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SUV Sleeping Platform DIY: RAV4, Outback, Forester and Prado
You don't need a ute and a rooftop tent to sleep in your vehicle. A simple ply platform over the folded rear seats turns an SUV or wagon into a dry bed, with storage underneath. Google's autocomplete suggests model-specific searches for the RAV4, Outback and Forester (RigBlueprint community research, 16 Oct 2026). This guide covers the measurements, a simple design and the fit checks.
The one measurement that decides everything
Flat length, from the closed tailgate to the back of the front seats (slid forward), at platform height. That number needs to be at least your height plus a little extra. If it's short, you'll need a fold-out extension over the front-seat footwell or a diagonal sleeping position.
Also measure: - width between the wheel arches (the base of the platform has to fit between them) - height from the floor to the roof at the platform position, which sets your sitting headroom - the step or slope where the rear seats fold
Use our measuring guide for where to put the tape.
What we know per vehicle
All figures are from RigBlueprint's vehicles.json, with the original source shown. Check them with your own tape. Secondary and owner sources vary by model year and seat configuration.
Toyota Prado 150
| Measurement | Figure | Source (via vehicles.json) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo length, seats up | 855mm | prado-master.com (medium confidence) |
| Cargo length, 2nd row folded (5-seat) | 1680mm | same (medium) |
| Cargo length, 2nd and 3rd rows stowed (7-seat) | 1770–2010mm | 86prado.com (owner) |
| Width, narrowest point | 1090mm | 86prado.com (owner) |
| Cargo height | 1040mm | prado-master.com (medium) |
| Rear door | side-hinged | vehicles.json |
At 1680–2010mm, the Prado is the only one of the four where most adults can lie flat without an extension. Check your own seat layout, because the 5-seat and 7-seat figures differ. See the Prado 150 vehicle page.
Subaru Outback (current generation)
| Measurement | Figure | Source (via vehicles.json) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo length, seats folded | 1928mm (75.9in, US-spec 2026 model) | suvlook.com (secondary) |
| Width between arches | 1100mm (43.3in, US-spec) | same (secondary) |
Outback height isn't recorded, so measure your headroom yourself.
Subaru Forester
| Measurement | Figure | Source (via vehicles.json) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo length, seats folded | roughly 70–72in (about 1780–1830mm) | autoroamer.com (secondary; generation unclear) |
That's the only Forester figure we have. The source gives it as a rounded range and doesn't say which generation, so measure your own. The same source says it suits sleepers up to about 5'10" (178cm) lying straight, and taller sleepers will need a diagonal layout or an extension.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 isn't in our vehicle dataset yet, so measure your own. We also couldn't find a manufacturer figure for cargo floor length. The official Toyota Australia spec sheet we tried to read wasn't accessible from our tools, and the figures we found elsewhere were US-market dealer numbers, which we haven't used. Measure the flat length, arch width and height before you design.
A simple platform design
- Deck: 12mm ply on battens or legs works for most spans. Go to 15–18mm, or add a centre leg, if it spans more than about a drawer width without support (see what ply for ute drawers). Split it into two or three hinged sections so it fits through the door and folds for daily driving.
- Legs or a frame: set the height to clear the folded seat backs and leave tub-height storage underneath. Allow for sitting headroom above. Plan for at least a sitting position under the roof at the front end.
- Storage below: soft bags, flat crates or a low drawer (see free DIY ute drawer plans; the same method works for wagons).
- Extension: a fold-out flap resting on the rear seat base or the front-seat backs gives you the extra length.
- Rear door: on the Prado's side-hinged door, make sure the platform's back edge clears the door seal and hinge.
90 x 45mm framing is cheap if you need a sturdy frame: NZ$39.74 per 4.8m (Bunnings NZ) or A$19.30 per 3.6m (Bunnings AU) (retail_prices.json, 16 Oct 2026). Lighter battens are often enough. Ply prices vary.
Safety and practicality
- Restrain the platform and everything on it. NZTA warns that folding seat backs "may not be strong enough to restrain a load placed behind them" and says not to rely on friction (NZTA guide). Fix the platform to the cargo tie-downs, and consider a cargo barrier. See anchoring and load restraint.
- Ventilation for condensation: crack a window, using rain guards if you have them.
- Weight: an SUV has less payload than a ute. Keep the platform light.
- Light: see camp lighting.
Related
- Slide-out kitchen module: pairs well with a platform
- Prado 150 vehicle page · all vehicles
- What ply for ute drawers