Bed Dimensions for Sleeping Set-Up

Hey All,

I have a fairly new (to me) 2010 with a 6ft bed and since I just got a canopy, want to rig up a sleeping set-up. I'm off tomorrow night for a road trip so I plan to keep it super simple; 2 2x6 planks in the grooves and a sheet on top of that.

My question: Has anybody taken the measurements for these pieces?
Do you have any recommendations about type of wood, thickness, etc?

I know some folks have put together some very intricate systems but for now I'm just trying to set up a plank above the wells to throw a mattress on.

Thanks!!

 

If you search there is one poster who did a camping set up with his canopy. It was a year or two ago now.

 

I built one in mine and slept on it once. It sucked. No head room and im only 5'4. It was a waste, great idea. But just isn't useable.

 

I now just throw an air mattress between the wheel wells and sleep like a king. By the time you put a mattress on top of platform there isn't room for you.

 

For a quick 2X6 across the bed in the provided pockets it's 57". Use the search and there's a lot of info out there.


I used 1.5 PVC to make a frame and attached a plywood cover. The "main" frame is set up as a single bunk and has connectors that attach a second frame for a full bed setup. The 1.5" rides perfectly in the ribs of the bed so it can't move anywhere once you close the tailgate. The 4-way PVC connectors are available online ( http://www.pvcplans.com/pvc-suppliers.htm ) if you want to do the full bed. I have the cut list as a PDF file if anyone needs it. It's a hell of a lot lighter than lumber.
Attached Thumbnails

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6752255#post6752255

 

http://www.truck-bedz.com/default.tpl?pageID=1&page=full&cart=137773669125825&id1=36&id2=38&id3=[id3]&--eqskudatarq=39%20%20VCSB%20T1
or
http://www.truck-bedz.com/default.tpl?pageID=1&page=full&cart=137773669125825&id1=36&id2=38&id3=[id3]&--eqskudatarq=40%20%20VTCSB

 

My Coleman twin air mattress fits great between the wheel wells. And there's stil plenty of room in all 4 corners to keep the gear you need in arm reach.

 

This. Couldnt agree more

 

Seemed like a great idea when I was building it. It was great having a place I could hide stuff from prying eyes underneath the platform. But unless you've got one of those tall camper shells it just sucks. Now I have thrown around the idea of building a "platform" on half of the bed and leave the other half open. But I just can't decide if it's worth it. I've seen some pretty good looking setups on expedition portal but alot of those guys are using vans or full size trucks. That's just my .02.

 

Hey Drainbung,
How do I get that cuts list PDF? I love the lightweight nature of your pvc raised sleeping platform design.
--Darrell--SLC, UT

 

Drainbung,

awesome idea!! Could you add me to the list as well??? Extremely interested on doing this for my Taco. Seems light enough and better than utilizing wood!


Thanks!

 

2 - 1x6 at 57". I used SPF as it was easy to get. I think a 1x6 fits a lot better than a 2x6, but again, don't have the wood in front of me. If you use a 2x6 you'll be above the lip that runs around the bed (assuming that is in a 2010 taco?)
2 - 48"x28.5" plywood. I did two as it's pretty well impossible to fit a 57" piece in by itself. Cut the plywood to 57, then ripped it in half.
2 - 20ish x 28.5 plywood. I don't remember the exact dimension. Short enough to close the tailgate and still have a bit of carpet overhanging. Have to trim the edge that is near the tailgate as the lip comes off.

I used 5/8's sheets. Seems plenty strong.

 

I like the PVC bed. Very lightweight idea!

 

Do you have a canopy? Guess impossible was a bit far, but the way I do it takes virtually no effort to get it in. Also allows me to set up half of it and save space for boxes and stuff while traveling.

 

I built a deck from ply with a pull out drawer that worked well but ended up building a new one with a metal frame. The 5' bed isnt idea to sleep in but if I go corner to corner it works alright. No head room but hey all I need is to pass out after skiing all day so I can can get right back at it the next day. It also works great for the dog, gear under and he can run around in the back like a mad man.

 

That looks quite a bit better than what I made for my minivan. If I could get that PDF, I'd appreciate it.

 

FYI, the more I look at this the more I think I'd rather make it out of 2"x2" wood. Using wood means I can add extra stuff more easily but just screwing things into the wood. I got the plans for this PVC project but life got in the way and I've been dragging my feet on the project. But now that winter is here I'm getting serious about. Especially since I think I'll be going to Wyoming on a hunt next year. I'll post is regardless of what materials I use.

 

2x2 is pretty flimsy

 

Are those plans available somewhere? Having worked with both wood and PVC, I have good reasons for using PVC as much as I can. It's easier to work with, requires less tools, and is quicker (at least when I'm doing it). The result is lighter, and thus easier for me to handle. (I have developed some health issues over the years.) I have not needed to attach things to the PVC until a small recent project. I drilled and bolted that one. It was pretty easy.