Lexus GX470 Simple SLEEPING PLATFORM Build (Works for Any SUV)

In this video, my wife Rebekka and I build a really bare-bones, simple sleeping platform to even out the back of our GX470. This will make it so we can go camping pretty much anywhere the truck can go, and give us plenty of storage space underneath.
Wood dimensions:
Plywood: 3’ deep X 4’ wide (50-60 degree corner cuts). Hinge piece is 1’deep X 4’ wide
Lumber: 3, 3’ sections of 2X10”
#gx470 #lexusgx #gxor #lexusgx470 #toyota #toyota4runner #4runner #camping #overlanding #overland #Alabama #hills #california

[@littlejln213]

Good job, I love to see people with no experience take on a new challenge. Good for you.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, this channel is my motivation to DIY everything and learn new skills. I hope it can inspire others to do the same

[@littlejln213]

Kudos

[@aQueDog]

Super nice build. Good thing the wife was there to supervise.🤣👍

[@dylanshipp6005]

I bought my gx470 2 days ago, and watched your lift kit install video yesterday. Today I decided I wanted to build a sleep platform, and you posted a video just in time. I’m excited to see the future of this build! Subscribed!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Wow that’s amazing man! So stoked for you getting your GX! Stay tuned for more major mods coming soon

[@GraysdadCal]

Thank you so much. You gave me SUCH a head start. Home Depot cut the wood for me. Without even trying I was all but finished in an hour. I’m going to glue down carpet squares tomorrow. Great organizing space underneath. Simple, fun, USEFUL project. I love the GX470/Prado platform.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

🤙🏼🤙🏼 that’s why I film these projects! Awesome to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@asantos859]

That’s awesome! Even better view of Mt. Whitney!

[@jcman240]

I just scored a 2007 with 29K on the clock, thing is literally out of a time capsule and immaculate... needless to say this is the first thing I am doing, thanks for the vid!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

WOW! That’s a fresh 470 congrats!

[@jcman240]

@@Bada_Boom78 23.5K from Lexus dealer..

[@gunnar9702]

Wow congrats! I paid roughly the same for mine with just under 80k on the clock about a year ago. Hopefully we both can enjoy our GX's for many years to come! :)

[@conniewoods3274]

I will so be doing this in my gx for some fall camping

[@AnkitAryaSingh]

Nice work man, gives a noob like me the confidence to pull this off :)

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

This is why I do it. Thanks!

[@gehdenagena669]

Gonna be a good winter project for my new gx, u make it look so easy i cant wait to try

[@gunnar9702]

Love this - gonna do something similar on my GX!

[@michaelm4358]

Excellent..Has given me more positive ideas on moving forward with my modification in the U.K thankyou 👍

[@DELACAVEZ]

This is perfect thanks for uploading

[@snacking5908]

Did a great job. Better than I did when I got started in woodworking.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks! Hopefully this is the first of many projects so I can keep improving

[@snacking5908]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures adding drawers should be easy. just makes it heavy

[@l5ccna879]

I hardly subscribe to anything, but your easy going non egotistic approach to these projects made me want to subscribe, planning on getting a gx470 soon and your channel will be great help

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Really appreciate that man. I have nothing to prove. Just doin this for fun and trying to keep prices reasonable.

[@l5ccna879]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures that's exactly the approach I want to take, have fun and keep the prices at a minimum if possible, let me know if you are in the SoCal area, maybe we can go off-roading with a GXOR group once I get one lol

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@l5ccna879 yup I’m in Huntington Beach. You can always hit me up on Insta @d_geleris and i can see if I can go on a trip! Let me know how your search for your GX goes!

[@golfmike304]

nice job. I just built one for my first gen Sequoia. I am excited to get out and use it. I put drawers under mine but that looks very functional even without them.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I added drawers(or plastic bins) later down the line! Super functional and simple though still love it a year later.

[@kimberleesouthern8775]

I would love to see pics of what you did. I have an 03 Sequoia I am about to start converting.

[@alphawolfadventures1470]

I built something like this years back for my truck. I just used Tupperware bins instead of drawers. Cheaper, less work and versatile you can grab one with your grille ie and take it anywhere or recovery gear and take it completely out to where you need it etc

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yep! I have some under-bed storage bins that store all my gear perfectly

[@LLCoolPass]

Wow what a beautiful place at the end of the video

[@WendiandGio]

Try through bolting the hinges, so you don't have any hidden jagged pieces from the broken off screws. Another way to do it would to back the plywood with T-Nuts and then the bolt through the hinge side so the bolt would have something to metal to thread down into and you wouldn't risk stripping the screw on the plywood.

