How to Build a DIY Bed Platform for 2007 Honda CR-V

This easy-to-build DIY bed platform is for vehicles where the seats don’t fold down flat, and doesn’t require removing any of the car seats.

When I decided to turn my 2007 Honda CR-V into a mini-camper for one person, I wanted a setup that is simple and easy to install – and just as easy to remove.  The seats in older model CR-Vs don’t fold down flat, and since I didn’t want the hassle of taking the seats out and storing them, I needed to figure out how to keep them in and still have a bed platform.

I also wanted a platform that wouldn’t take up too much room when stored, so I based my plan on a three-section platform that folds accordion-style.

DIY Bed Platform (Video Overview)

Planning process

To quickly see how this could work in my car, I did a test using two plastic bins and a long board (25″ x 72″) that I previously used as a desktop. I folded down the back passenger side and middle seats, then placed the bins in the back of the car. The folded down seats were higher than the bins, so I added the cargo tray cover from my car to sit on top them so it would raise up the platform to the height needed. This allowed me to measure the height needed for all of the support legs.

I also needed a board to support the surface above the folded seats, otherwise, the platform board would collapse where the hinges are.

The build process

Supplies needed

• platform board: 72″ x 24″ x 3/4″  View at Lowe’s
• support legs made from 2×4 pieces of lumber:
  • 6 legs for the back and middle of the platform: 12.75″ long
  • 2 legs for the front of the platform: 21″ long
• surface-mount hinges: View at Ace Hardware
• drop pins (hex bolts): I used 80mm long bolts from my local hardware store. Here are two options for purchasing online: View at Walmart  View at CSH Hardware

The first step was to cut the board into three equal pieces, adding two surface-mount hinges to each section.

We attached four legs that are 12.75″ long to the back section of the platform using flat-head wood screws.

For the middle and top sections (which get folded on top of the back section for storage), we decided to use bolts as drop pins to hold the support legs in place, drilling holes through the platform and into the top of the support legs for the bolts to fit into.

The middle section uses two supports legs that are 12.75″ long, and the top section uses two support legs that are 21″ long. We also cut diagonal corners in the top section board so it wouldn’t push into the driver’s seat.

This is what it looks like when the platform is folded up for storage.

To set it up in the vehicle, place the folded up platform in the back of the vehicle and unfold the top two panels so the top of the platform is fully opened. For the legs that use bolts as drop pins, place the leg support boards with holes under the platform and place the bolts in them. They should fit loosely but hold the platform in place.

It helps to mark each leg as “left” or “right” based on how they were drilled so the holes line up properly.

Finally, add another 2×4 board (length doesn’t matter, but no longer than 25″) under the hinge that rests on the back seats for support.