DIY Car Camping Sleeping Platform: Build Guide for SUVs and Trucks
Introduction: Why Build a Sleeping Platform?
A sleeping platform is the single most impactful upgrade for regular car camping. It transforms your vehicle from "place to crash" into a comfortable mobile bedroom. The benefits are substantial: level sleeping surface (regardless of seat folds), organized storage underneath, better height for entry/exit, and insulation from hot or cold cargo floors.
Building your own platform costs $50-300 depending on materials and complexity—far less than commercial options while providing custom fit to your specific vehicle and needs. A weekend builder can complete a basic platform in a day; more complex designs with drawers take a couple of weekends.
This guide covers platform designs for SUVs, trucks, and minivans. We'll walk through materials, measurements, construction, and finishing. Whether you want a simple fold-away platform or a permanent installation with drawers, you'll find a design that works.
What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn
- Vehicle Specs & Dimensions
- Sleeping Setup Options
- Storage & Organization
- Power & Electrical
- Climate Control
- Pros and Cons
- Frequently Asked Questions
Design Considerations
Before building, consider these factors:
Height
Trade-off: Higher platform = more storage but less headroom
- 8-10": Minimal storage, maximum headroom
- 10-14": Good balance for most vehicles
- 14-18": Maximum storage, works in taller vehicles (trucks, minivans)
Removability
Options: - Permanent: Bolted in, most sturdy, vehicle becomes dedicated camper - Removable: Lifts out, allows full vehicle use, slightly less rigid - Folding: Folds against side/back, quick conversion between uses
Access to Storage
Methods: - Hinged panels: Flip up for access, simple construction - Removable sections: Lift out panels, easiest to build - Drawers: Slide out, most convenient, most complex - Front access: Open from tailgate/hatch area
Weight
- Plywood platform: 30-60 lbs depending on size
- Consider: Can you lift it alone? Will it affect fuel economy noticeably?
Materials List
Basic Platform Materials
Plywood top: - 3/4" plywood (birch for lighter weight, standard for durability) - Calculate: length × width of sleeping area - Often 1-2 sheets depending on vehicle
Frame: - 2×4 lumber (sturdy) or 2×3/2×2 (lighter) - Calculate perimeter + cross supports every 16-24" - Aluminum angle as alternative (lighter, more expensive)
Hardware: - Wood screws (2.5" and 1.5") - L-brackets for corners - Piano hinges if adding flip-up panels - Carriage bolts if attaching to vehicle anchor points
Finishing: - Carpet, fabric, or rubber mat for top - Paint or stain for appearance - Edge banding if desired
Approximate Costs
| Component | Basic Build | Enhanced Build |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | $40-80 | $60-100 |
| Frame lumber | $20-40 | $30-50 |
| Hardware | $15-30 | $30-60 |
| Finishing | $20-40 | $40-80 |
| Total | $95-190 | $160-290 |
Tools Needed
Essential: - Circular saw or jigsaw - Drill/driver - Tape measure - Square - Pencil
Helpful: - Clamps - Sander - Level - Cardboard for templates
Step-by-Step: Basic SUV Platform
Step 1: Measure Your Cargo Area
With seats folded flat: 1. Length: From seat backs to tailgate/hatch 2. Width: At floor between wheel wells 3. Width above wheel wells: Maximum width 4. Height available: Floor to ceiling 5. Note irregularities: Wheel well intrusion, seat fold angles, tie-down points
Pro tip: Make cardboard templates of irregular areas (wheel wells, etc.)
Step 2: Design Your Platform
Basic design: - Plywood top(s) on rectangular frame - Frame sits on cargo floor - Height determined by frame lumber orientation (2×4 flat = 1.5", on edge = 3.5")
Considerations: - Will platform be one piece or multiple sections? - Where will hinges/access points go? - How will it anchor (weight alone, tie-downs, bolts)?
Step 3: Build the Frame
- Cut frame pieces to length
- Assemble perimeter with screws and L-brackets
- Add cross supports every 16-24"
- Ensure frame is square (measure diagonals)
- Test fit in vehicle, adjust as needed
Step 4: Cut and Attach Plywood Top
- Cut plywood to frame dimensions
- Account for wheel well cutouts if platform is low
- Attach top to frame with screws (pre-drill to prevent splitting)
- If using multiple panels, ensure gaps align with frame for support
Step 5: Finish
- Sand rough edges
- Apply carpet, fabric, or coating to top
- Consider edge treatment (banding, rounded edges)
- Test fit in vehicle
- Add mattress and test sleep comfort
Truck Bed Platform Design
Truck beds have specific considerations:
Dealing with Wheel Wells
Option 1: Platform above wheel wells - Height: 14-18" to clear wheel wells - Provides full bed width for sleeping - Maximum storage underneath - Requires ladder or step for entry in tall trucks
Option 2: Platform between wheel wells - Lower platform height possible - Width limited to between wheel wells (41-51" typically) - Less storage but easier entry - Cutouts for wheel wells if platform spans them
Truck-Specific Features
Bed tie-downs: Use factory tie-down points to anchor platform. Prevents shifting while driving.