[@peterdayleg723]

Awesome video! I just picked up a GX470 as well to accompany my tacoma! Theres a bunch of tacoma content on here, but not enough GX channels! Please continue to make videos of your GX and your adventures!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks man! Stoked that you got one of these awesome vehicles. I’ll definitely continue and have some surprises in store for the channel soon... stay tuned!

[@andrewe.7907]

Quick, efficient and cost effective. Nice

[@jonathanmurgas6414]

This is awesome. GREAT WORK! Thank you for sharing this video, this really gives me an idea of what I wanna do with the suv. THANK YOU!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@casparcoaster1936]

Was great, would be helpful to see it finished, less frustrating, but, glad what you did show, many thanks!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I’ll do a video with a walk around of all the modifications and what each one cost. Right now we actually have these long plastic drawers underneath the platform and it works really nicely. But stay tuned that’s probably my next vid.

[@Moondoggy1941]

I bought my GX 470 almost 6 months ago, So Cal here as well.

[@MrEvodio65]

This will work on my Nissan Pathfinder.

[@many4173]

Well done.. thank you

[@oscar_garduno]

Looks like a fun day project. I think I would have carpeted the individual pieces together after test fitting before the final assembly. Looks good!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yeah it was super fun and yes, you’re probably right. We just had limited time before our trip and didn’t want to sleep on the floor again 😬

[@Gocamp7]

Nice to meet you. You did the hard work yourself. It's cool enough to hit a nice subbed box. Good job. I hope you will continue to upload good videos. Thank you.

[@denniewhittemore5651]

Great job ! I like it a lot

[@cathys949]

Great job!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks!

[@cattnipp]

Thank you!

[@damienbell3155]

Awesome, I’m in Alaska and Mt McKinley would be the highest in North America lol. But that’s equally a majestic view.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Glad I added the correction on screen. I knew someone would bring it up in the comments lol

[@shantelstonehouse]

You could do with either another hinge or one long piano hinge, it’s not very stable as it is

[@sydneyung8841]

Do yourself a favor and swap out those hinges with piano hinges. They’re much stronger and will help prevent the plywood from warping/flexing

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Great idea! will definitely consider

[@oldmangx4704]

Nice job.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks!

[@JohnJohn-fx4ps]

Thanks for sharing.

[@greatpariscars]

Is Rebekka (two kks) wearing a bathrobe? If so props to the hood. Very cool. Eff the neighborhood.

[@hectorvelasco7621]

Hello, I really enjoyed the video. Anyway you can tell me about your roof rack?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Pretty much just the cheap Amazon one. Works ok. Not high quality by any means but it can carry some stuff and looks pretty good. ARKSEN 64" Universal Black Roof Rack Cargo with Extension Car Top Luggage Holder Carrier Basket SUV Storage, Black www.amazon.com/dp/B013COCXDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jlZE5iCMHnAuo

[@tylerdlewis]

Awesome setup!! Do you have the dimensions for your build? I'll pay you through Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.

[@shlomogoldstein3373]

I'm 6'6" but I never really sleep stretched out. Going to build something similar before spring I hope. Great video. I'm sure it will help

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

If you can sleep with knees bent it should work. Just move and tilt front seats forward 👍

[@d.phothirath5084]

I'm flying into Florida to pickup my GX470. I will be sleeping in the rig driving back up to Ohio. 😆

[@CC-ts2se]

Nice videos you have for the GX. I've enjoyed several so far. Will watch more later. But I have a question.. Does the ATRAC work on the rear Axle also? Do you ever feel like you need a locker for the rear?? Thanks

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks so much for watching! Yes ATRAC works at the rear axle. I think a rear locker would be beneficial still. The active immediacy of a locker is definitely superior to the passive (reactive) nature of ATRAC. If I end up re-gearing for bigger tires, I’ll probably add twin lockers anyway. That’s totally overkill for most people. 99% of the time ATRAC is fine. If you are ok with the stock 3.73 gearing with your tire size, I think adding a rear air locker setup is money well spent for sure. That way you have the locked rear and ATRAC taking care of the front. It’ll almost take the fun out of it lol

[@ProcurerOfLight]

Great videos! What year is your Lexus?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks! 2004

[@coreynelson9727]

Nice Work. Love the platform. Also... your Porsche is dusty.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks! Needs a good wash for sure

[@xxmaddog_madaraxx]

Bravo

[@Moondoggy1941]

What about putting a plywood sheet on the bottom of the platform, that will keep the verticals boards stable?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

We had braces to put in but determined it was not necessary since it was very strong as-is. Never had an issue with it

[@3LineFilms]

Thanks for making this video! I'm definitely thinking about following your tutorial. What screw size did you use for the plywood to uprights?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks for watching! Wish I could tell you. Probably around 2-2 1/2”. Just whatever makes it through the wood plus an inch or so. Honestly, it should be based on your feel. Don’t over complicate it. It really doesn’t matter too much.

