Car Camping: Subaru Crosstrek Sleeping Platform Build
Here's how I built a foundation for a good night's sleep.
Disclosure: Escape With Charlene is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as other affiliate programs. If you purchase a product/service through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
As I traveled out west in the early 2010s, my love of nature grew. I explored the wilderness of New Mexico and later rural New Mexico and California. Long dirt roads called to me, but I didn’t have a car that was appropriate to explore them. My ‘97 Corolla could go most places, but I knew that in the future, I’d want something with a bit more capability.
Enter Jackie, my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Along with the ability to take on rougher roads, part of the draw was knowing that I could comfortably sleep inside. Tent camping is fun, but I’ve never been able to master cold-weather camping. Either way, this would allow for more year-round camping experiences. And, when I traveled cross country, I could save on accommodations.
My test run (without a platform) while traveling up north earlier this year wasn’t terrible. With the backseat down, there is a slight hump where my hips are positioned, and there is an expansive gap between the front passenger seat and the folded-down backseat. With a sleeping platform, this could be corrected.
After weeks of reading and watching Youtube videos, I felt comfortable enough to start the build.
THE REQUIREMENTS
Setup and breakdown should take a minute or less.
Can’t be permanent or too bulky in case I need to access my spare tire. (Tire will be moved outside once a hitch is installed.)
Needs to be at least 6’ long.
Needs space underneath for storage containers and a pull-out cooktop (to be installed later.)
I need to be able to use the tools we already have on hand.
Shouldn’t cost more than $200
THE RESULTS
COST
24x24” wood panel (3) - $19.99 each
5” Adjustable Metal Legs (Pack of 4) - $17.99
Mending Brace (Pack of 4) - $6.99
TOTAL: About $84.95 (Plus tax, gas, and my personal time troubleshooting this project!)
THOUGHTS
I’ll be honest - this version isn’t perfect, and it still needs some work. I need to smooth the edges and add a removable leg to prop up the right side of the head panel. I also need to add a carpet-like surface to the top of the board to mitigate the risk of popping my air mattress.
Overall though, I’m excited with how this turned out. I have a surprising amount of room, and even with the inflatable mattress, I’m not touching the ceiling. There is some storage space underneath, enough to accommodate a pull-out table top in the future. Since the legs are adjustable, I’ll be able to level out the sleeping pad with ease.
Stay tuned for a video tour of this contraption, and a review after I’ve camped with it.
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Super informative!
Loving seeing how others have built out their rigs!