The new 4Runner brings plenty of new features, but one thing Toyota didn’t fix is the uneven cargo area when the rear seats are folded down. Anyone who has tried to sleep in their 4Runner quickly learns that the difference in height between the cargo area and the folded seats makes it uncomfortable for sleeping and awkward for loading gear. BamBeds designed a perfect solution… the Leveling Platform.
This is a simple, low-commitment, super low-profile platform that drops in, fills the gap, and creates a flat foundation you can actually use. It’s lightweight, installs in under a minute, and it’s strong enough to handle serious weight. If you’re looking for a fast and easy sleeping & storage solution for the 6th Gen, this platform is the clean, simple fix.
Table Of Contents
Feature & Spec Overview
- Fitment: Designed for the 2025+ 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner, offered in both gas and hybrid options.
- Load Capacity: Rated for 1000 lbs. Easily supports people, gear, or both without concern.
- Materials: Available in Baltic Birch or Bamboo (CNC-cut for precision).
- Finish: Ships raw.
- Install and Removal: Drops in and removes in about a minute, no tools required.
- Dimensions: Gas Models: 35″ in between supports, 8″ of storage clearance underneath, 29.5″ of headroom above.
- Dimensions: Hybrid Models: 32.5″ in between supports, 3″ of storage clearance underneath, 29.5″ of headroom above.
- Other Features: Integrated tie-down handle cutouts, works with seats up or down.
- Shipping: Free shipping to the lower 48 states.
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty.
- Made In The USA!
Why This Platform Exists
The 6th Gen 4Runner rear seats don’t fold flat, which leaves an awkward step in the cargo floor that’s worse than 5th Gen. That step is fine for hauling groceries, but it’s frustrating when you want to sleep in the back or lay gear evenly across the floor.
Drawer systems can sometimes solve the problem, but add bulk, can’t be easily removed, and can weigh over 150 lbs. BamBeds took a different approach with the Leveling Platform. It’s not a drawer or a storage cabinet; it’s just a perfectly cut platform that solves the difference in height and gives you a flat surface without compromise.
That said, we were still able to stuff a handful of blankets and even pillows under the sleeping platform, which is great because they don’t get dirty from all the other random gear we store on top of the platform.
Even though it’s designed to be a sleeping platform, this low-profile unit also acts as a storage solution for smaller gear essentials.
Installation & Fitment
Set up takes about a minute. The platform drops into the rear cargo area and locks into place without hardware or tools. When you don’t need it, pull it out just as easily.
Above the platform, you’ll have about 29.5″ of headroom, which is enough for a mattress, pad, or sleeping bag without feeling cramped.
Strength & Durability
The platform is rated to hold 1000 lbs. That means you, your passenger, and all your gear are covered. The material choices are Baltic Birch or Bamboo, which are both durable and lightweight.
The Baltic Birch is a traditional plywood option that resists warping and takes polyurethane well. Bamboo is a sustainable choice that’s just as tough and can be finished with beeswax or oil for extra moisture resistance. Both options are CNC-cut for precision and assembled with slip-fit joints.
The unfinished material gives you the freedom to leave it natural, seal it clear, or paint it to match your build. You could also cover it in carpet.
Storage Underneath
One of the biggest advantages over drawer systems is that you still keep useful storage space. I have the hybrid model, so not as much room for storage, but still handy for gear like blankets, thin or memory foam pillows, first aid kit, and some other items used on the regular.
- Gas models: 8″ of clearance underneath, perfect for slim boxes, recovery straps, or stove kits.
- Hybrid models: 3″ of clearance underneath, still usable for flatter gear like traction boards or tool rolls.
The integrated tie-down handles double as anchor points, so you can strap gear under the platform or lash items on top.
Practical Use
The platform is designed to work with the seats up or down, which means you don’t lose everyday functionality. With the seats folded, you’ve got a clean, level floor for sleeping or loading long gear. With the seats upright, the platform still sits in place and leaves the second row usable.
If for any reason it’s in the way, you can remove the boards very quickly, creating the perfect low-commitment mod for anyone building out their sleeping solution.
Compared To Full BamBeds
This isn’t the same as a BamBeds raised system, which uses multiple boards and creates a raised sleeping deck with lots of storage underneath. The Leveling Platform is a simpler, SUV-specific product designed only to fix the seat-fold dip.
- Choose the Leveling Platform if you want a flat surface for sleeping and gear, but don’t need a drawer or a tall storage system.
- Look at full setups if you want a full sleeping platform with maximum under-platform storage.
Final Thoughts
The BamBeds Leveling Platform is one of those products that feels like it should have come from the factory as an add-on. 4Runner people love to sleep in the back of their 4Runner, and Toyota is very aware of this. I’m surprised Toyota has never made a leveling system for the cargo area.
This system from BamBeds is lightweight, fast to install, and ridiculously strong. It gives you a perfectly flat foundation in the back of the 6th Gen without eating up headroom or committing to a bulky drawer system.
If you camp in your 4Runner or just want a clean cargo floor for loading gear, this platform is an easy choice. It’s practical, it’s well built, and it’s made in the USA with a lifetime warranty.
We’ve tested this product for several scenarios. We have slept on the system and we’ve used it as a platform for our camping gear. If you’re not sleeping on the platform or you eventually move to a rooftop tent, the platform doubles as a great usable surface for camping, cooking, making coffee in the morning, mounting a fridge, etc. This is a great way to protect the factory carpet in the cargo area, all while creating a flat, stable surface to work on.
The only real downside of this product is the price. If you can justify the cost, it’s absolutely worth it. For those who prefer the DIY route, building your own sleeping platform is an option. We’ve built custom systems for other 4Runners in the past, but the biggest drawback with DIY builds is the lack of precise fitment. Without laser scanning, you often need multiple test fittings, and the raw wood edges can easily scratch factory plastics. While DIY systems can save money, the BamBeds system stands out for its precision, perfectly smooth edges, and guaranteed protection against damage to your interior.
For anyone frustrated by the uneven cargo floor in the 6G, this is the fix.
