started my sleep platform project - 4 door

Calgecko

Feb 27, 2023

Took some cues from several posts on *another forum* (hangs head in shame) from people who have built a platform for the back, and leveled out the platform for good sleep area in the 4 door.. and today I dove in. I went to Home Depot and picked up a ½" thick sheet of plywood and had them make 2 cuts for me, which make it easier to fit in the bronco for the ride home.. one cut at 32.5" and another at 25.5", also picked up a 2"x6" (8 foot long), some 2" wood screws, and some cinching caribeners ... I had to do some custom fitment for the main platform in the very back to work around my tailgate mounted subwoofer... I used Gorilla brand wood glue for all the parts I assembled, as well as numerous wood screws.. this is the MOST 'woodworking' I've ever done in my life LOL and I'm pretty happy with how it's coming together. I've got about 75" of flat sleep area altogether. Next steps will be to find a way to anchor the main platform down to the Bronco tie-downs in the cargo area, and then to wrap everything in marine grade carpeting.. but so far, so good!!

Reservation: 7/20/20 | MY '21 order: 2/1/21 | MY '22 order: 10/22/21 | Blend 8/5, built 8/8, 'built' status 8/27, in my driveway 10/12/22
Auto Photographer in Sacramento CA:
www.instagram.com/photographybymarkbrooks

Magic Raptor, EGBronc

Last edited by a moderator: Feb 27, 2023

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Feb 27, 2023

Calgecko
Took some cues from several posts on *another forum* (hangs head in shame) from people who have built a platform for the back, and leveled out the platform for good sleep area in the 4 door.. and today I dove in. I went to Home Depot and picked up a ½" thick sheet of plywood and had them make 2 cuts for me, which make it easier to fit in the bronco for the ride home.. one cut at 32.5" and another at 25.5", also picked up a 2"x6" (8 foot long), some 2" wood screws, and some cinching caribeners ... I had to do some custom fitment for the main platform in the very back to work around my tailgate mounted subwoofer... I used Gorilla brand wood glue for all the parts I assembled, as well as numerous wood screws.. this is the MOST 'woodworking' I've ever done in my life LOL and I'm pretty happy with how it's coming together. I've got about 75" of flat sleep area altogether. Next steps will be to find a way to anchor the main platform down to the Bronco tie-downs in the cargo area, and then to wrap everything in marine grade carpeting.. but so far, so good!!

Looks really great. But why not just use an air mattress back there?

Feb 27, 2023

Wolf
Looks really great. But why not just use an air mattress back there?

because it's not flat.. .there's about a 7" difference from the cargo area to the rear seats when they're folded down..plus, don't want to deal with the space an air mattress takes up

Feb 27, 2023

Ok, understood. I guess I'm just used to sleeping in uncomfortable environments. Slept in the back of a Jeep on top of a rolled up Army tent once. That kinda sucked. Come to think of it, I fell asleep in the back of a 1/4 ton's trailer, too? Wasn't good. Keep doing what you are doing! 😂

Deano Bronc, Calgecko

Feb 27, 2023

Wolf
Ok, understood. I guess I'm just used to sleeping in uncomfortable environments. Slept in the back of a Jeep on top of a rolled up Army tent once. That kinda sucked. Come to think of it, I fell asleep in the back of a 1/4 ton's trailer, too? Wasn't good. Keep doing what you are doing! 😂

I broke my neck in a mountain biking accident 22 years ago, so it's important for me to have a level and comfortable sleep surface ... ;)

EGBronc, Laura

Feb 27, 2023

OK, totally off-topic, but in the photos it appears like there is a retractable cargo area cover - is that right?

I wanted one, but neither I nor my dealer could find one to order.

Where did you get it?

Badlands Sasquatch Eruption Green 4 Door Hard Top 2.7 Lux Leather
Reservation 2/12/21 Order 4/2/21
Delivered 1/6/23

Calgecko

Feb 27, 2023

Cool video, @Calgecko. Looks like you know what you're doing. Man those 4 doors have a clear advantage over the 2 doors when it comes to sleeping accommodations! Use it in good health. Nice work. 👍

Chris here. I drive a 2-door Velocity Blue 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands with Sasquatch, Lux, a 2.7L V6, and an automatic transmission. It’s fun.

"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Calgecko

Feb 27, 2023

Tsuga
OK, totally off-topic, but in the photos it appears like there is a retractable cargo area cover - is that right?

I wanted one, but neither I nor my dealer could find one to order.

Where did you get it?

