A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, and a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the slide mechanism; and a hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions. The forward edges of the rail members are connected to the hinge assembly so that the slide mechanism, and the removable load floor may be moved arcuately in relation to the hinge assembly, and the load floor slid rearwardly. Also included is a levitation mechanism for raising a rear edge of the sliding load floor so that the load floor may be extended rearwardly outside the vehicle across a raised sill in the cargo area.