Show us your truck bed sleeping platform/drawer/storage systems

Currently designing and building my own. Just curious as to what others have done for their 2nd Gens. My plan is to use 3/4"X.060"wall sq. tubing for the frame. Yet to decide thickness for plywood deck. Removable access in platform in front and behind wheel wells. Side by side full length drawers on ball bearing rails. Passenger side drawer would be the '"kitchen" containing stove, pots/pans, utensils and small pantry. Drivers side drawer containing other supplies.

 

subbbbbbed for pics!

 

Mine is still a work-in-progress, but I am almost done. I am still working on getting the last layers of finish done.

The almost final product looks like (should note that the top is sanded down, so it looks a little dull in the picture):

I have posted updates on the progress here, here, here and here.

A few things to note:

• I am not a carpenter, and mistakes have been made.
• It is over engineered.
• One of the main design considerations is that I needed to fit my dog's crate in a drawer, so everything was built around that. He has a 36"x26" crate. The larger drawer is just barely big enough. If I had to do it over again, I would have given myself a few extra inches in length to accommodate mistakes.
• It has taken me a LOT longer than expected, and probably cost more than it should have. It has been a fun project though.
• I could almost certainly saved time if I had decided to not finish the wood as much as I have and covered it with carpet or something else instead.

Here is a pic of my "helper" when I was working on getting some stuff fit up (who decided it was better to hang out in a downpour rather than come in, so he is a bit wet).

By all means, check out the links above on how the build was progressing. I plan on putting another layer of finish on the top tonight. I still have a few things left to do before this is completed.

• Striker for the drawer latches need to be installed
• Handle to for the pop-open storage area needs to be installed.
• Hinge for the pop open storage area needs to be installed.
• Bolts to attach the top to the bottom needs to be installed.
• Might add a few more L-Tracks closer to the cab and provide 2-3 more attachment points to the bed of the truck.

Should be about another week or two and then I am done.

 

Cool, I'll subscribe to this one. I put an ARE topper on a few months back. Just planning on throwing a twin mattress and a sleeping bag in there this summer and go camping/kayaking/fishing/drinkin'.

 

I built this exact one using some 2x8 measurements I found on this site, and it's been awesome. I advise spray-adhesive for the carpet on plywood, before stapling it. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/simple-sleeping-platform-cheap-works-great.108524/

 

Here are pictures of the one I built for my truck about 4 years back:

Raw Materials

Tailgate Down (intend to build drawers which will be carpeted also)

Tight fit around end of bed box

Compartments toward front of bed

All buttoned up

It took me a weekend to build it.
Very satisfied with how it all came out.

 

This is my current set up. I made the frame out of 2x4s and 2x10s. I wrapped plywood in carpet for the top. The top sits flush with the top of the wheel wells.
There are no drawers, we just shove hiking and camping gear under the platform, but the 2x4s eat up a good amount of space, so it's not the best design for storage.
I'm thinking about starting over with something more like what C0d3M0nk3y has, so that the space underneath is more usable. I probably won't go full drawers, but I've seen people who have plastic bins with wheels that fit in there pretty nicely.
Expedition Portal has a storage forum, which has a lot of things that you could get ideas from: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/91-Storage-Solutions

 

Update: 4/6

 

im liking this already!

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCneltVkwz_/

Mine

Plywood, + some 2x4s, some S hooks into the holes in the bed rails and then attached to hooks in the plywood on the one side. Legs for support as well. Fit a cooler and a rubbermaid under me. Lived in it for 1 month.

 

Who makes those boxes? I have been looking for some that will fit under my platform.

 

Usually found behind drug stores. Rite-Aid and Walgreen's use these to ship merchandise to their stores.

 

Akro Mils makes these boxes, they are very sturdy and they ship super fast through Amazon prime. Tops fit flush and the 6 pack that is offered is perfect because you'll still have a good amount of storage through the middle or sides depending on your arrangement. Lock compatible as well with a variety of sizes. The particular ones I used were 21.5LX 15W X 9H, with the Bottom of my platform sitting at 11 inches from bed to ply. Left 2 inches of clearance which I'm actually very please with. Overall its coming together very nicely. Just have to finish up the supports, as well as cut and mount the locking doors on the back. All the work should be close to done tonight. I've got a 4,000 mile trip lined up over the next couple weeks so I'll let you know how the whole set up works out.

$190 Akro-Mils 39085 Industrial Plastic Storage Tote with Hinged Attached Lid, (21" L by 15" W by 9" H), Gray, (6-Pack)

http://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-39085-Distribution-Container-21-5-Inch/dp/B000189CS2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1461162486&sr=8-3&keywords=storage+totes&refinements=p_89:Akro-Mils

 

I got motivated yesterday to update my platform. I reused some of the 2x10s and 2x4s from my previous version and added a plywood base. I made two separate "boxes" so that they can be removed pretty easily and stored in the garage when I want to use the bed.

I also found some plastic storage bins with wheels at Target that are the correct size to slide two in side by side.

 

@dcsbtaco hey man this is pretty perfect

 

Hey @Tsinajinii how much would you guess was the cost?

 

I think it was about $150.
One thing that I do remember for sure, is that the hardware adds up fast. You can definitely cut costs in the hardware department