Tailgate support: The platform area near the tailgate receives the most weight when entering. Ensure adequate support.
Weather considerations: With camper shell, the platform stays dry. Without shell, consider water-resistant finish or removable design.
Truck Platform Frame Options
Legs on bed floor: - Simple construction - May slide on liner - Add rubber feet for grip
Attached to bed rails: - Very secure - Uses factory mounting points - More complex construction
Drawer base: - Decked-style drawers as platform base - Buy commercial or build DIY - Maximum organization
Adding Drawers (Advanced)
Drawers transform storage convenience but add complexity.
Drawer Design Basics
Sizing: - Width: Fits between (or spanning) wheel wells - Depth: Leave clearance for drawer slides (1" per side) - Height: Determined by platform height minus slides/clearance
Slides: - Heavy-duty drawer slides (100-150 lb rating) - Full-extension slides allow complete drawer access - Ball-bearing slides for smooth operation
Simple Drawer Construction
- Build drawer box: 1/2" plywood sides, 1/4" plywood bottom
- Install slides: On platform frame and drawer sides
- Add face: Front panel that closes against platform
- Optional: Latches to keep drawers closed while driving
Drawer Tips
- Keep it simple: One or two large drawers beat many small ones
- Weight forward: Heavy items in drawers toward cab
- Stops: Add stops so drawers don't pull out completely
- Dividers: Add later based on what you store - Labels: Mark drawer contents with labels inside lids ### Advanced Drawer Features Before finalizing your platform design, test comfort with actual camping gear and sleeping bags during a backyard shakedown. Many experienced platform builders recommend slightly angled surfaces (just 3-5 degrees) to prevent rolling during sleep, improving safety without noticeable discomfort. Consider adding magnetic strips along the platform edges to secure metal camping gear, preventing frustrating shifts during rough road sections. These strips work great for keeping door latches or carabiners accessible. Some builders install pull-out platforms on sliders, enabling quick reconfiguration from camping mode back to cargo hauling, maximizing vehicle flexibility. Moisture management in drawers: Ensure adequate airflow below the platform to prevent condensation and mildew. Drill small vent holes in drawer bottoms if storing items for extended periods. Many campers add moisture-absorbing packets (silica gel) inside drawers during storage season to protect gear from humidity damage. Soft-close drawer options: Upgrade to soft-close slides for a premium feel and to prevent slamming while driving on bumpy roads. The cost difference ($15-30 more per drawer) is worth the improved durability and driver experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DIY sleeping platform cost? Basic platforms cost $100-200. Enhanced versions with drawers or quality finishing run $200-400. Commercial alternatives cost $600-2,000+.
How long does it take to build? A basic platform takes 4-8 hours over a weekend. Adding drawers doubles the time. Take measurements one day, build the next.
What's the best plywood thickness? 3/4" is standard and provides adequate strength with reasonable weight. 1/2" is too thin for spanning distances without flexing.
Can I build a platform that folds flat? Yes—use piano hinges to create folding sections. Design requires more planning but allows quick conversion between camping and cargo modes.
Do I need to attach the platform to the vehicle? Not always. Weight alone keeps most platforms in place. For rough roads or security, use tie-down points or straps. Permanent bolting is unnecessary for most users.
What's the best top surface material? Indoor/outdoor carpet is popular: comfortable, durable, hides imperfections. Marine vinyl is waterproof and cleanable. Rubber mat is durable but less comfortable.
How do I deal with an uneven cargo floor? Shim the frame with thin plywood pieces. Or build frame to follow the floor contours while keeping the top level.
Can I sleep directly on the platform without mattress? Not comfortably. The platform provides structure; you still need padding. Even a thin sleeping pad dramatically improves comfort over bare plywood.
How much weight can a platform support? A properly built platform with 2x4 frame can safely support 800-1200 lbs depending on span length and lumber quality. For reference, a 4 foot by 8 foot platform with two adults and gear typically weighs 400-600 lbs. Shorter spans support more weight; longer spans need closer cross-supports.
Should I use treated lumber? Standard lumber works fine for indoor vehicle use. Treated lumber is overkill and adds cost. Just ensure good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. A vapor barrier under the platform helps in humid climates.
Can I use my platform as a van conversion base? Absolutely. Many van conversions start with a platform, then add insulation, cabinets, and electrical above it. It's an excellent foundation for more ambitious projects. Keep the design modular so you can upgrade incrementally.
What if I want to add electrical to my platform? Electrical is best run underneath or along the sides of the platform, not through it. This keeps everything accessible and avoids pinched wires. Use weatherproof conduit for any exposed runs, and consider running power to a power station mounted to the platform frame.