How to Build a Platform Bed in a 2016 Toyota 4Runner (5th Gen) – Step-by-Step Guide

January 23, 2024 Angela Zancanaro

As a jewelry maker who spends long hours bent over my workbench, I often feel the need to escape into nature. My 2016 Toyota 4Runner has become my getaway vehicle for exploring remote beaches and discovering hidden waterfalls. But camping in a tent can be uncomfortable, so I decided to build a platform bed in the back of my 4Runner. Here’s how I did it, broken down into easy steps, along with a complete parts list.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Before starting, I researched different platform bed designs to find something sturdy, lightweight, and easy to assemble. I decided on a simple plywood design that fits the dimensions of my 4Runner. I measured the cargo area of my 4Runner and sourced the materials I needed.

Here's the materials list I used:

Tape measurer
Hand Drill
Pencil
Straight edge
Hand saw or circular saw
Stapple gun
Turnbuckles (Qty 4)
10" x 1" Threaded Pipe (Qty 4)
6" x 1" Threaded Pipe (Qty 2)
1" Floor Flange (Qty 12)
2 Hinges
3/4" Screws (Qty 20)
1 Piece of 4' 6' Plywood 3/4" thick cut to:

43" x 38"
43" x 26.75" with two corners cut at 3” from the edge.

Patio-style Carpet (Optional)

Step 2: Cutting the Plywood

I asked the team at Home Depot to cut the plywood for me. The larger sheet was cut to 43” x 38”, and the smaller piece to 43” x 26.75”. I then cut off the two back corners of the smaller piece diagonally, measuring 3 inches in from each side. I also cut two 4” x 4” squares from the scraps to add height to the head of the platform.

Step 3: Attaching the Platform Risers

Next, I flipped the plywood over and measured where to attach the floor flanges for the threaded pipes. I measured 7” from the edge and 3.5” from the sides of the larger plywood piece for optimal placement of the legs.

I screwed in the square 4” x 4” boards to the corners of the smaller plywood for extra height, then attached six of the floor flanges. Using 3/4" screws, I attached six floor flanges to the back of the platform pieces (four to the larger piece, two to the smaller piece).I added the eye hooks near the flanges to secure the turnbuckles.

Step 4: Assembling the Platform

I screwed the 10" x 1" threaded pipes into the floor flanges on the larger plywood sheet and the 6" x 1" pipes into the smaller sheet’s square blocks. After everything was in place, I attached the two plywood sections together using the hinges.

Step 5: Optional Carpet Finish

To make the platform match the 4Runner’s interior, I added patio-style carpet. I stapled the carpet to the plywood, starting from the middle of each side and working outward, trimming the excess with scissors.

Step 6: Final Assembly

With the platform assembled, I used two hinges to connect the two plywood pieces, allowing them to fold so i can leave it in the trunk and still have passangers if i need to. I moved it into my 4Runner. I used the turnbuckles to secure it to the cargo area to prevent any shifting while driving.

Step 7: Adding a Matress

For extra comfort, I ended up measuring the final space for a foam mattress and had the ladies downtown Todos Santos sew up a bed mattress for me (perks of living in Mexico!)

Final Thoughts:

Building a platform bed in my 2016 Toyota 4Runner has transformed the way I experience car camping. No longer do I have to struggle with setting up a tent or dealing with uneven ground—now I can simply fold down the back seats, unfold my bed, and sleep comfortably with a view of the stars. The extra storage space underneath the platform also means that I can pack more efficiently, keeping my camping gear organized and easily accessible.