Sleeping in the JK

[DJG]

Hello All,

First post. I've been reading the threads for a while.

I recently traded in my '99 Wrangler for a JK. I was pulling a boat, and things just got to be a bit too challenging as I traveled further distances.

So my goal was to get a JK so I could sleep in the vehicle when on a fishing and/or hunting trip. I have a tent, but when the weather is really cold, or really wet, I prefer the comfort of the vehicle.

My challenge was making the back level. Having enough room to stretch out. A place to store a fishing rod or rifle (underneath). Not have the bed idea be a permanent situation while on the road. The last point would come into play when traveling with friends. We might bring two cars to the lake, but when it's time to travel to the ramp, it's nice to all go together. In this case, I can simply break down the wood pieces, and bring the seats up. The pictures will explain it all. Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions. I've been using it for several months now. Works like a charm. The JK is really nice, as there's plenty of headroom, so you don't feel like your camping in a low cave.

Cheers.

DG

[ECHO]

Great idea! thanks for sharing it with us

[[N]UGE]

I was going to do the same with mine. I ended up putting a few layers of big semi soft floor tiles to even out the floor. We will see how it works out on my 10 day roda trip i'm ago to go on.

[Mskh20]

Nice :thumbsup: I have been battling how to make a good bed in the JK as well. At first I was going to buy some thick roll up foam sheeting and try to cut my own template (I had trouble finding the material locally) so then I tried to just stuff a queen size air mattress in the back (didn't work so well). I would like something that can easily be taken apart and doesn't take up too much space.

I've been thinking about trying to making some sort of cot with a steel frame and heavy fabric that could be broken down.

I've also thought about trying to hang a hammock from the windshield frame to the back of the JK. I'm not exactly petite though, so I would probably end up imploding the JK.:rotflmao2:

[DJG]

thats pretty slick man

i really like it, do you attach the two removable pieces with screws? or just let them lay there?

Hey Joepile,

I was going to connect the boards with dowels, but it turns out that just laying there works fine. I'm not sure if it is obvious from the photos, but the 2x4's extend forward about 3 inches toward the front of the vehicle (beyond the rear board). This allows the forward boards to rest on the same level as the rear board.

It turns out that the 2x4's on edge match perfectly with the slight rise of the rear seats when folded down, so the seats serve as a support for the forward edge of the boards.

Finally, I didn't show that when I sleep, I slide the front seats forward, which allows the rear head rests to fold down (forwar). I just stuff a few clothing items around the gaps, and it works out perfect. I put my head toward the tailgate, as I found the cold from the metal gate makes my feet cold, even with a nice bag and socks.

Boy, it would take a JK owner to visualize that mess of description.

DG

[USAF_GroundRat]

Hey Joepile,

... but the 2x4's extend forward about 3 inches toward the front of the car (beyond the rear board)...

Ohhh boy... there goes another dead kitten. :naw:

[DJG]

Nice :thumbsup: I have been battling how to make a good bed in the JK as well. At first I was going to buy some thick roll up foam sheeting and try to cut my own template (I had trouble finding the material locally) so then I tried to just stuff a queen size air mattress in the back (didn't work so well). I would like something that can easily be taken apart and doesn't take up too much space.

I've been thinking about trying to making some sort of cot with a steel frame and heavy fabric that could be broken down.

I've also thought about trying to hang a hammock from the windshield frame to the back of the JK. I'm not exactly petite though, so I would probably end up imploding the JK.:rotflmao2:

Mskh20,

This was really simple. I'd like to be handy, but usually screw the whole thing up. Although there were a few oops moments on this project, it was really easy. Just used some 2x4 around the house, and purchased 1 sheet of 5/8 plywood (The nice stuff no splinters!). I have looked into some 2" dense foam to improve things, but right now I'm simply using a Thermarest inflatable pad. These are nice in that they roll up and out of the way when it comes time to stow gear, stoves, water jugs, etc. It's not easy to move things around on foam, and it's a pain in the rear to have a pad resting on top of everything you want to access.

DG

[DJG]

Ohhh boy... there goes another dead kitten. :naw:

Eek! Forgive me. Vehicle.

[wildandwillin]

Eek! Forgive me. Vehicle.


