Calling all 4runner gens, models, drivetrains, and trims! If you are about to embark on a custom sleeping platform build in your rig, give this article a quick once over.
When it comes to car camping type adventures, 4Runners have it where it counts:
- 4x4 clearance
- Optimal headroom
- Storage space
- Fuel efficiency (gotcha!)
As a 4Runner owner (3rd gen) one of the first mods I researched after purchasing back in 2021 was for a lightweight sleeping platform I could easily set up for the weekends - then conveniently pack away to get my daily driver back.
At the time I was living in a one-bedroom apartment with an assigned parking stall, no power tools, or place to store a custom built wooden platform even if I found the means to build one.
After hours of scouring reddit, 4Runner forums, and Youtube - I realized nothing existed.
This was the lightbulb moment for the Hele Box - a lightweight car camping platform that could easily transform my 4Runner from a daily driver to a cozy cabin on wheels.
Years (& many long nights, prototypes, tough decisions) later and the Hele Box is taking the lightweight car camping market by storm!
We’ve been featured in Outside Magazine, GearJunkie, and have over 100 verified customer reviews.
Heck - even Timmy the Toolman (& Sean!) gave it a go
Our sleeping platform's design is modular to fit in a wide range of vehicles, but 4Runners will always hold a special place in Hele Outdoors history.
My 3rd gen 4Runner was the launch pad and guinea pig for the initial designs, tests, and prototypes - at this point I don’t think I’ll ever have the heart to sell it.
(1st "funcitonal" prototype circa 2022)
For those of you looking for a lightweight sleeping platform that doesn’t require the muscle, tools, or hassle of building your own - give the Hele Box a once over and see if you vibe with it.
The design fits all 4Runner generations (1-6)
The carrying case doubles as a storage system that slides under the platform.
You can even use the platform as a lightweight table.
If your model has the rear/bottom flip forward seats, we recommend you remove them or purchase the shortening kit.
Here’s why we lean on the side of removing them.
Those flip forward seats restrict the length of the rear cargo area to 5’8 - making it difficult to stretch out and store all your gear.
They are held on by two bolts (12mm or 14mm depending on your gen) and removal is easy and straightforward.
Removing them opens up that cargo space by another 6-8” and creates a huge pocket of storage space in the rear footwell zone. Here's a video walkthrough:
There’s a wide range of configuration options available for 4Runners.
Solo
Duo
Stubbies for more headroom
The new 6th gen (2025+) doesn’t have the flip forward seats! Just fold over the rear seats and lay out your Hele Box.
Here’s some additional videos to check out as well:
Aloha,
Murray (founder)
If you have any other questions, please reach out to us on our Contact Us page!