Using Your Jeep

Jeep Sleeping Platform Finishing Touches

Finishing Touches: Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform – Part 3

Using Your Jeep / By

Finishing touches of the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform can involve choices of platform covering material, optional fasteners to secure the structure to one’s preference, and sleeping pad or mattress choices. A special feature of added storage capacity by removing the rear seat from the Jeep is also discussed below. 

DISCLAIMER: Any and all content provided on this site and YouTube channel is Cheaper JeeperTV’s opinion and for educational and discussion purposes only. Seek a professional’s advice where appropriate for your vehicle.

This video, and this article explain the design of the Cheaper Jeeper TV Camping Sleeping platform for the Jeep Wrangler JL. 

This video, and this article explain the construction of the Cheaper Jeeper TV Camping Sleeping platform for the Jeep Wrangler JL. 

Covering Material Choices for the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

When considering covering material options for the Jeep camping sleeping platform, it essentially is a matter of aesthetic and practical considerations. 

Black/Dark Grey Carpet

Gluing black or dark grey carpet onto the surface of the platform would give it the appeal of looking like it belongs there, and is part of the interior design of the cargo area of the Jeep. It would afford some warmth and soft surfaces to the platform.  However, depending on the carpet, and adhesive used, a cost will be incurred. Also, being carpet it will involve the use of a vacuum to clean it.

Painting With Truck Bed Liner

Applying a durable coating of bed liner may provide a tough coating to the Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform. The cost of this coating will be subject to the product you choose. However, one YouTuber commented on the difficulty encountered when attempting to clean a platform of the dirt that collects in the grooves and indentations of the painted-on liner material.

Varnish

A simple coat or two of varnish would serve to seal and provide a smooth finish to the platform material. The cost of this coating will be subject to the product you choose. This type of coating would be the easiest to clean, and protect the platform surface. Also, the aesthetic of a bare wooden platform in the cargo area is subject to one’s taste.

No Platform Coating

Of course, one can also choose to not apply any coating whatsoever.  This would involve no costs, but leaves the platform subject to moisture, and staining.

Another Consideration

Another consideration that should be taken into account is the fact that when camping, the platform may likely be covered by a sleeping pad or mattress. Thus, whatever choice you make for the platform may not often even be visible.

Fastener Options for the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

One of the interesting features of the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform is how the cargo legs and cross pieces are self supporting.  This is accomplished in the cargo area with integrating notches in cargo legs and cross piece. The front cross piece is supported by the rear seat holding it in place. The use of angle brackets on these pieces to make them more sturdy is an option, but not really necessary, thereby saving one the cost of such fasteners, plus allowing for easy assembly and disassembly for those quick camping get-ways.

Rear Seat Removal

Removal of the rear seat is possible with the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform, as the underlying support pieces do not rest upon the rear seat. Thus it’s removal affords a considerable amount of extra storage space. 

However, removing the rear seat also removes what was supporting the front cross piece.

Therefore, extra support or angle brackets would be required, as suggested in the image below.

Sleeping Pads or Mattress Covering Considerations

Although commercial sleeping pads are available on the market for the Jeep Wrangler, this author chooses to custom purchase foam and have it cut into sizes to match the platform pieces.  Doing this will allow for easy storage, and access to the items beneath each of the platform pieces while in use, as demonstrated in the images below.

Conclusion

Finally, the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform is a design that offers a low price, light weight, convenient and comfortable set-up for anyone intending to sleep in the back of their Jeep when camping. It is easy to construct and as demonstrated in this article, can be finished to your liking. However, aside from all this, it also offers a ton of storage for your gear and supplies which will help you enjoy your trip a lot more. 

Constructing Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

Building a Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform – Part 2

Using Your Jeep / By

Building a Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform is a fairly easy undertaking when you realize that most of the cutting can be done to the plywood, at the point of purchase.

DISCLAIMER: Any and all content provided on this site and YouTube channel is Cheaper JeeperTV’s opinion and for educational and discussion purposes only. Seek a professional’s advice where appropriate for your vehicle.

This video, and this article explain the design of the Cheaper Jeeper TV Camping Sleeping Platform for the Jeep Wrangler JL.  This video and the following article explain how to construct it.

Directions

For starters, some basic dimensions from ¾” plywood must be cut first, followed by some cuts of detailed notches and cut-outs, to enable some pieces to interconnect.

Instructions for these are found below:

Have a ¾” sheet of plywood cut to the dimensions shown in the diagram below. The grey pieces will make up the platform top, and the yellow pieces will make up the underneath support pieces. 

Plywood cut measurements

From some scrap plywood material also cut the following underneath support pieces. 

