SUV Storage & Sleep Platform UPDATE! :: With Instructions! :: (A GX470 Story)

In this video I'll walk you through detailed build instructions and the application of a roll-on bed liner to my custom DIY storage & sleep system. Mine is designed specifically for a Lexus GX470, but the concept could be easily adapted to fit just about any SUV, van, or hatchback. If you don't need the sleep system, you can just eliminate a step and build the Storage Platform.
This Storage & Sleep platform is light and super easy to install by just one person. And since it consists of 2 pieces, you can use just the rear section of the platform as a cargo shelf when you don’t need the sleep platform.
First build video: • GX470 Storage & Sleep ...
The entire build came from supplies found around my house and Home Depot and requires minimal handyman skills to complete. The overall dimensions of the Storage Platform are:
- 11 1/4” high
- 38” long
- 40 3/4” wide
The supplies needed for the build are:
- 1 - 4x8x 1/2” sheet sanded plywood
- 3 - 2x4x31 1/4” - front to back supports
- 2 - 2x4x37 5/8” - side to side supports
- 4 - 2x4x10 11/16” - legs
- 1 - 1 1/2 in. x 72 in. Continuous Hinge
- 1 box 6x1/2” wood screws
- 1 box 2”or 2 1/2” wood screws
(The instructions and supplies for the fold down table are not listed in this video)
The supplies needed for the bed liner are:
- 1 quart Rustoleum Bed Liner
- 1 - 8oz container Behr Stain + Poly
- 2 foam paint rollers for fine surfaces
- 1 paint brush for stains
- Painters tape
- Self Etching Primer
- Black High Performance Enamel
- 1/2” Aluminum Angle Strap
This storage & sleep system plus table is a game changer for me. If I can help you build your own, don’t hesitate to leave a comment with your questions below!
Thanks for watching!
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Finding Your Dimensions
03:41 - Building the Platform
09:18 - Installing the Sleep Platform
10:16 - Bed Liner Overview
10:44 - Supplies
11:55 - Applying the Bed Liner
13:25 - Installing Aluminum angle edge
15:55 - Finished Product
16:18 - Closing Thoughts

[@markjohnson6130]

Often the simplest things are the best things, Thanks for the vid, I have been agonising over which ply to use 1/2 inch or 3/4" Now I know .😁 cheers Johno

[@SoccerMomOffroad]

Hey Johno, thanks for stopping by and for the comment. The 1/2” has held up great for the storage platform, but it’s much more reinforced by the 2x4 frame. I feel that the sleep platform is bowed for a couple reasons. First, my storage platform is a little shorter (not as tall) as my sleep platform - a miscalculation on my part. There is a gap between where the sleep platform attaches to the storage platform and where it rests on the back of the seat, which is a little higher than the storage platform. This causes the sleep platform to rise at a slight angle and with weight on it, causes a bow. The second reason is that the legs also may be a hair too long, also causing upward force at the end of the sleep platform, additionally contributing to the bow. I personally wouldn’t want to go with 3/4” on the storage platform because I take it in and out and really like how light and maneuverable it is. However, I wouldn’t mind experimenting with 3/4” for the sleep platform to see if it holds shape better. Good luck on your project! Chad

[@MYSIXPAC2]

Saw it in person, looks good Brother!

[@SoccerMomOffroad]

Thanks bro!

[@bobvaughan3082]

Great video very helpful .

[@SoccerMomOffroad]

Thanks Bob! Really appreciate the feedback!

[@conniewoods3274]

Do you have a video on the table

[@SoccerMomOffroad]

Hi Connie! Thanks for stopping by and for the question. Unfortunately, I don’t have a stand-alone video about the table BUT I do have footage from during the build that I could put together with a little extra filming and voice-over and it might make a nice DIY fold down table video. Not to be cheeky, but if you subscribe, you’ll be sure not to miss it when I post it! Thanks for the idea!

[@calebberkley7081]

I'm 6'3 and wondering if you think I would be able to sleep comfortably in a GX470 with a similar setup?

[@SoccerMomOffroad]

Hey Caleb thanks for stopping by and for the question. As far as laying down sleeping, yes, I think you would be comfortable. My front passenger seat could still move forward another 2-3 inches, leaving more room to make the sleep platform even longer. Currently sitting at 6’4”, another 2-3” would potentially give you 6’7” of sleep space. The only part that might be cramped is crawling in and out. Being only 5’9”, it’s not too cramped for me to crawl around inside. I would imagine being taller would feel a little more cramped. But I don’t think the actual sleeping would feel cramped or uncomfortable, as long as you make your sleep platform a couple inches longer than mine. Let me know if you have any other questions!