Simple 4WD/SUV Bed Platform Install | Turn your car into a Camper

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 4th generation Nissan Patrol Y61 / GU 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.
MATERIALS - these are links to the exact products I purchased but anything like these will work. There are tons of ways to build these platforms so get creative and have fun -
- Selleys Liquid Nails: www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-3...
- Galvanised nuts and bolts: www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-m1...
- Galvanised angle brackets: www.bunnings.com.au/dunnings-...
- 3mm Plywood: www.bunnings.com.au/2440-x-12...
- Eildon Charcoal Flat Marine Carpet: www.bunnings.com.au/ideal-diy...
Instagram | jasereynolds_

[@nuthousenut4017]

Really nice build. The only difference I would make would be to flip the hinges the other way and have a small gap between the two boards or the same thickness of the hinge or cut notches out for the hinge so there is no gap. So that way you're not laying on lumps from the hinges

[@jasereynolds_]

Awesome good feedback mate! Yeah I considered that idea but ended up with what I’ve got - the mattress is more than enough to mask the hinge 🤙

[@rafaeldenboogert6853]

Looks great! Thanks for the helpful vid!

[@jasereynolds_]

No problem!

[@xander_m6968]

Definantly gonna steal this, mint

[@jasereynolds_]

Go ahead mate 🤙

[@Ga3000Ga]

Thanks it's helpful

[@jasereynolds_]

No problem 🤙

[@180Straighty]

Perfect

[@jasereynolds_]

Thanks mate!

[@momentaryawe]

Thanks for sharing the video. I am looking at doing something similar, but just for one side of the car so our kid can sleep there while we are up in the roof top tent. How did you support the plywood that flips over the seats (I know from my GU that in general the seats are slightly lower when folded than the height of the drawers I've got installed.

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey mate! That sounds like a good setup. The board that flips on the hinge is just the right size to sit flush with the seats, no additional support required 🤙

[@yasiralthubaiti9796]

Wow, what a great job!!
What are the dimensions? Is it long enough? And what about the height, can you set on the platform ?

[@jasereynolds_]

Cheers mate! Don’t have the dimensions on me at the moment, but shouldn’t be too hard to measure up! I’m 6’4 and I sleep comfortably!

[@graesonsinclair4848]

hey mate, bit late to the vid but still watched it all. I'm a 16 year old kid with a passion for 4x4 and camping. I'm looking at buying a 4wd that I'm 99.9% sure will have enough space for me and my missus but I'm 6'4 and was wondering what mattress you used? do you reckon a swag mattress would work or no? thanks heaps for the idea bro, saved the vid to come back to watch later ❤❤

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey mate, sounds awesome! Yeah I’m just under that height myself but I manage to sleep fine in the car which is good! I’ve got a double mattress from Clark Rubber that does a great job 🤙

[@jacintafoster2636]

great set up! are you able to sit up fully when sitting on the bed or still hunched over?

[@jasereynolds_]

Only slightly hunched!

[@felipeboroviec2420]

Hey mate thinking of doing something similar and I’m just wondering how tall you are and if you can fit without laying sideways

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey mate! I’m 6’3” and I fit without going sideways - I usually move the front seats forward a tad 👌

[@Camh1968]

Hello.
How do you comfortably sleep in the vehicle while retaining adequate ventilation, no insects, security, etc?
Cameron

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey Cameron! I use SnapShades. They allow me to have the middle two windows down, and the mesh prevents insects from coming in!

[@Camh1968]

@@jasereynolds_ many thanks. Also, on really cold nights, how do you stop condensation and the cold air seeping through the metal vehicle body ?

[@j.d8263]

Where did you get the foldable mattress from?

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey mate, from memory I got it from my local camping shop BCF, you can also get mattresses from Clarke Rubber and similar stores 👌

[@BradCleary-qg6gn]

What's measurement for the draw

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey mate it’s the XTM draw from BCF, I think it’s 88 x 47 x 26.5 🤙

[@NOPEFROG]

What was the total cost for the project?

[@jasereynolds_]

Hey mate, not sure! But I’ve listed out the parts that I’ve used for the build - hopefully that gives you a starting point if you’re looking at costing it up 🤙

[@NOPEFROG]

​​@@jasereynolds_ perfect, easy as. Do you remember what foam mat you used?