Support Pieces & Cargo Leg

Cargo Legs and the Cargo Cross Pieces

Measure and perform the following cuts: 

  • 4.5” x ¾” notches on the 1 Cargo Cross Piece and 2 Cargo Legs to enable them to interconnect with each other
  • Corner notches on the same pieces to get around some carpet
  • 5  2”x3/4” notches on the Cargo Cross Piece for the 5 support pieces illustrated in the above diagram. 
Cargo Leg 1
Cargo Leg 2
Cargo Area Cross Piece

Front Cross Piece

Cut the notches into the front cross piece as per the diagram below.  The larger notches are to get around the head rests, and the 5 smaller ones are for the cross support pieces.

Front Cross Piece

Assemble all the underneath platform support pieces into the Jeep, as per image below.

Cargo Top Piece

Cut out the notches for the handle assembly and subwoofer for the Cargo platform piece, as per diagram below. The Cargo platform can further be cut, and still supported by the cargo legs at the 17.25” line on the diagram below, for those who wish the ability to lift the two different pieces, instead of the one larger piece. When sone, you can place the cargo platform piece on top of the support pieces.

60% and 40% Platform Pieces

The 60% and 40% pieces do not need further cutting and can be placed on the support pieces, along with the cargo piece, as per image below..

40% Mid Area
60% Mid Area
Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

Pillow Extension Pieces

Cut the pillow extension pieces to length as per diagram below. 

Pillow Pieces

Slide the front seats forward which will enable you to extend the support pieces to support the pillow extension pieces, as per image below.

Pillow Extension Pieces

Using the Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

With a all the pieces cut and interconnected, you can begin using the Cheaper Jeeper TV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform. The pieces below the platform are interconnected and support the platform above. The platform pieces are small enough that they can be lifted to allow access to items stored beneath it. One can add hinges and brackets as they desire, or simply use the platform as is, lifting sections as needed, and utilizing the flexibility inherent in it’s design. The platform can be finished with a carper over it, paint, or varnish to allow for easy cleaning.

The internet has many examples of Jeep Camping Sleeping Platforms for your perusal. If this design is of interest to you, feel free to watch the Design, Construction, and Finishing Touches videos on CheaperJeeperTV.

Have fun Camping in your Jeep!

Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform Design – Part 1

Using Your Jeep / By

A Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform built for the interior of your Jeep cargo bay is something that  might be more desirable than a tent for some. Staying off the ground, protected from the elements and animals does have it’s appeal. However, certain factors should be considered in it’s design, in order to make it functional and comfortable. Below is a list of considerations when planning to outfit your rig with a Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform.

Dimensions of the Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

The height of the platform is something to consider when looking at its design.  If the platform is high enough off the cargo bay floor, you can store camping gear underneath it. Also, with the front seats moved and tilted forward, the higher the platform, the more inches of length can be attained as well. The higher the platform, the longer you can make it’s length, and more storage capacity underneath it can be realized.

This would be a significant feature in the already too limited storage capacity of the Jeep.  Placing the platform too high however, would detract from its comfort by making it too awkward to sit up or get dressed for example.  So the height of the platform needs to be a balance between it’s ability to provide storage and comfort.

Material Selection of the Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

The nature and type of material used in the construction of the platform will have you balancing your decision between cost, weight and space requirements. A thicker heavier platform may require less space-consuming supports underneath it than say a thinner lighter platform material.  A plywood platform would be heavier but less expensive than a composite material for example.  A practical eye on these factors will be needed when making decisions on what materials to use.

Access to Storage

Given that one of the features in the platform design is it’s ability to afford more storage in the Jeep while offering a comfortable slumber option, access to said storage should be a feature in it’s design. For example, does one simply access the storage from the rear tail gate and side rear doors?  Convenience of access can simply be afforded by designing  access panels on the top of the platform, for example.

Surface Treatment of the Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform

When the platform is completed, some consideration should be made about how to treat the surface of the platform.  For example, some may wish to;

  1. Save money and not to do anything at all to the surface, as a foam pad will be placed on top of it anyway,  
  2. Paint or varnish the platform(assuming it’s made of plywood) in order to be able to protect and wipe it clean when required,
  3. Glue a matching automobile carpet on the surface of the platform to integrate it into the rest of the Jeep’s interior look, 

Whichever option you chose, each one has it’s own advantages and disadvantages and involves some form of additional cost that should be factored into the project. From my own point of view, anything that has a texture such as carpet or bed liner paint, will hold dirt more, and require more effort to clean.

Fasteners Required

Depending of the design of a Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform some fasteners, to keep it assembled may be required. The complexity of the design may impact this requirement and costs associated with the design.