[@3LineFilms]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures got it thanks for the reply. Appreciate it!

[@3LineFilms]

I'm curious why you decided to use the 1'x4' piece instead of a longer piece? Thanks again for the tips!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@3LineFilms it actually ended up perfectly resting on the plastic child car-seat anchors on the back of the seats instead of digging into the leather. So even with all my weight on it, it’s not gonna damage the seats. Just trying to keep every original part of the car in good shape. I’m sure it would have been fine to make it bigger but I prefer it to be lighter and easier to maneuver. Plus, since we sleep with our heads toward the back of the vehicle, it doesn’t change much.

[@3LineFilms]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures thanks for the info. That makes a lot of sense!

[@dbcoolyo]

do you have to lay with your feet between passenger and driver seat or do you with with them pushed forward?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I don’t use this anymore after getting a rooftop tent but I would sneak my feet down on the center console or between the door and passenger seat with the passenger seat leaned all the way forward.

[@bcbw07]

Thank you for making this video! This is exactly what I needed to get inspired to make one. I do have a question tho. Did you end up securing it to the vehicle or is it heavy enough to not move around a lot?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks for watching! It never moves. No issues at all with this setup after several trips, even going fast over bumps off road.

[@austinnance6152]

What size carpet roll did you buy? and did you buy it from Home Depot as well? I'm building a list of things I need to be able to do this over the weekend. Thanks!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Honest story of how we chose the carpet: We were originally planning on felt, we saw a normal-looking carpet roll and just bought that instead lol it may have been like 6 ft wide or something but I’m not sure.

[@jasonmears4393]

Can you use second row seats with the platform in the truck?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yep. I have my kids’ car seats back there now full time

[@jasonmears4393]

@lexus_offroad_adventures nice, gonna build me a platform. Thanks so much for sharing. Your platform turned out great 👍

[@csgofordummies1239]

How does your storage look now, the main reason I dont want to go with a sleep platform over RTT is because it leaves so little space for storage, like fridge etc. Just hard to fit a lot of stuff with only having the area underneath. Thoughts and experiences after doing this?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I think you bring up a great point with the storage space. What we usually do is just take out our camp gear, sleep in the back and re-pack everything when we leave. It’s not the most efficient system but it’s totally fine for the odd trip. I might consider an RTT since I now have a two month old and it isn’t just me and the wife anymore just for the added comfort and convenience. Overall I’d rate this setup pretty highly when taking into consideration things like cost and functionality but if your priority is quick setup and having a fridge, etc. then it may be worth going for an RTT. Or heck, why not both? You’ll want some sort of fridge slide and you’ll need something to mount it on. This platform would work great for that if you secure it. I did a video on how I secured this platform to the tie-down points. Let me find you the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bF6UqYGAg7ClZrM

[@jamperry1393]

Your Wife sounds like Britney Chipmunk when in Fast Forward. Super Cute!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

😅

[@tylernolan3252]

where did you get the roll of carpet and how much was it

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Home Depot. Idk I think like $15 or something.

[@ZacCostilla]

What mat did you use, and are you happy with it?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Willpo CertiPUR-US Memory Foam Camping Mattress [Single:75"x30"x2.75" Twin 75"x38"x2.75"] Portable Sleeping Pad Floor Guest Bed Lightweight Outdoor Tent Mattress Removable Waterproof Cover Travel Bag a.co/d/h4NPFcP

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yes it is pretty good for a thinner mattress. I have a RTT now though so I don’t use this setup anymore. Was fun while I did though!

[@ZacCostilla]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures building my platform tomorrow for my LX470, using a lot of your ideas here, but haven’t settled in a mat for two people yet. I plan on using my cargo carpet as a template for the top of the platform, and setting a 2x4 block under the rear of the bench seats to level them for the mat.I’m disabled, so climbing up to a RTT is a no-go for me.

