In case you've ever tried sleeping in the particular back of your own car, you understand that will a Subaru Outback platform bed is basically a game-changer for any kind of road trip or weekend getaway. There is certainly something incredibly rewarding about pulling in to a campsite, skipping the whole tent setup, and crawling into the flat, comfortable bed that's already made. The Outback will be a legend for a reason—it's obtained that "go-anywhere" vibe—but the interior isn't exactly an ideal bedroom right out of the stock.
The major issue most of us encounter is that while the rear seats fold down, they don't actually lay completely flat. There's usually a bit associated with an incline or even a bump in which the seat backs meet the trunk floor. When you're trying in order to get an excellent night's sleep, that little tilt can feel like a hill by 3: 00 AM. That's where a custom platform comes in. It levels every thing out, gives a person a lot of extra storage space, and can make the whole set up feel like a tiny rolling cottage rather than just the back of a wagon.
Why a platform makes sense for the Outback
Honestly, you could just toss a mattress back there and call it up a day, yet you'll quickly realize you might have nowhere in order to put your gear. When you're sleep on the ground, your coolers, luggage, and climbing equipment turn out shoved into the front seats or sitting outside in the rainfall. A Subaru Outback platform bed solves this simply by raising your going to sleep surface.
By building the frame that sits a few inches away from the floor, you create a "basement" for your things. You can slide plastic material bins or custom made drawers underneath, keeping your living room clean and arranged. Plus, having a wood base means a person aren't feeling every single hinge and and also buckle through your own mattress. It offers a consistent, strong foundation that in fact supports your back.
Another large perk is the leveling factor. Depending on which usually year your Outback was made, that "hump" in the centre can be pretty bad. A platform enables you to bridge that difference perfectly. You may build the hip and legs at different levels to make sure that when a person park on degree ground, your bed is actually degree too.
Preparing the layout and dimensions
Before you head to the hardware store and start buying plywood, a person need to determine the way you actually make use of your car. Are usually you a solitary traveler, or do you usually have a partner with you? Do you need to keep among the back seats on with a passenger throughout the travel?
A lot of people move for a "full-width" platform that will take up the whole back area. This provides you plenty of room to stretch out, however it means you're committed to a two-seater vehicle for the duration of your trip. If you want more flexibility, you can create a split platform. This involves 2 separate pieces therefore you can draw one side away if you need to carry another person.
With regards to height, you have got to discover the "sweet spot. " If you build the platform too higher, you'll have incredible storage underneath, yet you won't become able to sit down up in bed without banging your own head for the ceiling. If you build it too low, you can't match standard-sized storage bins underneath. Generally, a height of regarding 6 to 8 inches is definitely the gold standard for the Outback. It's high plenty of to clear the wheel wells and fit some slim bins, but reduced enough that you don't feel claustrophobic.
The feared spare tire accessibility
This will be the something everyone forgets until they're finished: the extra tire. In an Outback, the extra is tucked under the floorboards within the trunk. In case you build a solid, one-piece Subaru Outback platform bed and bolt this down, you are going to have a very poor time if a person get a flat car tire in the middle of nowhere.
You've got 2 real options right here. First, you may build the platform in sections that are easy to remove or flip up. This is definitely usually the best move. Second, you can just accept that if you get a flat, you're taking the particular whole bed out there. I'd highly recommend the "hinged" approach. Designing the rear portion of the platform with a piano hinge enables you to lift the back again end and get to your tire without having to dismantle your whole living.
Materials you'll actually need
You don't have to be a master carpenter to pull this off. Most associated with these builds are done with basic tools: a circular saw (or even a hand noticed if you're patient), a drill, and some sandpaper.
For the top surface, 3/4-inch plywood will be usually the ideal solution. It's sturdy enough that will it won't sag in the middle under your pounds, but it isn't so heavy that will it kills your gas mileage. Some people go with 1/2-inch in order to save weight, yet if you do that will, you'll need even more support legs beneath to keep it from feeling bouncy.
For the frame, simple 2x4s or 2x2s work wonders. 2x2s are great because they consider up less space in your storage area, leaving more area for your gear. You'll also would like some outdoor floor covering or trunk liner to wrap the particular plywood. Not just does this make the bed look professional, but this also prevents splinters and stops your own mattress from moving around while you're driving.
Putting it all together
Once you've got your dimensions, it's time in order to reach work. The common design entails building two "boxes" or frames—one for the trunk area and one with regard to the space where the seats fold down.
- The Rear Frame: This part stays within the trunk. It's usually a basic rectangle having a center support.
- The Front Extension: Since the Outback gets wider near the particular doors, you might need to create it a bit wider compared to trunk section. Many people create this part removable so they can use the back again seats during the particular week.
- The Decking: Cut your plywood to match the contours associated with the car. Professional tip: use cardboard to make a template of the curled edges close to the wheel wells first. It's a lot cheaper to mess upward a piece of cardboard than a $60 sheet of birch plywood.
When you're assembling everything, use plenty of wood screws and probably some wood glue if you want it to be permanent. When you're concerned about sound, you can add some foam stripping between your wood and the car's plastic interior to prevent any squeaking or rattling while you're on the road.
The mattress and finishing touches
The platform is definitely only half the particular battle; you will still require to be comfy. Many people try to use a regular twin-size air bed mattress, but they often don't fit the thickness between wheel water wells perfectly. Plus, air mattresses are well known for losing surroundings when the heat drops at evening.
A better option is a tri-fold memory foam mattress . You will find them within various widths, plus they are easy to fold-up when you need to access the front chairs. If you need a perfect fit, you may buy a piece of high-density foam and cut it yourself with a bread knife to match the actual form of your platform.
Don't forget the little issues that make the "bedroom" cozy. Some battery-powered fairy lamps or a standard rechargeable LED lantern can make the space feel less like the car and more such as a home. Furthermore, window covers are a must. You can make them effortlessly with some Reflectix and black fabric. They keep the particular heat in (or out) and provide you the privacy you need whenever you're parked in a crowded trailhead parking lot.
Final thoughts within the build
Building a Subaru Outback platform bed is one of those projects that pays intended for itself after just a few outings. You save money on hotels, a person get to wake up in beautiful locations, in addition to the setup that is flawlessly tailored for your needs.
It doesn't need to be ideal. Your first edition might be a bit clunky or even squeak a little, and that's fine. Many people end upward tweaking their style after their initial few nights out there anyway. Want to know the best part is simply getting out there and realizing that your car is today a capable, comfortable rv looking forward to whatever adventure you throw at it. Whether you're chasing the surf or heading directly into the mountains, getting a solid place to rest your head makes all the difference.