SUV Sleeping Platform Guide: How to Install, Benefits, and Uses

Do you think camping means having no comfort? Moreover, do you believe that you have to give out a comfortable night in your bed and have sleepless nights in the wild if you are going camping? Well, that is not necessarily true!

There are loads of options and amenities that you can use to make your camping experience more pleasant. One of them is an SUV sleeping platform. As the bed platform for SUV users is becoming more popular, we decided that you may want to learn what makes them so appealing to people. In this article, we are going to cover all the benefits of the SUV sleeping platforms and the necessary information you need to know about them.

SUV camping in wild

What Is An SUV Sleeping Platform?

The design of an SUV sleeping platform allows you to comfortably sleep in your vehicle, safely protected from the elements.

Sleeping platforms can come in many designs and sizes. Some sleeping platforms may include special features like storage space underneath them to carry supplies. Others, on the other hand, are folding sleeping platforms SUV users love. These types of car sleeping platforms provide efficient use of the space in your vehicle. These conserve space when you are not using it for a good night’s sleep, but during the day time offer places to eat or sit while it’s raining.

Finding SUV or other vehicle sleeping platforms is not as hard as you may think. There are plenty of available options on the market. All you need is enough space in your SUV camper for a sleeping platform.

SUV sleeping platform

Benefits of an SUV Bed Platform

Car sleeping platforms have more benefits compared to a tent, sleeping bag, or hammock. If you are a camper, you should strongly consider one, as it may make your camping experience safer and less strenuous. Now let’s go through the list of the benefits:

It remains dry

First off, a sleeping platform within your vehicle will remain dry when there is wet weather. From an insulation standpoint, the sleeping platform is also warmer than a tent or other outdoor sleeping equipment, helping you get better sleep.

You will feel safer when sleeping on a sleeping platform than staying in the wild. It may even be cheaper and less time consuming for you to have a bed platform in your car rather than buying a whole tent and constructing it.

No preparation is required

With a sleeping platform, there is no preparation required for sleep, as they are ready to use. If you have ever pitched a tent, you know you will still have to perform some work in setting it up correctly.

If you are camping alone, this is a significant benefit since it is easier to pitch a tent when you have a helping hand. Overall, you will have more time to enjoy other actives, which you came camping for.

SUV bed platform with dog

Easy to install

Furthermore, an SUV and other sleeping platforms are quick and easy when it comes to mobility. There is no need to fold and put away a tent or roll up a sleeping bag. If you believe you will need to have freedom of movement, the sleeping platform is ideal.

There are specialized folding sleeping platforms SUV campers can buy for themselves and use when needed. SUV Sleeping platforms can also ensure you with privacy and the convenience of choosing locations where people will not notice you, like a parking lot.

Comfort is key

Concerning comfort, the mattress or foam situated on a sleeping platform is quite a bit more comfortable than sleeping on the ground with a sleeping bag or pad. This allows you to properly rest and enjoy your camping trip while in a clear state of mind. This is an essential aspect since camping activities like hiking or trekking can be physically demanding at times.

Maximum customization

Finally, sleeping platforms are beneficial, because customization to suit your needs can be another reason.

In other words, your creativity and preferences play a major role here. if you have plenty of space and want to have extra features in your sleeping platform. You may still have many options and limitless opportunities. Regularly, you may need sufficient storage space. And for those who would like to go an extra step, the unit can include additional tools which include heating, electricity, and water.

In conclusion, you can have all the utilities, spend less money and time, and enjoy your trip with comfort.

Essentials For An SUV Sleeping Platform

So what are the essentials while choosing and setting up your sleeping platform? Here is what to have in mind if you’re considering getting an SUV bed platform:

Space

One of the most important features that you may require is space for your sleeping platform.

Although most cars offer a limited amount of space for setup, a truck sleeping platform is one that provides the owner with more space in mind. Having a truck or SUV rear seat with a lot of space means that you can have a larger mattress and more room for storage. Where the larger mattress will allow more comfort and a place for a group of people.

If for example, you are planning to travel with your family or with a loved one, you will definitely need space. The truck will help you with its bigger capacity of space so that you can freely move. Whereas the bigger sleeping platforms will make your stay pleasant and may have extra for other utilities.

