With summer approaching, here is a DIY Sleeping Platform project perfect for camping in your GX550 OT/OT+. I saw various online retailers selling GX550 sleeping platforms from a simple sleeping platform for $550 to an elaborate sleeping platform system with drawers and extension tables for $5000. I thought to myself, I can build a sleeping platform myself for a fraction of the retailer’s prices. I built a perfectly flat sleeping platform that sleeps 2 for $250 from materials bought from Home Depot and Amazon. I want to share some pictures of the platform in case any GX550 OT/OT+ owners are interested in giving it a try. You just have to be moderately handy.
To get the 2nd row seats to fold back perfectly flat, I put a 2x4 (50 1/2” length) underneath the rear portion of the seats with tie down straps using the existing seat hooks. Normally, the 2nd row seats are at an angle when folded back. You can see the 2x4 placement in the photo.
The plywood (23/32” thick) platform is 43” wide and 42 3/8” length. I used 1” diameter PVC pipe and connectors. #8x2 inch wood screws through the connectors held the PVC frame to the plywood. The platform legs will be longer in the front of the platform with each row of legs progressively getting shorter toward the rear to get a level platform. The leg feet are rubber chair tip protectors (1.25” dia). On the platform underside I put metal hooks with tie down straps so the platform doesn’t shift when driving. I applied a felt covering using 3M Adhesive spray to glue it down. Sprayed the underside with flat black paint. Used rubber edge trim on the front and back of the platform so there were no sharp edges. The four 1” wide ratchet straps are 3.3 ft in length.
To get the 2nd row seats to fold back perfectly flat, I put a 2x4 (50 1/2” length) underneath the rear portion of the seats with tie down straps using the existing seat hooks. Normally, the 2nd row seats are at an angle when folded back. You can see the 2x4 placement in the photo.
The plywood (23/32” thick) platform is 43” wide and 42 3/8” length. I used 1” diameter PVC pipe and connectors. #8x2 inch wood screws through the connectors held the PVC frame to the plywood. The platform legs will be longer in the front of the platform with each row of legs progressively getting shorter toward the rear to get a level platform. The leg feet are rubber chair tip protectors (1.25” dia). On the platform underside I put metal hooks with tie down straps so the platform doesn’t shift when driving. I applied a felt covering using 3M Adhesive spray to glue it down. Sprayed the underside with flat black paint. Used rubber edge trim on the front and back of the platform so there were no sharp edges. The four 1” wide ratchet straps are 3.3 ft in length.
