Honda Element Owners Club banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Is that...yup, another sleeping platform.

Jump to Latest
362K views 59 replies 40 participants last post by  Skulluxe  
#1 · (Edited)
Hello all, I just finished building my platform. Turned out way better than I had envisioned. Did it over the Superbowl weekend, because...well, my team wasn't in, so who cares.

First build attempt. Luckily my buddies woodshop had EVERYTHING. So, it's all glue and dominos. Thanks for checking it out.

I have included the cut list as well. Hope this helps. I can add more pics if you have any questions.

























 
D
#5 ·
Thank you!! This is my #1 mod priority and hope to start it soon. This makes things much easier. =D
 
C
#12 · (Edited)
Amazing! And the floor?

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thanks a million for posting all the specs. For a wood working novice like me the plans are going to make things SO much easier to visualize during the process.

I want to make some access doors into the storage areas so I don't have to fight against a mattress when the bed is set up. Additionally, I think I'll make one set of boxes a bit narrower than the other in order to create a bit more open floor space.

Question: what did you use for the floor of the boxes? It looks like wood in the bottom, but those panels are not in the plans.

Again, THANKS!
 
#14 · (Edited)
charis said:
I want to make some access doors into the storage areas so I don't have to fight against a mattress when the bed is set up. Additionally, I think I'll make one set of boxes a bit narrower than the other in order to create a bit more open floor space.
Question: what did you use for the floor of the boxes? It looks like wood in the bottom, but those panels are not in the plans.

Again, THANKS!
Click to expand...

Hello, I used 1/4 melamine panel. I cut a dado about 3/4" up from the bottom. IF i didn't have the tools to do this, i would have used a full plywood bottom. Luckily my buddies shop has EVERYTHING. :-D

As for the narrower cabinets, this means I wider middle, which means a potential to bow over time. IMHO, you do no gain that much more floor space. I had that thought too, but after it was said and done, I am am glad i did not. I would like to see the access doors. I thought about doing that as well. I settled for the top.
 
#27 ·
Just finished this build (with less cabinetry skill and a couple modifications for my needs) and LOVE IT. Hotelement, your diagrams and directions were awesome. My entire art studio and camping/travel supplies now travel with me and there's room to spare.

If anyone is looking for cushions for this build, I found some that fit. They are even modular enough to become bench cushions for if you want to use the boxes as seating with the platform in the middle removed, or to sit on the tailgate. A friend was selling the dinette cushions from their 2004 CCD Airstream travel trailer and they fit this sleeping platform build in my Element PERFECTLY. I believe all of the Airstream models that were of the CCD design series and also had the dinette configuration came with cushions of this type.

It was a happy accident that we figured it out. Hope this helps someone else out there.
 
A
#28 ·
Beautiful work and fantastic plans a big thanks for that

Love the paint choice, I was looking for refinished in Element Grey - they dont have it. Quick question - do the seats still fit in the Element with the boxes in place? Both ways I mean, folded up seat with boxes in bed position, or with 4 passengers and boxes stacked in back.
Also, why did you attach them to themselves, for noise reduction?
Love these plans but Id like to modify one of the long boxes to have two drawers - one for a double burner stove, and one for kitchen equipment so I can cook right out of the car, or relocate and cook. Any tips on a drawer mod to one of the boxes? I know its kinda a big deal in the cabinet world...
Thank again so much for your plans, SOOOO helpful Im off to the lumber store!
 
#35 ·
Ashley Action said:
Love the paint choice, I was looking for refinished in Element Grey - they dont have it. Quick question - do the seats still fit in the Element with the boxes in place? Both ways I mean, folded up seat with boxes in bed position, or with 4 passengers and boxes stacked in back.
Also, why did you attach them to themselves, for noise reduction?
Love these plans but Id like to modify one of the long boxes to have two drawers - one for a double burner stove, and one for kitchen equipment so I can cook right out of the car, or relocate and cook. Any tips on a drawer mod to one of the boxes? I know its kinda a big deal in the cabinet world...
Thank again so much for your plans, SOOOO helpful Im off to the lumber store!
Click to expand...
Do the seats still fit in the Element with the boxes in place?
No

Why did you attach them to themselves, for noise reduction?
I attached them because I had the the hardware. Then I found out it keeps the whole thing square, even, and no lid chatter.

Id like to modify one of the long boxes to have two drawers - one for a double burner stove, and one for kitchen equipment so I can cook right out of the car, or relocate and cook.
I can think of a few ways. I would roll it out length wise on a rail kit, BUT you would need to reinforce it with a backing plate. I am actually in the process of a Chuck Box that I put on my tailgate to "Lengthen" the total sleeping space. I have an SUV Tent add on that will keep me bug free.

On a sidenote, cannot edit my original post. SO, for everyone reading this, read posts 14 and 15 because my cut list did NOT include the bottoms.
 
A
#32 ·
Just thought you should know your plans didn't include the bottoms of the boxes, much to my surprise, and frustration. We assembled them over the weekend and will get the remaining wood monday when the lumber shop opens. May want to tell people using your plans the box plans don't include a bottom and they will need to modify your plans if they want your results.
 
Honda Element Owners Club
posts
1.2M
members
96K
Since
2002
Element Owners Club is your go to forum community to discuss your Honda Element, and get ideas from your next great trip to your next Honda Element Mod.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Problems & Issues Miscellaneous / General Element Discussions Shoppin' and Test Drivin' Do-It-Yourself / Mods Maintenance and Service