Create Your Perfect SUV Sleeping Platform: A Guide for Adventurers

Imagine waking up to the sound of rustling leaves, the sight of majestic mountains, or the tranquil view of a lake—all just a mere step away. This is the allure of living off the grid: your SUV transformed into a cozy sanctuary wherever you park it. Building a sleeping platform in your SUV is the first step to this adventure, offering both comfort and versatility.

Here are ten reasons someone might choose this lifestyle:

1. Freedom and Mobility: The ability to travel anywhere without hotel bookings or itineraries.
2. Cost-Effective: Save money on rent and utilities.
3. Minimalist Lifestyle: Focus on what truly brings joy, free from clutter.
4. Closer to Nature: Experience nature intimately, every day.
5. Sustainability: Minimize your carbon footprint by using fewer resources.
6. Self-Sufficiency: Learn to be resourceful, managing your own power and water supplies.
7. Adventure: Always have a new place to explore.
8. Peace and Quiet: Escape the noise of urban life.
9. Community: Join the thriving network of like-minded nomads.
10. Personal Growth: Cultivate resilience and adaptability with everyday challenges.

Here is a List of Materials Needed To Build Your own SUV Sleeping Platform

• Drill and Screwdriver Set: Essential for securing the frame.
• Saw: To cut wood to the desired size.
• Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements ensure a snug fit.
• Plywood: Serves as the main surface for your platform.
• Wood Screws: To join and secure wood pieces.
• Carpenter’s Square: For precise right angles.
• Sandpaper: To smooth any rough edges.
• Foam Mattress: For a comfortable sleeping surface.
• Storage Containers: Utilize space beneath the platform for storage.
• Paint/Sealant: Protects the wood against moisture.

• Measure Your Space: Use the measuring tape to measure the interior dimensions of your SUV.
• Design Your Platform: Plan a layout that optimizes space for both sleeping and storage.
• Cut the Wood Pieces: Based on your design, cut the plywood and supporting beams to fit your SUV’s dimensions.
• Assemble the Base Frame: Use screws and a drill to build a sturdy frame that fits snugly in your SUV.
• Attach the Plywood Top: Secure the plywood to the base frame with screws, ensuring it lies flat.
• Sand Rough Edges: Smooth any edges with sandpaper for a safe and polished look.
• Secure the Platform in the SUV: Place the platform in your vehicle, ensuring it is stable and secure.
• Add Storage Bins: Slide storage containers under the platform for organization.
• Place the Mattress: Lay a foam mattress on top for a comfortable sleeping area.
• Test the Platform: Ensure stability and comfort before hitting the road.

• Drawer Slides: Purchase sturdy drawer slides that can handle the weight of stored items.
• Plywood or MDF: Use for the drawer sides and bottom.
• Handles/Pulls: For ease of access to drawers.
• Wood Glue and Nails/Screws: For assembling the drawers.
• Steps to Build Under-Platform Drawers:
• Design Your Drawers: Decide the number and size of drawers based on your storage needs and the space available under your platform.
• Cut Drawer Components: Cut plywood for the drawer sides, bottom, and back. Ensure they fit comfortably under the sleeping platform.
• Assemble Drawers: Use glue and nails to assemble the drawers. Secure the bottom piece to the sides. Attach the back piece last.
• Attach Drawer Slides: Secure the drawer slides to the bottom of the platform and the sides of the drawers, ensuring smooth movement.
• Install Drawers: Slide drawers into place beneath the platform, ensuring they are sturdy and can handle the weight of stored goods.
• Add Handles: Attach handles or pulls to the front of each drawer for easy access.
• Benefits:
• Space Efficiency: Maximizes storage space without occupying additional room.
• Organized Storage: Keeps items neatly arranged and easily accessible.
• Customization: Allows you to tailor storage space to specific needs.
• This built-in drawer system enhances the functionality of your SUV living setup, providing a sleek, organized way to store essentials.

Alternative way to Secure the Platform with Tie Downs

• Identify Tie Down Locations: Locate the existing tie down points in the corners of your SUV. These are typically metal loops or anchors built into the SUV floor.
• Attach D-Rings to Platform: Secure D-rings or similar hardware to the underside or sides of your platform. Ensure these align with the SUV’s tie down points.
• Use Ratchet Straps or Bungee Cords:
  • Ratchet Straps: Provide a firm, adjustable hold. Connect one end of the strap to the D-ring on your platform and the other to the SUV’s tie down point. Tighten the ratchet to secure.
  • Bungee Cords: Offer a quick and flexible option. Hook each cord through the D-ring and attach it to the vehicle’s tie down. Ensure there is enough tension to hold the platform firmly.
• Check Stability: Once attached, test the platform for stability by applying downward and lateral pressure to ensure it doesn’t shift during travel.
• Adjust as Needed: Make any necessary adjustments to straps or cords to improve tension and security.
• Benefits:
• This method uses existing vehicle features, minimizing additional modifications.
• It provides a secure, customizable fit, adaptable to various platforms or SUV interiors.
• By securely anchoring your sleeping platform with tie downs, you enhance safety and stability, making it suitable for the rigors of full-time vehicle living.

Healthy SUV Diet Plan

• Breakfast
• Overnight Oats
  • Ingredients: Rolled oats, milk/plant-based milk, honey, fruits (bananas, berries).
  • Preparation: Mix oats with milk and a tablespoon of honey. Add fruits. Refrigerate overnight.
• Greek Yogurt with Nuts and Berries
  • Ingredients: Greek yogurt, almonds, walnuts, fresh berries.
  • Preparation: Topping yogurt with nuts and berries offers protein and antioxidants.
• Lunch
• Hummus and Veggie Wrap
  • Ingredients: Whole wheat tortilla, hummus, sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, and spinach.
  • Preparation: Spread hummus over the tortilla and fill with veggies. Roll and enjoy.
• Canned Tuna Salad
  • Ingredients: Canned tuna, chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, spinach.
  • Preparation: Mix tuna with chickpeas, a dash of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve over spinach.
• Dinner
• Quinoa and Bean Salad
  • Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, canned beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, olive oil.
  • Preparation: Mix all ingredients with olive oil. It’s nutritious and filling.
• Stir-Fried Tofu and Veggies
  • Ingredients: Tofu, mixed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots), soy sauce.
  • Preparation: Sauté tofu and vegetables with a splash of soy sauce for a quick meal.
• Snacks
• Trail Mix
  • Ingredients: Nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate pieces.
  • Preparation: Mix and portion into snack bags for a healthy on-the-go snack.
• Fruit and Nut Bars
  • Ingredients: Look for pre-packaged bars with minimal ingredients for ease of storage and nutrition.
• Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter
  • Ingredients: Rice cakes, peanut butter, sliced banana.
  • Preparation: Spread peanut butter on rice cakes, topped with banana slices.
• Beverages
• Tea and Coffee Sachets: Easy to store and prepare hot beverages with a thermos or portable kettle.
• Tips for Storing and Preparing Food
• Utilize multi-use utensils and a small portable stove for cooking.
• Keep a cooler or small fridge in your SUV to store perishables.
• Invest in airtight food storage containers to preserve freshness.

Conclusion:

Constructing a sleeping platform in your SUV empowers you to embark on endless adventures while enjoying the comforts of home, wherever you park. By embracing this lifestyle, you’re not just building a bed—you’re building a gateway to freedom and exploration. Also, you are eating healthy instead of having fast food, and you have to worry about all the hustle and bustle to get to where you need.