[@treedeblue]

Yah looks like a decent build, guy good work! Are you still on air suspension?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks! Nope, got the Eibach suspension Pro Truck Lift kit. Check out the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4SqYY2jq8akepY

[@Moondoggy1941]

How many times did you fill up your tank going to your camping site?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I think i refilled once on the way up/down

[@littlejln213]

one suggestion. I would use a piano hinge.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Good idea. We actually just left that ratty old door hinge in there and it kinda works fine lol but definitely want to upgrade the hinges eventually and piano hinges would be nice and flush, thanks.

[@the2uzrunner]

bro just casually lays carpet on his porsche

[@ShaneB666]

Can you get to the jack without removing the platform?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

It wouldn’t be too difficult to lift up and get to it but I wouldn’t use the oem jack ever. I have an 8 ton bottle jack in the back at all times that I trust way more. Especially off road.

[@DollopussD]

I always think trapdoors are better than drawers, easier to get stuff.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yeah, I’m thinking about cutting the outsides and putting hinges to make trap doors.

[@DollopussD]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures cool, be sure to do a video on it so I have inspiration 👍

[@CodiTheJedi]

Can you still put up the 2nd row seats?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yes! Everything was measured to ensure that we could use the second row

[@dennisdavis9666]

What year GX, how many miles and what type of sleeping mattress did you use?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Mine are ‘04s. This one has around 160 the other has 101k miles This is the mattress we use: Memory Foam Camping Mattress 75"x 38"x 2.75" Portable Comfortable Outdoor Indoor Hiking Backpacking Compact Thick Sleeping Pad Floor Guest Bed Lightwe www.amazon.com/dp/B07D11B2K2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_IX6y1q5RAIVNl

[@dennisdavis9666]

Thank you for the response. Love these vehicles...don't own one yet!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@dennisdavis9666 you bet, highly recommend! Great trucks.

[@johnslechta]

is the sleeping platform uncomfortable due to the upward slope on the 2nd row folded up?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Not at all! I sleep with my head near the tailgate and the slope is very mild so it just elevates the legs slightly. Keep in mind that you can adjust the sleeping position by backing your vehicle up on some flat rocks or traction boards to get your ideal angle

[@johnslechta]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures thanks! also what mattress did you get? and what size?

[@FuryfistX]

what is the maximum floor length is it in there? I can`t find it anywhere on the internet. is it around 70 inches?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Measured from the back of the rear seats? It’s 3 ft. Back-to-front By 4 ft. Side-to-side if I remember correctly

[@FuryfistX]

@Lexus Off-Road Adventures thank you. What about the length from the first row all the way to the latch of the trunk. I'm 6"4, so I'm trying to understand how much length I need to sleep in the back.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@FuryfistX I’m an inch shorter and I had to sneak my legs down the side of the passenger seat even after it was pushed forward.

[@winettemotorsports96]

Do you ever tow with it... like an open car trailer with a car on it?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I have not yet but it has a pretty hefty towing capacity. I am going to get a rack for my 340lb motorcycle soon. I’ll make a video on that so you can see how it goes

[@winettemotorsports96]

Copy that yea just thinking about getting one to tow my race car to the track , trucks are cool but idk not that much of a pick up fan definitely wanna do that sleeping platform you did saves the headache of a tent especially in a down pour scenario etc thanks for posting man will definitely give the video a like and subscribe and will keep my eye on the channel ... will wanna do a slight two inch lift so any advice you could offer would be awesome man 💪

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@winettemotorsports96 awesome! Yeah im a bit of an occasional track day enthusiast myself. I posted a few track day vids forever ago on this channel if you wanna check them out haha Totally get if you’re not into trucks and stuff. You will find, however, that everything is MUCH cheaper than go-fast trackday stuff. You can find my install of the Eibach Pro Truck lift on the channel. That’s about a 2” lift. Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4SqYY2jq8akepY I covered the rear suspension much better than the fronts. If you have any questions about the fronts just comment and I’ll try to help

[@winettemotorsports96]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures haha yea I saw the Porsche in the garage then saw the clips lol do you still go? Yea I was going to take some time to watch the spring install I was just wondering if the springs are better for towing or are the bags better? And the fronts yea will definitely ask some question as I will change the wheels and tires

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@winettemotorsports96 it’s been a while but a 2021 goal is to hit the track more. Springs are just less of a hassle and, since most of these things are 15 or so years old, the oem bags have given up anyway so it’s best to just replace them with a reliable setup. Sounds good!

