Overview
A personal design-build project: a collapsible platform for the back of a Subaru Outback that doubles as a sleeping surface for camping and folds into storage compartments when not in use.
Design Goals
- Fit within the cargo area of a Subaru Outback
- Support sleeping flat without the rear seats
- Fold compactly to allow normal cargo use
- Use lightweight, durable materials
Construction
Built from birch plywood with a hinged folding mechanism. The platform folds into two halves, each of which becomes a storage compartment accessible from the rear hatch.
Outcome
The platform has been used on multiple camping trips and has held up well to regular use.