Building my bed platform

I became a big fan of bed drawer systems when my friend became a traveling sales rep for DECKED. However they did not make a system for the Tacoma when he worked for them and i didn't have a cap yet.
I got my used cap around a month ago, and have been working on building my deck.

Originally the plan was a wood deck like most do. Then I decided to be a bit different and do metal. This is also a perfect excuse to buy a welder and learn a new skill.

I built this fishing rod rack as a basic learning experience first. I learned allot and decided I was ready to start the deck.


The first cross bar was very easy to make. 3/4" steel tube, 45 degree cuts. Just place it in the notches and tack weld, then move over to the table for final welding.

After welding this up, I came to a realization that the cubby holes will be very hard to get to, even when I put trap doors in the deck.
I decided to use the first bar in the front notches, and build a more intricate bar for the rear so I can still use my cubbies and electric.

Here is a pic showing the 2 bars front and rear. I also built a center support that goes the length of the bed. These 3 pieces will be bolted together so it's secure, but still removable.


I have already bought bought my 3/4" plywood for the deck. Cutting that properly will be a challenge as I want it tight to the sides of the bed, all the way to the tailgate. My dad gave me a suggestion using a compass I will attempt.
I still need to buy some marine carpet.
For now I will not have pull out drawers, but it was designed to be able to add them in the future.

 

This is awesome! I just got a long bed CCOR, and I want to have a set like this built. I look forward to how this turns out...please post updates.

 

Nice! Looking to do something similar, look forward to seeing the end product!

 

Got a bunch more work done. Plywood is all cut and installed with carpeting.
I sprayed the wood with glue before laying the carpet down. The pulled it tight to the back side and stapled every 2 inches around the perameter.


Looking down through the trap door you can see my metal frame sticking out. This will provide support to the door.


1/2 carpeted. You can see the hole for the passenger side door. The driver side one is inserted.


I'm pretty happy with how tight the seems fit!

The entire bed carpeted.


I still need to cut out the finger opening holes for the doors. I need to install hinges on the doors. There is also a center support that was shown in the first post. It is not installed in the carpeted pics.
Down the road I will be making pull out drawers as well, but this will do till I get them finished.
I also want to install some LED lighting in the bed as well.

 

Is that 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood?
Also, is the steel frame 3 individual pieces, or are they welded together?
3 pieces of steel and 2 pieces of wood would make it super easy to remove and store when not in use.
It looks great!! Well done.

 

The deck is 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood that are identical, but opposite.
The frame is 3 separate parts that have been welded up. 1 bolt attaches each cross beam to the center support. If you wanted to take it out of the truck to store the metal is a stack 3" thick, 6' tall and the plywood.
Simple, strong, and minimal supports in the way was my goal for this job.

 

Very nice. I have the same set up in my bed, just made it all out of wood. Was going for the minimalist approach too. If I remember correctly, I used 1/2" particle board; enough to support my 220lb ass and saves a bit of weight. I'll have to snap some pics when I get back.

I did cut out about a 3/4" by 4" slot out the edge of each piece of particle board in the center of the platform before carpeting. When both boards are installed, it gives me a nice 1 1/2" by 4" hole to lift the edge of either of the two halves and it's small enough to lay on top of without noticing it. It makes taking the boards out much easier. Reason I did it though is because it also allow me to easily lift one half of the platform up while I'm on top of the other for access to whatever I have stored below without getting out of the bed. Doesn't look as clean having a hole in the middle of the platform, but it's definitely a function I find useful, especially when it's cold or raining outside and I need something from underneath the platform.

 

Well it's done for now. I added some tie down points to the deck. Also the trap doors now have hinges, and figure holes for opening.


I plan to build matching drawers in the future, but for now I found these plastic totes to fit under the deck.

 

HAwk, where did you get those bins for under bed...I seem some at walmart, but yours look sturdier

 

The ones i got were from Target. I was also considering ones from lowes that were very similar, but was at Target for some other stuff so chose them. I think they were $16.

 

thanks, I have just started looking for caps for my 2015 DCSB, seen allot of used ones, but then I got to worry about getting painted to match by blue. Think I am gonna have to bite the bullet and order a new one, what brand you have. MY F-150 I just sold had the DECKED system in it and it was great, but like the option of have a platfrom that I can quickly and easily move if need be. I wish you lived closer or I had your welding skills...I love the frame work

 

My cap is a higher end leer. It has crank out Windows, but I forget the model. I bought it used on cl.
As for my welding skills, they were non existent when instated this project. I bought a $90 welder from harbour freight, watched a bunch of vids on YouTube and thought myself the basics.

 

Man...Great job on the platform build. Simple design, and very functional. I like it.

 

Best form of flattery is imitation; that's why I'm stealing your support frame idea! Great work, looking forward to seeing the drawer system. I've seen u-channel with skateboard wheels used but I want to make it cheaper. Plus I'm trying to design a dog ramp into the whole mix as my pooch has a bad shoulder.

 

Go for it. Please post pics though. You may have some ideas I want to adapt tomine.

 

That's a good idea, I'd like to see it.

 

Subd. for this greatness.

 

Subd it looks nice

 

I have been working on making the drawers. I have the end pieces of the frames all welded up. I need to buy some more metal tube to connect them.
I am not sure how to make the sides of the drawers. Sheet metal is the first thought, but I don't have a sheet metal bender, or sure of how to cut it cleanly. Also I only have a VERY basic 120v flux core welder. It has worked quite well for me so far, but don't know if it can weld metal that thin.
Any ideas?

 

What carpet are you guys using? I am planning to build mine this weekend, so I'd like to order the carpet from Amazon today.