DIY or Ready-Made Car Camping Platform? Here’s How to Choose
Thinking of sleeping in your car for road trips, weekend escapes, or longer adventures? One big decision is whether to build your own platform or get a ready-to-go solution. Let’s break it down.
DIY: Freedom or Frustration?
Making your own car camping platform sounds appealing — it's cheaper upfront and customisable. But here’s the catch:
- It takes time — hours of design, measuring, sourcing parts, and trial and error.
- It takes tools — and not everyone has a workshop or circular saw handy.
- It’s rarely a perfect fit — small mistakes mean wasted space or a wobbly bed.
If you’re into carpentry and love a long project, DIY might be your thing. But if you just want to hit the road and sleep comfortably, keep reading.
Ready-Made: Plug-and-Play Peace of Mind
At Teraglide, we scan each car model and build a platform designed to fold flat, fit tight, and install in under 1 minute. No tools, no drilling, no guesswork.
Here’s what you’re getting:
- Custom fit to your vehicle model — no wasted space, no gaps
- Gas lift access to your subtrunk and storage underneath
- Easy setup and removal — folds into the trunk, doesn’t block rear seats
- Built from durable FSC-certified materials and CNC-cut for precision
- Comfort like home — flat, slatted surface for airflow and support
You’re not just paying for wood — you’re paying for design, fit, function, and freedom.
Still Torn? Think About This:
- ✅ Need it fast? → Go ready-made
- ✅ Have free weekends and a jigsaw? → Try DIY
- ✅ Travelling with kids or a dog? → Safety and reliability matter — go ready-made
Still not sure?
Get more insights in our post How to Choose the Best Spot for Car Camping, or learn What to Pack for a Weekend of Car Camping if you want to keep things light and simple.
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Want to see what experienced campers say? REI’s Car Camping Checklist covers essentials and planning tips from one of the most trusted outdoor brands.
Check Out the Full Range
Explore our car camping platforms and see why more travellers are switching from DIY to Teraglide.