullwood Maybe you could show the build of the drawer & where you placed it. Bins are good to keep critters out of your food I know that for sure. Drawers are good for clothes & accessories.

[@patpierce4146]

I may try this. It’s doable for an old lady like me I think.

[@feliciafullwood]

Totally!! It was much easier than I expected and works amazing! Good luck if you end up building your own :)

[@Gracie18841]

love the fact that the back seats are not just let go forever

[@Jadehaven]

Girl this is my favorite build sample I’ve found yet. Simple and perfect gonna try it out:)

[@TheBerkeleyBeauty]

This looks pretty amazing and very functional. Thanks for keeping it simple. You guys have fun camping, and be safe out there.

[@jamegumb02]

Off the dozens and dozens of videos and examples I’ve been researching this is perfection. Exactly what I’m looking for. No BS and perfect execution for camping and normal life. Great job! Thank you!!!

[@venusxxblue]

This is definitely my favorite build I've watched- so simple but so effective!

[@wakinguptooearly]

This was exactly the video I was looking for…. You hit all the right camera angles of what I wanted to see in that system, and your references to other videos are awesome and appreciated!!!!

[@katilanajameson7296]

I have been skeptical about starting to build this based on other videos and this was so simple and easy. Will be following it exactly and building this weekend. Thank you!

[@jannah4288]

Now this is a great job you've done. I love that you simplified your build. And saved the use of your back seats, as well as storage space, and them not being hindered by the build

[@rinakon9376]

I've watched so many of these kinda of platform build videos but this is the only one that really simplified it to where it was easier to follow. Thank you!

[@karlahernandez5750]

WOW! I know what I am going to be doing this weekend! You made this sooooo simple!

[@essjayyell]

Been looking for a simple bed platform build for my Outback and I think this is the best I’ve seen. Looks super easy and not unnecessarily complicated like some others 👍🏻

[@feliciafullwood]

Thanks! I wanted our setup to be super simple but functional and also be removable. Didn’t want to get crazy complicated and it works amazing!

[@MrCzapczynski]

@Sam did you ever build this in your outback? Did it work out well? Thinking about how to deal with the slight slope in back.

[@rosannelopez]

Love this! So simple and easy to duplicate, thanks!!!

[@debvoz]

I've watched a ton of KZbin videos about car camping platforms and this is the easiest, cheapest and most sensible I've seen. This is exactly what I was looking for and I'm going to use your ideas! The drop pins are brilliant and exactly what I need. I need to be able to keep the back seats free for my dog! Thank you so much for sharing this

[@robiszanto102]

This is what I have in my head, and you made it! THANK YOUUUU!!!!! Now, let's make it myself. 😊

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Thanks for making this feel so doable, Felicia! The easy conversion from rear seats to sleeping space is wonderful. Great design, extremely useful video.

[@smithgov]

Love this simple build and will follow most of the recommendations. Will post what I did when finished. Thank you very much

[@kimberlywhattsify]

I love this! Simple, efficient, completely serves the purpose. I think I will try this for my suv

[@latishavivian8673]

I am so glad I found this. It’s cheap and easy, and I can use my back seats if needed. Thank you!

[@lisawilson9612]

I love this!!! So basic and simple to create! I think I can do this one.

[@KatThackston]

I built one today! Super easy. What a fantastic resource you are! Thank you!

[@nicholastsardoulias1931]

I love the drop pin idea for easy breakdown

[@declanmurphy729]

I love the overall simplicity in both the build and function of this. I may do a single bed version so the bed could serve as a sit up couch, and leave room for a food prep area.

[@leila1019aa]

This is very helpful! Thank you!

[@Texasbelle9]

Great video! I will be building mine this weekend and I've been dreading it, but now I'm super confident I'll be able to do it easily!

[@joannemayzes3842]

Thank you for sharing. I love how you made this bed. My 16 year old daughter and I are going to make this together. We’ve checked out several other videos on how to make them and yours is the winner! She and I have taken many trips down the West Coast from Vancouver, BC to California and back to surf and explore and usually we stay in KOA’s but we love this idea and can’t wait to try it out. Thank you so much. We’re excited to check out more of your vids. Subscribed!

[@douggetgood6062]

Such an easily explained and understood DIY tutorial.

[@sweetchkz]

I like it! I want to start building! It looks so easy! Thank you!

