Here’s a platform I made for the inside of my 1987 Toyota 4wd Van. Obviously dimensions can be altered to suit your needs. I have made multiple platforms for various vehicles I’ve owned over the years, but wanted this one to be better than most of the wood ones I’ve made. I decided on MIG welding a frame of 1”x1”x0.125” aluminum tubing (due to the strength and lightweight of this versus a wood platform) and covering it with 1/2" plywood. I had some D grade plywood lying around, so used that at first, but will be replacing it with Birch or similar hardwood plywood soon. I designed the platform in two pieces, with one coming out the slider and one coming out the back. The rear piece can stay in while the middle bench is being used, but does not allow the middle bench to be reclined flat into sleep/bed mode. I made a mockup of the platform allowing the middle bench to be used in this way, but the overall platform was not as stable and I preferred for this platform to be as stable as possible. I will be building an additional rear platform that will allow me to use the middle bench in sleep mode. OD dimensions of the Rear Platform are 52” wide X 46” long X 14” tall and OD dimensions for the Front Platform are 48” wide X 35” long X 14” high. The front 12” of the rear platform is one long hatch to aid in access, the front platform can be slid out to access the batteries, and I have the pieces to cover the openings when using only one cooler. I will be using the Deluxe Barrel Catch (P/N 01103 for 6 pack) to hold down the hatches, with small holes drilled to get a finger in and lift them up. For now I’m using 2 Thermarest DreamTime XL pads (77”x30”x3.5”), but will be replacing them with a custom Western Road Sleeper mattress (80”x50”x5”). I designed the platform at this height to try and maximize headroom with the 5” mattress, while still allowing good storage underneath with Medium sized Rubbermaid tubs, Action Packers, and milk crates. I also spaced out two spots so I could drop in 1 or 2 of my 65qt coolers,,, since the coolers are 14.5” tall, they needed to be dropped in, but the mattress makes the 1/2” difference unnoticeable, and they are basically locked in and do not move at all (which is key while tailgating or day trips, when cooler is loaded but not much else is packed around it). I could’ve made the platform about 2” taller and the coolers could’ve slid in, but decided to go the route I did after weighing pros (sliding in a full cooler is easier, flush top height, draining cooler w/o removing it) and cons (seated height, cooler stability as noted above, ease of opening). Next step will be to replace my carpet with vinyl, to save my good carpet and ease cleanup. I’m sure I’m forgetting some key points,,, but let’s get on with the pictures.
Here’re both pieces before plywood top is added.
Here’s the plywood top, showing cooler drop slot.
Here’s middle bench seat and rear platform.
Yup, its doggie approved.