JEEP!!!:rollingeyes:

[MBATF]

JEEP!!!:rollingeyes:

:rotflmao2::rotflmao2::rotflmao2:

[RiSK]

from tail gate to driver's side seat how much room is there? I', wondering if I could even fit in the back of one of these...

[RiSK]

it's hard to tell just how distorted that queen is in the image. I know in my 1989 cherokee I could just about lay fully in it diagonally.

i can't imagine the wrangler being smaller, but i could be wrong. i'll find out this weekend when i try to test drive one.

[Smopho]

You just simplified my life, Thank You! I was contemplating doing this exact same thing, but your's is better than my mental prototype. It's off to the lumberyard for me tomorrow.

[DJG]

Smopho,

Glad I could be of assistance. This past weekend I went to Costco where they had a nice roll of indoor/outdoor carpet for $30. I used it to on the boards. I just attached the seperate pieces with a staple gun. Keeps Olive (shown), as well as other gear from sliding around on the boards.

Also, I've included a photo of the support detail underneath the boards. Make sure you give yourself room to open the hatch in the floor. With the 2x4 on edge, there's just enough lift in the hatch to retrieve the items I place in there.

Also, when you measure and cut the supports (2x4's) be sure you have the seats in the up position, and make sure the rear larger board leaves room on the supports for the forward two boards. I cut the rear larger board short by 3 inches. This provides support for the forward boards in the rear, and the back of the seats support them in the front.

For the smaller forward board support, I had to attach a small piece of plywood on forward edge of the large board, as there was only one 2x4 on edge to support it, which caused it to tilt. It will make sense when you build it.

Last thing, make sure you have a cutout for the locking mechanism that protrudes from the rear gate.

I think that's it. Let me know if you need more info or photos.

Cheers,

DG

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9580/jeepcarpetwide.jpg (http://img81.imageshack.us/i/jeepcarpetwide.jpg/)

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1412/jeepcarpetdetail.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/i/jeepcarpetdetail.jpg/)

[DJG]

JKCarney,

I'd be happy to do that. No sense reinventing the wheel (or the bed as the case may be). I'll try to get to it tonight. I'll try to add some instructions, but I think the original pics should help a great deal.

DG

Can you share the measurements of your set up? All the different dimensions and sizes of the different pieces of plywood and 2x4's? Thanks...Great idea.

[DJG]

Hey JKCarney,

Attached are the drawings you requested. Let me know if you need anything else. Pretty easy, with great returns on time and effort. I think you'll find the whole thing very comfortable. Remember, when you sleep, you'll want to slide the front seats forward, which allows the headrests to fold down. I just fill the crevis created with a duffle bag or jacket.

DG

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2980/jeepinterior.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/jeepinterior.jpg/)

[packrat213]

I just took a road trip from VA to MS and took a twin air mattress to crash out on. I just folded the seats down and put it back there. It wasn't bad, but I am only 5'7" and felt a little cramped, the seats don't lay flat, and even the twin size filled up the entire back. All in all it did in a pinch for a few hours rest, but I don't think I could do it for any length of time.

[db1]

I still can't believe that someone hasn't come up with an air matress that contours to the back of the jeep. At SEMA last year, Eddie came across the company Truckbedz. They said maybe someday.

[DJG]

db1,

I can say that the bed system I made is really good. Perhaps better than an air mattress. The even level of the boards allows me to store all sorts of thing. I've used it for a year now, and it's just right.

DG

[DJG]

You just simplified my life, Thank You! I was contemplating doing this exact same thing, but your's is better than my mental prototype. It's off to the lumberyard for me tomorrow.

Smopho,

Did you ever complete this project?

DG

[db1]

Hey DJG,

Are you sleeping back there by yourself? Can you fit 2 people?

[ThrashN]

I've also thought about trying to hang a hammock from the windshield frame to the back of the JK. I'm not exactly petite though, so I would probably end up imploding the JK.:rotflmao2:

:rotflmao2:

[DJG]

Db1,

I've slept alone and had company. Both dog and human. Cozy, but plenty of room. The cool thing is I leave it in all th time. If I have passengers for the back, I just lift the board(s). They stack flat behind the rear seats, taking up no room. It's pretty cool.

[wolfman]

Great idea! Thanks for the pics....My wife is a domestic pussy cat, with this setup and a blow up matress i might just get her out camping!