[@maggytorres1085]

Oh wow this has been the most helpful video! Thank you, building my platform next week and with your instructions I'm sure it's gonna go smooth.

[@tracyd7432]

I also love the "drop-pin" idea! Thank you! This is great!

[@kortney3993]

Just bought all of the materials today to start building my sleeping platform in my 2016 Jeep Compass, thanks to this video and your blogpost!! All I had to do was adjust the dimensions to my own car. Thanks so much for this!!

[@jakeschreiner9398]

Used this design in my 2005 Tahoe and it works flawlessly. The drop bolts are great and it’s surprisingly stable! So so easy to disassemble. I love it.

[@GroaningWheat]

JUST THE VIDEO I NEEDED!!! went through so many websites and videos... this is what im looking for! thank you :D Happy camping!

[@jasonyoung1999]

Pretty simple setup. Could add additional holes so you can drop the "pins" onto the second platform to secure it to the other base platform when using your second row seating. It will prevent it from sliding and also store them easier.

[@lindadaly5007]

I love that you have the use of your back seat!!! Awesome. When I build my platform, I will definitely use your system. Thanks so much for sharing your ingenuity.

[@BreefinsKnowsBest]

Thanks for making this so straightforward! I'm building one of these in my 2019 rav4 and this was super helpful

[@lightfast1]

So far it's like the only video that actually shows step by step how it's done. Thank you so much! I saw other people posting the final product and showing it off, but no detail on how they did it

[@Carol_Sweet_1]

This looks to be super straight forward! I will definitely remember this when I do my build! Cheers ❤

[@randyp9491]

this is the vision I've had in my head for when I build mine......and you've perfected it by the split and slide so the seats can go back up! perfect

[@robertp2552]

This helps a ton :X first video I saw an I feel like I can convert my car into a camper for sure now :D

[@monmlam]

i’m building out my highlander to live out of for months at a time and this has been the best set up so far! i love the idea of like an “extendable” bed platform!

[@AudraGibson]

Love this build. Super straight forward. Like the fact that it is quick to set up and break down but you still can use your back seats. Drop pins for the win. 💪

[@jasnoopyable]

Thank you so much for helping me build my first platform:) Great idea!

[@bulabunnies5602]

This is perfect for what I need to do. Thank you so much for making this video!!

[@kirstenjones5331]

This was a concise, easy, cheap, and effective way to solve the car camping bed problem and also provides a hidden storage for every day use! I will definitely be doing this! I’ll probably purchase a couple long storage containers to go under the platform and then adjust the bed height to fit those in order to save more headroom. Thank you for this AMAZING idea!!

[@saint101m4]

Thank you for this, now I have an idea how to build my platform.

[@mikeo.4203]

Finally! A video with the rav4 found this in a recommendation! Gonna definitely build this next week very easy!

[@Niccia]

This video is by far the best video I've seen about how to build a bed in a vehicle thank you! I love how you talked about what other people have done and compared it to what you did! This is gold!!

[@alissapetinge8794]

Incredible video and soooo easy to follow! We just used this build for our Toyota 4Runner and it worked perfectly. Thank you SO much for sharing!

[@mkventures5259]

Easiest platform build on KZbin! Thank you!!

[@Skyclub12]

This is the simplest yet very functional way. I love it!

[@petmom74]

Simple and functional. How refreshing. Thanks.

[@kristymartin3326]

Just bought a new Rav here in Australia and this is exactly what I'm after. Your set up is on point and I look forward to sharing my make in a couple of weekends!

[@philipvankampen3394]

yep, 'drop pins' is the way to go! Great video showing how simple it is to be a weekend warrior on the trails, river or whatever you're into.

[@charitybooher100]

Such an awesome way of making that bed. Iv watched so many videos and urs is by far the best way for me to do mine. Thanks so much for showing how you guys did it.

[@ZORO-hy5rv]

I have had millions of videos stuffed in my brains but yours top above all. It is so simple and yet so firm and easy to handle..

[@marirose19]

Excellent! So simple & straightforward; hope you keep sharing.

[@donalee2023]

Excellent, simple and clear delivery!

[@JB-xs3wu]

This is exactly the type of setup I was trying to come up with for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Such a awesome design!

[@CarlosOnFIRE]

I've been watching so many different videos on how to make a SUV bed platform and so far, yours is the easiest and most convenient for what I desire as well. I plan do one just as you did for my Acura MDX. Thank you so much.

