SUV Sleeping Platforms (and why you need one)

If you are new to car camping, you’ve likely been barraged by ads for SUV sleeping platforms. 

It’s easy to think that sleeping platforms aren’t necessary, but after a trip or two - you’ll quickly realize that they are more than a “nice to have” 

In this article we’ll tell you why it’s worth considering an SUV sleeping platform, and what to look for if building or purchasing one. 

At Hele Outdoors, we've tested sleeping platforms in just about every SUV on the market - Toyotas, Subarus, Hondas, Kias, Chevys, you name it. Through thousands of fitments and testing, we've learned a thing or two...

So why do sleeping platforms exist in the first place? 

There’s a ton of benefits, but here are the two biggest ones. 

1. Levels your sleeping area 
2. Storage 

Levels your sleeping area

If you own an SUV, you’ve noticed a displacement between the folded rear seats and trunk area.

Even an inch or two of height difference from the trunk to the folded rear seats can ruin your car camping experience.

Don’t believe me? Just ask your lower back at 2 in the morning! 

Some SUVs have flatter sleeping areas than others, but it’s almost impossible to find one that’s perfectly level. 

SUV sleeping platforms are designed to level out your sleeping area - clearing over seats, evening out your sleeping surface, and making sure you have enough room to stretch out. 

I’ve personally tested the Hele Box sleeping platform in hundreds of vehicles, and through all these tests I’ve only seen a handful of vehicles that could get away with having a “flat enough” sleeping surface. 

Even if your vehicle is one of these select few - you’ll still miss out on the 2nd biggest benefit of SUV sleeping platforms…

Storage

Storage is worth its weight in gold when car camping. 

I’m not suggesting you approach it like an ultra-light backpacking trip - BUT - you only have so much viable space for gear when car camping. 

So if your bed is taking up 50% of your trunk space, it will limit what you can bring on trips - potentially reducing the amount of time spent on the road or gear you can bring to experience the hobbies you love.  

By elevating your sleeping platform off the ground, you unlock a new layer of storage underneath your sleeping surface. 

You get extra space to store gear & also have a permanently ready bed! 

No need to shuffle the gear that’s in your sleeping area into the front seats or under your vehicle before hitting the sack. 

This is a huge benefit for those planning to stealth camp (camping in your car in urban areas) where getting in and out of the vehicle is a no-no because it brings too much attention to you. 

Now that you know why SUV sleeping platforms are worth the hype - here’s what you should be looking for in one (DIY or purchase)

1. Adjustability - A sleeping platform that’s adjustable gives you modularity, which means you can alter your sleeping area for more storage or headroom depending on what your trip calls for. 
2. Portability - If your car camping rig is also your daily driver, having a lightweight/storeable sleeping platform is a must. You don’t want a heavy/overbuilt system that needs multiple people to take in and out of the vehicle. Then comes the question of where to store it when it’s out! 
3. Multi-Use - We already discussed the importance of storage when car camping. Since there’s only so much you can bring, make sure your sleeping platform has multiple uses! If it can double as a camping table, cutting board, etc. that will make a big difference in the long run. 

There you have it! SUV sleeping platforms are well worth the time to build or money to purchase if you plan to get the most out of car camping. 

If you don’t have the time/tools/space to build one on your own, please take a look at the Hele Box! It’s a lightweight SUV sleeping platform that also doubles as a storage system and can even be used as a camping table! 

With thousands of stoked customers and over 200+ 5 star reviews, it is the leading SUV sleeping platform on the market. 

"I absolutely love this platform. The quality is amazing and sturdy, it’s easy to assemble, and it looks great. The customer service was outstanding from start to finish." - stoked customer

Looking for a comprehensive list on what to bring on your next car camping trip? Check out our ultimate checklist here.