Yup this is the one I got, it's for a 4 door.
and lucky you - looks like there's a $20 off coupon available on it right now.
https://amzn.to/3xUN4BN

Deano Bronc, Bluestreak57

Feb 28, 2023

Nice solution, @Calgecko.The head of the platform hinges back with the seats when you're driving?

~~2021 Oxford White 2-door non-Sas Mid package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top~~
2021 Carbonized Gray 2-door Sas High package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
Keeping the Jeeps: ~~stock '89 XJ and~~ 3.5" lifted '00 XJ on 31s and '89 MJ

Mar 01, 2023

Laura
Nice solution, @Calgecko.The head of the platform hinges back with the seats when you're driving?

They’re all separate pieces, so I can just put the 2 other sections (middle and part by armrest) in the very back.

14U, Deano Bronc

Mar 01, 2023

#10

If you look up deep sleep car mattresses, they come with a leveling pad that takes and additional 10 seconds to air up. I used this on a two week overland trip through 5 states and it worked great.

https://deepsleepoverland.com/produ...t-for-ford-bronco-more?variant=42750960664742

Magic Raptor, Calgecko

Mar 01, 2023

#11

I dig it. I look forward to seeing your progress.

There is no shame in visiting or participating in Bronco6G. People over here are making too big a deal out of them.

14U, Laura

Mar 01, 2023

#12

nomnom
If you look up deep sleep car mattresses, they come with a leveling pad that takes and additional 10 seconds to air up. I used this on a two week overland trip through 5 states and it worked great.

https://deepsleepoverland.com/produ...t-for-ford-bronco-more?variant=42750960664742

yeah, theirs looks nice, but I didn't wanna spend that kind of money for something I might use once or twice a year, plus I didn't want to deal with storing all the stuff.. but it looks like a great solution.

TK1215

Mar 01, 2023

#13

Calgecko
yeah, theirs looks nice, but I didn't wanna spend that kind of money for something I might use once or twice a year, plus I didn't want to deal with storing all the stuff.. but it looks like a great solution.

it all rolls up into a duffle bag size or about two sleeping bags. If anything, it's less cumbersome.

The easy storage was nice so like I was saying, I was on the road for 2 weeks and every other night, I took 15 min to deflate, roll it up, and pack it away, even less time to setup.

edit: I am not trying to attack you or bash on your build, you do your thing, I am just offering another solution with supporting reasons from my real world experiences, all with intent to help and share info.

14U, Calgecko

Mar 02, 2023

#14

nomnom
it all rolls up into a duffle bag size or about two sleeping bags. If anything, it's less cumbersome.

The easy storage was nice so like I was saying, I was on the road for 2 weeks and every other night, I took 15 min to deflate, roll it up, and pack it away, even less time to setup.

edit: I am not trying to attack you or bash on your build, you do your thing, I am just offering another solution with supporting reasons from my real world experiences, all with intent to help and share info.

All good! We all have different needs, budget, etc. different options for different use cases are good!! If I find myself deciding to sleep in the bronco more, I might invest in that setup!

14U

Mar 02, 2023

#15

I love seeing custom builds.

Actually I prefer seeing them.
It’s always a great way to find
Innovation.
Especially when you can get the experience of who did it ,
As in,
What was your biggest goal ?
What was your biggest problem?
What,
Coulda / woulda / should’ves did you regret if any.

From my experiences…
Money is usually not the focal point / drive of custom builds .
The effort time alone is or can be massive.
It’s a passion endeavor.

2 cents here from a another customizer ,
I’m sure you’ve thought of but never hurts to mention.
Carpet strips under your wood frame to keep from scratching your rear floor & mabee a couple of little 1/2” holes that line up with each-other with a 1/2” pin of sorts for when the panels are in the stowed position.
So hard breaking won’t throw them forward.

Keep it coming @Calgecko !
It’s really taking shape !

2022 -2door Black Diamond
Mid Package
2.7. Velocity Blue.

Deano Bronc, Calgecko

Apr 25, 2023

#16

just to follow up - I completed this project this past weekend and am very happy with the results. carpeted and installed, and it gives me secure storage under the platform thanks to the fact that I secured it to the factory tie-down points with turnbuckles. Yes, I can open the factory storage compartment/jack access :) :

Chief Ron, Laura

Aug 07, 2023

#17

Calgecko
just to follow up - I completed this project this past weekend and am very happy with the results. carpeted and installed, and it gives me secure storage under the platform thanks to the fact that I secured it to the factory tie-down points with turnbuckles. Yes, I can open the factory storage compartment/jack access :) :

Thanks for posting. The recessed D-rings and the turnbuckles are solutions I've yet to see. Well done. Researching approaches to make storage platform for my 2 door and this is a big help.

Calgecko, Chief Ron

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