As we began building out our GX470 for overland and off-road travel and camping, we quickly became overwhelmed with all of the options for drawer systems that work with our GX470 and the accompanying price. I quickly realized that I could build a drawer system or rear platform for our vehicle for a fraction of the price of an off-the-shelf option.

  • Goals for our GX470 Overland Platform
    Support for our refrigerator to sit behind the driver’s seat and be accessed by the rear driver’s door.
  • Maximize organization and waste less space in the rear of the GX470.
  • Provide a spot for one person to sleep while the other drives or on solo trips.

Rear (3rd Row) Platform

I began designing the rear platform to be completely removable and to utilize the stock 3rd-row seat mounting points as mounting locations. I found some steel rod that matched the inside of the attachment points (mostly after some grinding). Once I had the steel rod in the mounting points, I was able to measure my ½” angle for the “square” of my platform. I simply sat my camping storage boxes on the floor to decide how high I wanted my deck to be.

I likely overbuilt the platform, but I wanted it strong enough to not be something I would worry about off-road and that could take the abuse of taking it in and out of the vehicle when needed. I added two crossbars to brace the platform and to allow mounting points for the plywood deck. I tacked everything in place and dry-fit the rear platform with great success. Time to weld it up and get some paint on it. 

The deck of the platform is quite simple and consists of ¾” plywood, stainless steel hardware, and marine-grade carpet. I made a cardboard template of the curves and dimensions of the rear cargo area, transferred it to the plywood, and cut it out. Once I had the curves right, I marked where I wanted mounting holes and drilled the angle supports to match. The plywood holes were countersunk. The deck was then sprayed with 3M 90 spray adhesive and the marine carpet was laid down, wrapped, and stapled. 

The rear platform by itself is wildly beneficial to have and still allows for the front seats to be installed. When the seats are laid down, it creates an almost flat cargo area from the rear hatch to the back of the front seats. We can fit our camp chairs and table, tools, recovery gear, and miscellaneous camp gear under the platform and it stays in the vehicle all the time. With our everyday carry kit, we are always able to eat, sleep, and drink in the vehicle at any time.