Sleeping Inside a 2dr (with Storage)

[tloop]

A while ago I posted this thread asking for ideas to sleep in the back of a 2dr JL to prepare for a two week offroading & camping trip I was taking. I'm 5'11", and while I usually ground camp, there have been several instances over the years I've needed to sleep in my vehicle (inclement weather, stealth camping, etc.). I ended up going with a simple/cheap/flexible solution vs. building something heavy/expensive. I wanted to share it with you all in case you're in the same boat:

• 3 x storage bins; 14 gallon from Home Depot (link)
• 1 x 72" roll of 2" foam padding from Amazon (link)
• 1 x mummy shaped sleeping pad; I chose the Thermarest Trail Pro in a regular/wide mummy (link)

The dimensions of these storage bins are specific to fill as much space as possible while also not being so tall as to limit sleeping space between them and the roof, also to stack them while driving and still allow for me to see out the rear window. I had to prop the bin closest to the passenger seat up with my bag of recovery gear that I usually keep in the foot well since there is that gap. I cut the foam padding to fill the gaps in the storage bin lids -- both are magically 24" long so no cutting on that dimension, only for the width (bonus: the spare forth panel was used in conjunction with the other three panels as my mattress for ground camping, which was more comfortable than my inflatable pad). The foam pieces easily popped out when not sleeping, and they added comfort and traction for the sleeping pad above, which I placed horizontally on top of the bins (head end closest to rear seat). It's important that the sleeping pad is mummy spaced since a rectangular one would not fit. It's snug, but honestly perfect for anyone 6' and shorter.

Anyway, this worked great for me and I ended up sleeping in my Jeep 3 out of 14 nights (only 1 out of necessity). It was very comfortable and still allowed for space for a cooler (gap behind driver seat), and several miscellaneous bags, of course in addition to what's inside the storage bins.

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[azwjowner]

You're a genius. Tried this today.

I think I'm going to add a 7 gallon HDX bin to support the area in the middle of my setup, but the three 14 gallon bins look like they will work well.

 

[tloop]

You're a genius. Tried this today.

I think I'm going to add a 7 gallon HDX bin to support the area in the middle of my setup, but the three 14 gallon bins look like they will work well.

That’s a good idea. I think I just slid mine closer to the center console and let my sleeping pad hang over at the foot end. The foam inserts were clutch for me though, otherwise you could use some 1/4” or 1/2” plywood to level it out.

 

[SadRobot]

Interesting idea! I have to take all of my stuff out of the Jeep so I can sleep back there which is a pain.

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