Creativity

bed platform for SUV

Another aspect while choosing and setting up your sleeping platform is the ability to use the space in the most efficient way. Camper conversion or building a bed platform of SUV campers is a hard job.

When one makes this sleeping platform in a creative way, it may include drawers or a storage bin as a base or platform. This conserves space and allows you to fill up your vehicle with all the essential camping gear. And as you may know, camping gear can take up quite a bit of space. The ability to transport all your equipment and providing you with comfortable space for sleeping is what makes SUV and truck sleeping platforms increase in demand.

How to Install an SUV Sleeping Platform?

SUV sleeping platform with storage underneath and sleeping pad

Next up are the things you need to think about when setting up a SUV sleeping platform. Here is what to have in mind when it comes to platform design:

  • Mattress: Choose between an air mattress or memory foam mattress.
  • Platform material: Think of which material the actual platform will be made out of. Is it going to be a sheet of plywood or other wooden material on which your SUV mattress will rest upon?
  • Platform legs: Add a metal bar or wooden legs?
  • Platform location
  • Platform height

Have all of this in mind and go out, draw the rear seat of your truck or SUV and take its measures. Only according to these measures should you start planning out your platform design. Don’t forget there are plenty of sleeping platforms you can buy pre-made and just stick them in your car.

One of the possible options for sleeping platforms mattresses is our KAMUI self-inflating sleeping pad, perfect for a night out in the wild. Make sure to check it out!

KAMUI sleeping pad

Why is SUV Camping so Popular?

You can choose either SUV or a truck, yet SUVs nowadays have a higher demand in the market because of their convenience.

The popularity of SUVs has also made an SUV sleeping platform a much-desired item. From a fuel standpoint, SUVs are more economical than, say, flatbed trucks. This means SUVs positively contribute to your wallet and the environment at the same time.

Moreover, space in a car is essential and plays a major role while choosing a sleeping platform. SUV cars provide sufficient space for a sleeping platform, which is another reason why they are getting more popular.

To mention another beneficial feature of SUV cars, many SUVs also have four-wheel drive. That makes them ideal when you go camping off the beaten path where large paved roads may not be available.

Due to having more size to work with, it is easier to adjust and pick the right sleeping platform for a truck or SUV. In addition to storage, you can always use extra space to set up custom features that you may desire during your trip. This convenience is an essential feature for those who are looking to juice up their platform.

relaxing in suv

Alternatives to SUV Sleeping Platforms

Don’t like this type of car camping? Here is what you can take into consideration:

  • Camper
  • Van
  • Hammock
van with roof tent

Why choose an SUV Sleeping Platform?

You can always find alternatives when it comes to sleeping equipment. But, if you are searching for a time-saving, affordable, and comfortable solution, the SUV sleeping platform may be the answer.

  • Enjoying the outdoors from the convenience of your vehicle is something that many campers and outdoor people prefer to do. A car sleeping platform shields you from elements (like weather and wild animals, insects, etc.) and gives you a comfortable sleep while having a trip in the wild nature.
  • In addition to your safe stay, sleeping platforms allow you to maintain your privacy. Those platforms boost their value by creating the opportunity for you to stay alone, or if with someone, to have a level of privacy.
  • Their feature does not require any work to set up and takedown, in contrast to tents. If you need to be on the move quickly, and you do not have time to waste (for whatever reason), a sleeping platform is an excellent choice.
  • The design of the car sleeping platforms usually helps by saving space within your vehicle. Besides, the platforms are efficient in a way that they have additional features, for example, to have storage space for other equipment.
  • The variety of platforms provides a chance for your creativity and preferences so that you have a more comfortable stay. Sleeping platform within a car is an ingenious idea which adds to your convenience and the enjoyment of your trip.
  • Not only can sleeping platforms be useful within cars, but they are also versatile and people can use them in trucks and SUVs as well. This is important because it allows you to access more off-road areas than you would with a car.

Conclusion

With an SUV sleeping platform, you can enjoy all the benefits and safety of a good night’s sleep while out in the wild enjoying nature.

We hope our short guide on installation, benefits, and uses helped you choose the right type of camping for your needs. Just remember, plan your platform according to your SUV.

Resources:

CDC
PC
NPS
USNEWS
Consumer Reports