The CheaperJeeperTV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform Design

The CheaperJeeperTV platform design has the following features:

  1. 9” height of storage space beneath it, and 33” height of sitting-up comfort space above.
  1. It’s 4’ wide, by 5’11” long as designed( 6’1” possible),
Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform Plan
  1. It’s constructed from almost one single sheet of 3/4” pine plywood(~$50.00 CDN)
Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform Plywood Plan
  1. Has removable panels from the top for access to storage underneath
  1. Has integrating notches in the wood panels to hold and link elements of the platform together, which eliminates the need and costs for fasteners. If desired, fasteners can still also be used.
Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform Notches in Wood

Essentially, the entire CheaperJeeperTV Jeep Camping Sleeping Platform can be constructed for around $50.00.

The internet has many examples of Jeep Camping Sleeping Platforms for your perusal. If this design is of interest to you, feel free to watch the Design, Construction, and Finishing Touches videos on CheaperJeeperTV.

This video, and this article explain the construction of the Cheaper Jeeper TV Camping Sleeping platform for the Jeep Wrangler JL. 

Shortly after this initial design was shared, a modification of this concept for the “JK” model of the Wrangler was shared by Dieter at www.stdi.com. JK owners should be sure to check it out.

Have fun Camping in your Jeep!

Episode 5 Thumbnail: How To Use 4wd In A Jeep Wrangler

Using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler

Using Your Jeep / By

Using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler is a straight forward and fun process. There are two levers involved. A gear lever and a transfer case lever. Once familiar with the functions of these two levers, using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler will be a seamless process which will help facilitate off-road adventures for the Jeep Wrangler owner.

The Gear Lever

Image showing Jeep Wrangler Gear Shift Lever

As with all vehicles, there is a gear shift lever.  Essentially, the power of the engine is directed through the transmission and the gear lever setting for the transmission makes the Jeep move forward, reverse, remain neutral or parked, based on the setting of this lever.

The Transfer Case Lever

Image showing the Jeep Wrangler Transfer Case Lever when using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler

What makes the Jeep Wrangler a true 4wd vehicle, is the Transfer Case. The transfer case is a special addition to the Jeep Wrangler’s 4wd system, that will take the power directed from the transmission and transfer the power to the desired axles, as per the driver’s setting and the transfer case lever. 

The 2H Setting When Using 4wd in the Jeep Wrangler

Image showing the 2H setting when using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler

As the Jeep is moving, the user can set this lever to direct the Transfer Case to simply send the engine’s power to the two rear wheels, in a high gear setting for regular driving speeds. This is the 2H setting on the transfer case lever, and is usually the default setting when driving about town. 

The 4H(Auto) Setting When Using 4wd in the Jeep Wrangler

Image showing the 4H(Auto) setting when using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler

In 2018 the new Jeep Wrangler JLs were launched, offering Selec Trac as an available option on the Sahara models. Such equipped Jeep Wranglers would have the 4H(Auto) setting on their transfer case levers.  When driving the Jeep Wrangler in 2H, simply shifting the transfer case from the 2H setting to the 4H(Auto) setting can be seamless and smooth. It is recommended that you do not to shift the transfer case between settings if you are going faster than 55 miles per hour. In this setting the transfer case will engage the differential at the front axle, but only send power to the front wheels “automatically” if slippage is detected in the rear wheels. This option is beneficial on road surfaces that alternate between unstable to stable conditions, such as roadways in the winter. 

The 4H(Part Time) Setting When Using 4wd in the Jeep Wrangler

Image showing the 4H(Part Time) setting when using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler

4H(Part Time) is the traditional 4wd setting in SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, where the transfer case locks both the front and rear differentials to send power to both the front and rear wheels. It is not recommended that you use this setting on dry pavement, but only on unstable surfaces such as offroad, dirt, sand, gravel or snow. Binding of the gears could result in damage on a dry pavement surface.  It is for this reason that drivers on roads in northern climates would benefit from the newly available Selec Trac option.

The 4L Setting When Using 4wd in the Jeep Wrangler

Image showing the 4L setting when using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler

When a lower gear setting is required for a steep unstable surface or heavy load, you can use the 4L setting on the Transfer case lever.  To engage this setting on the transfer case, the Jeep should be moving at a crawl pace of 3-5 miles per hour. Slip the gear shift lever into neutral, and then the transfer case lever should be pulled out from 4H(Part Time) through Neutral, and then slipped into 4L. This can occur smoothly, but some meshing sounds of the gears can occur and is normal.

Thus, it is clear to see that using 4wd in a Jeep Wrangler is a straightforward process. With a couple of practice runs, you’ll be looking to join off-road clubs, and will be making friends with other Jeep fanatics like yourself. See a demonstration of shifting through the transfer case settings on the CheaperJeeperTV YouTube channel, and learn more on the above information, including off-road clubs.