[@Mindthink1]

Thanks for the beautiful bed video. I'm going to build my own single bed now! Keep up the great builds.

[@tahliadoyle]

This is, by far, the easiest and most concise bed frame that I’ve seen online. Thank you for making this video! I have the same issue with the seats being different height to the boot. I ended up making one using your concepts and it’s perfect! Bonus of having extra storage year round when the back seats are up! Thank you thank you!

[@escapewithcharlene]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for, thank you!

[@suyogdani2702]

this is really simple and elegant build. I liked the part of retaining the backseats inside the vehicle. Very nice.!

[@jennifercrum-flint599]

totally love this! My youngest daughter and I travel a lot and we sleep in the car sometimes, this is a GREAT solution . I love that you can still use of the back seats.... for her car seat! thanks for the idea!!

[@1313sp]

I like the simplicity of this one. That's what I need to do, have pieces that stack back up easily so that the backseats can flip back up during the day.

[@LongBranchAlice]

Thx., you are very clear with instructions.

[@lilottawadevil]

We just finalized the same build for ours! thank you very much for sharing!

[@kd-b7340]

I've seen quite a few videos and this is my kind of build! The easiest by far, thanks for sharing and for mentioning the option to extend it further (if desired).

[@ernierb65]

Pure genius and so simple!

[@JeanieMarie]

Awesome video!! Super helpful and this is exactly what I'm looking! Thank you for sharing this with such great detail!

[@bobculhane4746]

Felicia I have the same model car 🚗 as you got my wood cut at Lowes picking up my drop bolts and carpet and wood screws at Home Depot tomorrow. Then my oldest son and I are putting the bed 🛌 together. I actually ordered a trifold mattress to put on the bed stand it's 4inches and folds into a 12inch rectangle when not using it, it's 2.5 hard foam and 1.5 pillow top it's so comfortable. Thanks to you and your grandpa I will be saving alot on hotel bills. I'm traveling to Utah from Indiana next month. Will save a ton on hotels.

[@user-ji4jn4zg3i]

Thank you so much for recreating a blog! It helps not having to rewind the videos to get the details and have a reading list instead!

[@eb-vd7zh]

Exactly what I’m looking for

[@archanaudupa210]

How clever is this😍👌 the drop pin idea is just mindblowing

[@Kerry6691]

EUREKA!!! Brilliant, I have watched countless videos looking for easy build. I need look no further. many thanks.

[@loriwalker-brandon9163]

Impressive design! Love those screws - thank you for sharing :)

[@ChipyRose]

THANK YOUUUU for this tutorial! We followed your instructions and took our first 4 day suv camping trip!!! It was wonderful! Building the platform was simple and convenient! There is lots of room to store things bellow. We even took our little doxie 🐾 Thank you again for coming up with this straight forward Easy to assemble and disassemble method! One variation we did was to invest in a little better grade of plywood ($50) which has better wood to avoid fumes (not pressure treated).

[@ishventurez]

Thank you! I did the full setup following y’all’s instructions. Love my setup. All my gear is stored in the bottom and top is for the cooler and my self inflating sleeping pad

[@adamcotton2121]

I made this with my puppy this morning. A thousand thanks!

[@1017brose]

Awesome, thank you!! I need to build something just like this. Just got a 4Runner and excited to take it out car camping :)

[@kaylamcanulty1692]

easiest, most simply explained, best DIY platform bed so far! thank you!

[@theainiabdul]

This video helps eases our doubts that doing this could actually be simple! Thank you!

[@kristiharman2843]

thank you! this is so simple and straightforward. So many youtubers act like theirs is simple and I'm just staring in confusion. I'll definitely be doing this in my suv

[@deniseochoa3817]

I’ve been thinking about doing this and the videos I’d seen seemed much too difficult. THANK YOU! I will most definitely be doing this!!!

[@fredellis8179]

Great video! I put one of these together for my Rav4 Prime. Love the shelf in the back for storage.

[@LETRONZ]

Droppin' in for your algorithm! I have the same car, so this video cancelled some possible margin error for me, thank you so much!

[@smisplacedalaskan1762]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@heatherangellight8558]

Genius with the drop pins!!

[@ronaldc6564]

Great platform. Bolts for the drop-in pins was a terrific idea.