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Turning my 2013 RAV4 into a mini camper started with two goals. I wanted to sleep comfortably and keep things simple.
I also don’t have a garage full of power tools or a background in carpentry. What I did have was a craving for freedom and a little bit of stubborn creativity.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve got a custom sleeping platform that fits perfectly in the back of my compact SUV. It gives me space to stash gear and room to stretch out under the stars.
The Vision: Simple, Packable, and Trailhead Ready
I knew I needed something that could be removed easily because, yes, I still need to run errands like a normal person.
It had to be strong enough to hold my weight and designed smart enough to give me quick access to storage.
After plenty of late-night YouTube deep dives and wandering through van life forums, I sketched out a plan that gave me both comfort and cargo space.
The Build: What Worked and What I Would Do Again
- The first step was pulling out the back seats to create more room. This was easy, as I did this when I made the PVC platform.
- Next, I laid down large pieces of cardboard and got to work.
- Then came the main platform, built from plywood, two-by-fours, and simple metal brackets.
No fancy woodworking tricks here. Just solid, reliable construction, and yes, I enlisted the help of a good friend for this quest.
I used piano hinges so parts of the platform could fold out and pack down quickly.
The only downside is that it’s not ‘easy’ to remove. I can get the platform out, but it will take help, and to be honest, it’s just me, and remember I don’t have rear seats anyway!
The best part? The platform is low and flat. I can haul more stuff than when I had the PVC platform, and there are storage zones under to help keep all the gear organized!
Why It Works
This setup has taken me through quick weekend trips, but I’m still waiting on being able to take a longer cross-country road trip.
But for now, it works as designed, and there will be plenty of trailhead overnights. It is cozy. It is low-key. And it keeps me dry and bug-free no matter the weather.
It also reminded me that a solid road trip setup does not have to be expensive. With a few tools, a good plan, and some effort, you can turn your regular SUV into a mobile cabin.
Want to Build Your Own?
I wrote up the entire how-to guide with every tool and material I used. If you are serious about building out your own RAV4 or similar SUV, this is the place to start.
👉 Check out the full RAV4 Sleeping Platform Build DIY Guide