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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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 🙏

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

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!

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!!

This is great. You're a good designer and you teach well. So kudos to you my friend. No unnecessary blathering...straight to it. Grazie mille!

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

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.

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 :)

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!

Awesome set up! My 9yr old daughter and I are ecstatic to finally set up our truck. Made it look easy and appreciate all the attention to detail. Thank you! :)

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.

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

Thank you so much for this video. We are planning a cross country trip and I was looking for ideas to build a platform and I stumbled across this video. Got the supplies for this today and will be assembling tonight :) This will be my first solo project so here's to hoping! It also helped because I have a sliding rear cargo tray so this video was perfect! Thank you!

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.

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

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

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!!!! 🙏🏻🙌🏼

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

Great video, Nick! I'm a photographer and I was thinking about creating something similar for my FJ Cruiser. That slide out shelf is a must, and a spot for my cooler, tripods and light stands, charging station, etc... so much to think about. I got lots of great ideas from this video. Thanks for sharing!

Very sleek and smart.. watch 100s of videos on micro camping, modifications etc and to me this looks the best so far, and will be incorporating this idea to my corsa c hatchback in the uk..was thinking of putting in a hinge behind the front seats as need to push front seats forward as I’m 5:10 height and my cars not quite as long as yours... Great build and appreciate you putting this on you tube..100% mate thankyou 👍👍👍👍

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!

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.

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.

This is the only design I've seen that with minor modifications should work with my 4runner with 3rd row seats. Great design!

I can't agree more on the "attention to detail". This vid is full of inspiration. Very thorough explanation with the diagrams. Thanks!

made my platform just like this for a VW Touran. It's perfect. No better way to build a bed platform! Thanks a lot Nick! You are a genius!

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

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

This is great! There are very few actual plans online for sleep platforms. I have a LandCruiser, but your video is so good that I'll be able to translate the ideas/solutions easily!

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”.

Thanks for the build and specs. Replaced my other platform and using this design went up higher allowing for getting more gear under the platform than before.

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

Built this platform for my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Followed the color scheme too! It looks AWESOME. Thanks for the video!

You have good engineering skills for what you did in your truck. On top of it this whole video is also very well thought out and instructional, good job Nick Carver.

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

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!

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

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!

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

Thanks for putting up the detailed instructions on how to build your platform. I don't have the slideout platform and it is way too expensive to add it. While I am deciding on what kind of drawers I want, this will be an awesome sleeping platform for my first summer. The LED puck lights are a nice touch.

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!

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

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.

Looking to build something like this for my Rav4 Hybrid and I wanted it to be modular exactly like you have yours. The detail on the cuts and the overview you made for all of those parts was really great. Thanks for the details and the inspiration! Cheers

This is great! I’ve literally been trying to nut something like this out with separate sections because I need to access the spare wheel if need be. I didn’t want to use timber for legs because of weight, awkwardness, and storing in the garage. But these legs you’ve used have given me an idea to recycle an old metal fold up garden recliner that was on the scrap heap. 🤔⚙️💡😃

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

Thanks for sharing. I got a Runner and thinking about building DIY bed platform with pull out trays under the bed. Your video is very helpful. Thank you.

I got all equipment at Lowes, they cut everything; wood and pipe! Thanks for the video, can’t wait to assemble and use.

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

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

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!!! 😊

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!

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

You just save me with my dilemma about the head legs sir. Very wonderful and detailed 10mins video. Please do make more sir.

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!

Hi Nick!. Thank you for your ideas. I was got stuck too long for how to build a sleeping without putting too much weight of wood in side. That steeltek ideas is genius.

Thanks again. I found those pipes at Lowe's and used them. I used 3/4" plywood (really .688 inch) with no under cross supports and it supports two of us without any problems.

I LOVE this! Simplest design Ive seen yet & exactly what I have been searching for.

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.

This just pooped up in my feed, as I have been looking at some alternative shelving for the SUBI. Dude great video - I have a plan to work with now.

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

You are a super minded kind of guy...😂😂 This DIY flat tray got my attention and I will be doing one for my X3! I went thru two 4Runners over the years and loved them... I don’t have a sliding tray but that’s ok. I have a little less space in my X3 compared to a 4Runner. I’ve been watching pretty much all your videos and learning in the process...you know, you never stop learning! I have a Chamonix 45H-1 on the way 👶..can’t wait. Stay safe man...Cheers. Alex

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

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

WOW, I just found how to secure and reenforce my bed in my van. Great vidéo! Love your comic détails nuts side! 😉

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

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.

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

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

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

Dead set, bloody awesome video Nick, and detailed.... :) you've just gotten my creative juices flowing for our 4X4 ! cheers from Australia ! ;)

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

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

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

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

Don’t own your truck (or any truck for that matter) and would probably never be able to put this together, but it was an honest pleasure to watch. Amazing DIY! 👍

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

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.

I really like this pipe flange idea, been looking for a way to have a removable bed platform. This pretty much solves it

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!

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

Great job Nick! i have a crossover, just about to plan my build out. Was thinking of useing 2x4 and 2x6 material for support, but pipe might be the way to go. Such a clean product!

I absolutely love this platform. Thank you! I hope I can put this together myself for my 2015 Pathfinder. I know the dimensions will be different. 😬