Sleeping in a D1 - How would you do it?

[_ExpeditionMan]

Been searching up and down and found very little on a sleeping platform for inside a D1. I’m about 6’ 1” and 190lbs but based on some measurements I’ve taken it looks like removing the passenger seat is my only real option. Was considering some sort of folding table to rest on the center console for my feet. Anyone worked something out on their own for a D1? This is the only time I’m jealous of the extra overhang of a D2!

In summary, want to sleep in D1 for backwoods camping, don’t want a rooftop tent, need ideas.

 

[p m]

Well. I am about 6, so in the same boat. I probably slept close to a month total in my D1, and it was very comfortable.
I removed the rear seats, and built a shelf about 10.5" off the floor of cargo compartment, from the rear to the front of the flat cargo floor.
Beyond that, I made a hinged piece that covers the gap between the front of cargo floor to the backs of the front seats, and extending to the console between the front seats. Sleeping with my head towards the rear of the truck, and my feet between the front seats on the console.
If I find a picture of this, I'll post it here.

Here's the view looking back from the driver's seat:

View from the rear of the truck:

 

[Tugela]

I'm 6'4" and sleep a few nights a year in my D1. It's comfortable. Here's how it works for me:

1. remove passenger side portion of rear bench. This involves flipping the seat up and removing the four 10mm bolts from the brackets that hold the seat frame to the floor. Replace the bolts so you don't lose them. If you know you are going to sleep in your truck, best to leave the removed bench portion at home. If it's an impromptu decision in the field, stick it up front on the driver's seat. If the weather forecast is good, you can leave it outside the truck - although this is not without other risks depending on the environment (wildlife, dew, etc.).
2. move front passenger seat all the way forward
3. tilt front passenger seat forward
4. find an object that is flat and fills the rear footwell space between the back of the front passenger seat and the cargo area floor. I use a Pelican 1500 or 1600 case leveled on items of clothing or rags. Be creative, there are many options that work. Whatever you use, the objective is to extend a level platform from the cargo floor across the footwell.
5. put down your sleeping mat. A thicker, inflatable type will do a better job of concealing any inconsistencies between the cargo floor and the objects you've placed in the footwell.
6. move seatbelt receivers to one side. A thicker mat will also mask the bump from the rear bench seatbelt anchor. If this is in your way, you can unbolt the anchor. This has never been an issue for me.
7. keep the windows open as much or as little as you need depending on conditions.

I find the most comfortable orientation is head against the cargo door. That way most of my body is on the flat cargo floor and my feet are on the Pelican case.

If you're going to spend a lot of time sleeping inside the truck then constructing a dedicated shelf like pm's in the previous post will serve you better. If you're just going to spend a night or two here and there then you can take my less elegant/design intensive, but satisfactory approach.

 

[pdXDisco97]

Well. I am about 6, so in the same boat. I probably slept close to a month total in my D1, and it was very comfortable.
I removed the rear seats, and built a shelf about 10.5" off the floor of cargo compartment, from the rear to the front of the flat cargo floor.
Beyond that, I made a hinged piece that covers the gap between the front of cargo floor to the backs of the front seats, and extending to the console between the front seats. Sleeping with my head towards the rear of the truck, and my feet between the front seats on the console.
If I find a picture of this, I'll post it here.

Here's the view looking back from the driver's seat:

View from the rear of the truck:

How did you attach the tie down points? Just self-tappers through the metal? Sealed? I want better securing options for my cargo...

 

[pdXDisco97]

Been searching up and down and found very little on a sleeping platform for inside a D1. I’m about 6’ 1” and 190lbs but based on some measurements I’ve taken it looks like removing the passenger seat is my only real option. Was considering some sort of folding table to rest on the center console for my feet. Anyone worked something out on their own for a D1? This is the only time I’m jealous of the extra overhang of a D2!

In summary, want to sleep in D1 for backwoods camping, don’t want a rooftop tent, need ideas.

I don't like pintrest, except for these kinds of things... there are a few ideas on there. I looked into it as well, but have decided that a trailer would work better.

OR a D2

 

[p m]

How did you attach the tie down points? Just self-tappers through the metal? Sealed? I want better securing options for my cargo...

Of course not.
All tiedowns are bolted down using bolts, washers, and nylock nuts.
Not a single piece of cargo including ~100-lb Pelican cases with tools even shifted during/after Rubicon and Death Valley trips.

 

[pdXDisco97]

Of course not.
All tiedowns are bolted down using bolts, washers, and nylock nuts.
Not a single piece of cargo including ~100-lb Pelican cases with tools even shifted during/after Rubicon and Death Valley trips.

Right, but did you pierce the body? You must have... then sealed?

 

[p m]

Right, but did you pierce the body? You must have... then sealed?

Sealed?
I can toss a pencil through a gap in rear doors' weatherstripping. And the truck has been like that since new.
As far as rust - there's a nearly fist-sized hole under the windshield, barely patched. Alpine windows' frames have been repaired three times in 286 kmi and 24 years of the truck's life, and still rusting out.

 

[ankeneering]

I did this for about a month. I'm only 5'10' and simply removing the seats worked for me. I didn't build a platform or anything permanent. I could have retained one of the seats if I so wished, It was actually shockingly comfortable, especially being down so low, there is a lot of room back there for activities; space to read and watch Ipad Netflix. It doesn't have a sunroof and the somewhat saggy headliner was tacked back up with glow in the dark stars for constellation watching. Made sure not to overload with pelican cases and all the "overlanding" gee-gaws. Two thumbs up, wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

 

[Blue]

I found that warm milk and cookies helped me sleep in my old D1.

 

[kennith]

Well. I am about 6, so in the same boat. I probably slept close to a month total in my D1, and it was very comfortable.
I removed the rear seats, and built a shelf about 10.5" off the floor of cargo compartment, from the rear to the front of the flat cargo floor.
Beyond that, I made a hinged piece that covers the gap between the front of cargo floor to the backs of the front seats, and extending to the console between the front seats. Sleeping with my head towards the rear of the truck, and my feet between the front seats on the console.
If I find a picture of this, I'll post it here.

Here's the view looking back from the driver's seat:

You've certainly got your stuff figured out.

Do you have a picture of that extension folded over the console? That's a neat idea, and could be useful for other things.

Cheers,

Kennith