![]() ![]() In order to create a level sleeping surface, I had to extend the front legs to their full height of 27 inches and rest the shorter back legs on my storage bins and back platform. My main complaint is that the back legs only extend to 10 inches. The front set of legs extend to a full 27″ to reach into the footwell behind the front seats of your vehicle (photo/Katie Griffith) Elastic straps prevent the cushion from sliding around. Velcro strips secure the wooden slats to the metal frame. The back two sets of legs extend 7-10 inches and are designed to rest on folded-down car seats. The longer front two legs are independently adjustable, so they can accommodate wheel wells or uneven surfaces. After following the setup instructions on the first go, I was able to quickly repeat the process on subsequent attempts. Here's a list of our favorite van life gear and apps. My wife, 2-year-old daughter, and I have been on the road for 8 months. When set up in a flat-floored vehicle like a cargo van, the Trailgate provides a great amount of storage space (photo/Katie Griffith)įrom Practical to Plush: My Favorite Van Life Gear Traveling in my vehicle is only sustainable for longer periods of time if I can reliably get a good night’s sleep. ![]() It also inhibits my ability to recover well from hard physical activity. If I don’t sleep well before a big day of guiding or climbing, it affects my ability to perform my job or achieve my goals. It creates more space.įinally, comfort is key. That’s why my wooden platform adjusts between a twin and full bed. I also like to have enough room to comfortably change my clothes inside my van. I want to be able to tuck my storage bins under my bed while still having easy access to them. I’m often going straight from guiding a retreat to pursuing my own climbing objectives, so I keep a lot of gear in my vehicle. I also have several bins of climbing gear, camping equipment, food, and dishes over which my custom buildout is designed to fit.įor me, storage space is essential in a sleeping platform. My platform features an adjustable bed and a fold-down table for food prep. So, I have a basic wooden build-out in my mini cargo van. I tested the REI Co-op Trailgate in my Ford Transit Connect while guiding camping-based climbing retreats during the summer. For committed van lifers, a more custom setup is likely preferred, and the cot won’t fit in most small sedans.Ĭheck Price at REI REI Co-op Trailgate Vehicle Sleeping Platform Review Take it from a professional climbing guide and van lifer - good quality sleep on the road is essential (photo/Katie Griffith) What I’m Looking for in a Sleeping Platform It’s especially useful in mini SUVs or hatchbacks with fold-down seats. In short: For those looking for a temporary vehicle sleeping arrangement that’s easy to set up and way comfier than a car seat, the Trailgate is a perfect fit. It worked as a lower-profile alternative to the bulky, DIY plywood platform in my van. I recently tried out the Trailgate while leading a climbing retreat. As a climbing guide, I’m frequently traveling for work and need a good night’s rest before a day of climbing. With its adjustable design, you can easily turn one side of your car into an even, comfortable bed for your next trailhead bivy or car camping trip. ![]() Pretty soon, your alarm is going off and you’re not sure if you even slept at all.Įnter the REI Co-op Trailgate Vehicle Sleeping Platform. You lower the car seats and roll out your backpacking pad to cozy up for a good rest before an alpine start.īut then you spend the entire night trying to ignore the uneven, lumpy car seats and seatbelts poking you in the back. Psyched for a big day in the mountains, you drive to the trailhead to sleep in your vehicle. ![]()
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