Sleeping/storage platform for 3rd Gen Expedition

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Sneeky Camper

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I camp regularly with the Boy Scouts. About half the time I sleep I n my Expedition. Originally in my 2012 standard length and now my 2022 Max. Concur with above that with a 6 inch air mattress there is barely enough headroom to sleep but still not enough to sit up. I leave one middle row seat up for a place to sit to get dressed. Honestly my old Honda Odyssey was MUCH more suited to sleeping.
Thanks for the reply. I should have looked into an Expedition Max or something else, but I want to drive off the beaten path and need something less likely to get stuck (4x4 with a lift). Huge vehicle, but a weird space. OK if you are nimble enough to crawl around but that's it.
 

2013Tuxedo

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I'm interested in this as well as I plan on doing exactly as you in my retirement in the near future. I've slept in my 22 Expedition a fair bit just by putting a 6 inch memory foam mattress down. It works pretty well but storage is a bit of an issue. I question whether or not adding a platform would make it not very roomy by the time you add a mattress of some kind. I find even with just my mattress now I JUST have enough headroom... I have considered using a rooftop storage system for my gear but I'm curious to see what others are doing.

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Do you have a link to this canopy or did you make it yourself from various pieces?
 

Steve5472

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Do you have a link to this canopy or did you make it yourself from various pieces?
It's just a 12 x 9.5 tarp that I've draped over the back and secured with varying lengths of bungee cords. It's primitive but gives plenty of coverage from wind/rain and packs up/deploys pretty fast. The two tarp poles I use on the end are super helpful if there are no trees around.
 

Huggyb1972

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Nice setup I was looking at building a pod that slides out under the tailgate when parked, but you gave me another idea.
 

johnmcarguy

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here is my solution: I took out the center (2nd row) seats and left the 3rd row functional. I reworked a metal frame out of a queen size 18" platform bedframe from amazon, with RV mattress on top. I cut it to the right width and length, shortened 4 of 6 legs, and rewelded it all together. I added a maple plywood top, and foam RV mattress on top (they are very comfortable, even for my girlfriend who is much more accustomed to the Ritz Carlton!). I sized it for 11.5" of storage access underneath, which fits our suitcases, camp chairs, camping stove and gear, water & coffee setup, and bike gear. I also added an IceCo fridge which is both 11v and 12v, and keeps the beer at 33 degrees. The roof rack is for a batwing canopy.
 

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johnmcarguy

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here is my solution: I took out the center (2nd row) seats and left the 3rd row functional. I reworked a metal frame out of a queen size 18" platform bedframe from amazon, with RV mattress on top. I cut it to the right width and length, shortened 4 of 6 legs, and rewelded it all together. I added a maple plywood top, and foam RV mattress on top (they are very comfortable, even for my girlfriend who is much more accustomed to the Ritz Carlton!). I sized it for 11.5" of storage access underneath, which fits our suitcases, camp chairs, camping stove and gear, water & coffee setup, and bike gear. I also added an IceCo fridge which is both 11v and 12v, and keeps the beer at 33 degrees. The roof rack is for a batwing canopy.
oh, and I forgot to mention that it was pretty inexpensive. $25 for yard sale frame, and $250 for the fridge. the maple plywood was ridiculous at $90, and the canopy was more expensive but worth it, at around $550. I also added a front receiver hitch to carry more bikes, and I'll add solar panels next.
 

Huggyb1972

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I'm so glad you posted this. I'm in the process of preparing for a baja trip next month and I'm working the angles on how to sleep in the back while on the road for that 2 weeks. Your idea is a simpler solution to my thoughts. I've got the costway version of you refrigerator. I'm looking at adding a 100 watt solar panel to mix with a charge controller to keep the fridge power separate from the truck power. Now that the bumpers are done I get the comfort focus on..
 

johnmcarguy

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Glad it was helpful. I'm very happy with the way the bed turned out and it fits real well in the EL/Max. It's just the right height for looking out the windows while laying down, and plenty of storage underneath. And I can take it out easily if I want to use the 3rd row for passengers.
 

Huggyb1972

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Glad it was helpful. I'm very happy with the way the bed turned out and it fits real well in the EL/Max. It's just the right height for looking out the windows while laying down, and plenty of storage underneath. And I can take it out easily if I want to use the 3rd row for passengers.
Yeah you inspired me to get mine done. 4' banquet tables from menards make excellent slide trays and you have a table also.
 

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2nd and 3rd rows fold absolutely flat unless you have captain chairs or a middle console (if so, swap to 8 seater configuration).

Just toss an air mattress over it and you should be fine unless you're like 7ft tall.

Get a roof rack or one of those luggage box things for stowing your stuff on top to clear out the back instead.
 
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