Sleeping Platform - 2x6's or 2x8's

I've been searching around the forum and even though there are a million posts about building a sleeping platform, I can't find the answer to my specific questions. I just bought a 2013 Taco with the access cab. My bed has 2 notches in each side that look like they're made to accept a piece of lumber. The thing is, they're wider than a 2x6 (I had one around and tried it), but I'm pretty sure a 2x8 will be too wide. So, despite reading another post that said they're made for a 2x8, I don't think that can be the case. Is that correct?

The other thing I don't get is that a 2x6 (or 2x8) is too thick. The notch appears to be about an inch deep, so a board that is 1.5" thick will be higher than the wheel wells and "ledge" that goes all along each side of the bed. So, is it best to just rest something on that ledge and forget about the notches? When I first saw the notches, I thought a 2x6 in each with some plywood resting on them and the ledges would be perfect, but I don't see how that will work out.
Thanks.
Steve

 

They were made for a 2 X 6. I wouldn't want it to rest on the ledges.

 

sub'd!

 

Tape measure?

 

Notch the ends so the 2x6 sits flush and use a support in the center.

 

Just for clarification:

2x6 = 1 1/2" x 5 1/2"

2x8 = 1 1/2" x 7 1/2"

 

2x8's ripped to fit

If you want sizes and angles I can figure that out for you tomorrow

 

Man, I thought I had problems! This is an intense woodworking issue! lol, j/k. /smartass.

I think it's made for a 2x8 personally, although the 2x6 would fit readily but it would slide slightly which is fine for some/most applications.

I just measured the ones on my 2013 dcsb and the notches are angled down to essentially 1x7. Personally I would do a bit of trimming to match the angle and use 2x8's and just have them stick .5 inch above the groove.

 

Also the top of the board isn't supposed to be flush with the lip above the groove/notch. Even if you used a 1x7 it's really only 3/4 so forget that. You could always make cuts to sides and bottom of a 2x8 to remove .5" on the bottom, and .25" on both sides (or .5 on one side...) if you NEEDED it to be flush.

 

Flush is better then the ledge supports the plywood top

 

You are right, it's better but for a sleeping platform it shouldn't matter. The weight of the boards+plywood+ one or *two people should be more than fine in those notches. Although I guess it does matter how much the people weigh, but I wasn't going to ask. If a pair of 2x8's sag badly on a <4ft span, put in a center support and visit Jenny Craig or buy better quality dry 2x8's.

 

1" aluminum

 

Also, I'm just guessing here, but I think they intended you to use two 2x4's in each slot. 2x 1.5x3.5" actual boards would fit perfectly there with no trimming... unless you wanted flush for max load capacity.

 

Cut on saw

 

Why Jimmy

 

Starts getting pricey! Minimum $600 USD for solid bar 6061.

And do you say it U.S. style or add a bit with the British style "Al-yew-min-e-um"?

 

I say it properly

I didn't mean solid stock

 

I'm going to bed , I'll rip a piece to fit tommorow and post a pic

You take it from there OP

 

I figured you would add inappropriate syllables you Brit-can. All for the queen I guess.

U-channel? H-Bar, T-Bar, I-Beam? Square? Good luck finding something to fit a 1x7 slot.

 

I get that. I do own a compound miter saw.. even has a little useless laser for "sighting" the target.

Making these cuts is almost a dremel job though..