[@joshuadavis4199]

What carpet did you use?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

The first grey carpet I saw at Home Depot lol

[@charltonpritchett7519]

what roof basket is on the car? thanks

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

ARKSEN 64" Universal Black Roof Rack Cargo with Extension Car Top Luggage Holder Carrier Basket SUV Storage, Black www.amazon.com/dp/B013COCXDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_9TO2FbZSY6BGC Here you go. Just the Amazon China special

[@LookOutside...]

How much does it weigh?

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Haven’t weighed it yet but I’d estimate about 80 pounds or so. Maybe even less. Probably just feels heavy because it’s awkward to maneuver.

[@countdelafey2789]

Everything is fine ... good work BUT ... damn man, even a person who has no idea of such constructions will know that a moving element requires two hinges ... how did you decide to put one in the middle when there will be weight on both sides is a really big mystery to me! Friendly advice from me ... put another hinge on each side (if you haven't already)

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Lol it’s because I only had one hinge laying around and didn’t want to go to Home Depot that day. I assume you agree that, having access to only one hinge at the time, the best option was the middle?

[@countdelafey2789]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures Well ... of course if you have only one hinge the best and actually the only option is to mount it in the middle 😁 (at least revealed what was a mystery to me) 😂 I watched other videos of yours in your channel and I can say that you do everything with desire and reason and I know that if there is a desire everything is achieved. Well done for your ingenuity. I'm thinking of making my sleeping platform in two-piece that connects in the middle so that when I need to have a single bed and more space for a refrigerator, suitcases and other gadgets.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@countdelafey2789 I appreciate it, this one was fun because it was so simple and I was able to put it together literally the day before a camping trip lol That sounds like an awesome design! Space is definitely at a premium when you’re sleeping in the back. Instead of in a roof tent or ground setup so the more creative you can get with variability and shape shifting, the better

[@countdelafey2789]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures I considered the idea with a roof tent but I use the roof rack for the spare tire and other things (below where the spare tire is located I have installed a gas system that significantly reduces the monetary cost of my travels). I also heard that a quality roof tent is quite expensive. I travel quite often over long distances and sleep where it gets dark or I feel tired so I feel much safer inside ... 😉 there are many options especially if you assign the construction to a master who deals with such things. recently a friend furnished an old Toyota van and when I saw what work was done I was dizzy ... there is even a mini bar 😂

[@nos4blood70]

Hey! Looks like a perfect platform. Which pad are you using and how do you like the comfort? Also for the Eibach lift, how do you feel about the ride quality? I have a KDSS truck and want to lift it 2 inches, no more so I don’t make the KDSS angry. Looking for a comfy lift as it still will spend most of its life on pavement.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Thanks! The Eibach kit is definitely firmer than stock but the stock setup was way too wallowy for me. The truck drove way more... sure-footed after I installed the lift. I think it is probably the highest quality you can get for $810. Eibach has a fantastic legacy and brand name, also this kit is made in my home state of CA so you can really be confident in the purchase. If you want to spend 1k plus, I’m sure you can find a softer ride from an Icon or Fox Racing bypass shock or something. But i have never personally tried those so i can’t intelligently comment on them.

[@LLCoolPass]

If you are really going to sleep in the car and use it for all these road trips and stuff then you don't need more than two people take out the back seats doesn't take very long

[@atc246]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@christianhyder558]

Porsche

[@jjohn56]

That poor Porsche

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Yea my father in law just flipped that 996. Wish he appreciated it more but it was a money pit.

[@sxejoshyewa]

Why don't you just book a room at a hotel lol

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

💀💀💀

[@alexr4739]

Very dangerous in an accident

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

How

[@designunlimited6215]

I’m guessing that what he meant is in a bad accident, such as a front end collision or a rollover (hopefully you have neither!) the bed platform would no doubt move and could cause personal injury. You could secure the "legs" of your platform to your vehicle by using anchor plate tie downs screwed on to them, then use some kind of cable to tie securely to luggage tie down fixings in the trunk base. I’m not sure what’s in the Lexus but my Rav Cruiser has these. I love your video - it is great for DIYers who have limited skills when it comes to carpentry. 🙂.

[@LLCoolPass]

Your first mistake is making this platform so you can keep those seats

[@LLCoolPass]

Then you'll be able to sit up in bed and and not hit the ceiling you'll be able to comfortably lay there sit up play on your laptop play on your tablet read a book play with your girlfriend whatever

[@ShaneB666]

I have a Prado which is same as this and that is the issue l have with a similar setup, seat are coming out soon. Also gain a heap of room too.

[@sk8skum4life]

take the seats out duhhh!!!! way more room top to bottom, the seats sukkkkkk

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Lol no, I want the seats