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

Love your crossbars Alfred.
Did you make those or are they repurposed from something else?

 

Love the simplicity.

5/8 ply?

 

I did something similar as Alfred for my 1st set-up. I used (5) individual cross supports of 1.5" OD square / .125" thick AL tubing with (3) 23/32" birch platdorm pieces on top. Held over 500lbs with virtually no sag and complete openness underneath.

 

Do you have pictures? Ive been wanting to do something different in my first gen

 

brilliant!

 

I guess I'll Jump on here and show yall what I threw together.
I wanted to do something like the @1patriot4life made, but I am concerned about storage space, as I dont want my truck to be a full time camper, so until I decide on a system that allows for a full bed sleeping solution, that also converts to half bed, me and my friend threw together this $50 setup.

Used two 4x8 pieces of 3/4" ply wood, had home depot cut the big dimensions, and then trimmed the drop with a sawzall to make this platform that breaks down easily, uses no hardware and takes up virtually no space in the garage when being stored.

 

There are (3) almost identical platform pieces - all full width (57"?) and each one about 25" deep. Each platform has (2) support tubes bolted to it at the tube ends.

I can stack the platforms on top of each other against the cab and still have about 2/3 bed length and full width for truck stuff.

The leg you see counteracts sitting on the edge of that ending platform piece when it wants to lift a bit (from sitting on the edge).

I don't off-road much so the platform isn't locked into place at any time. But when deployed, the full platform doesn't move.

Fo padding, I have a custom sized Solace pad (like a Paco pad) covered by a wool blanket.

 

Ah ok. I thought you had a first gen. First gens don’t have that lip to do this style of plate form

 

I believe so

 

Just started a build thread on mine. Here's what I have so far.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/franzgods-drawer-sleeping-platform-build.599047/

 

@jet123 that leg might be a perfect solution for me, but I can’t seem to find that particular item online. Do you have a manufacturer, name or link available for it?

 

@scollins

It IS perfect for my specific height (total height = height of built-in 2nd gen bed shelf + 1.5" platform cross members).

The company I ordered from no longer stocks what was advertised as having an 11" leg length. I did find it with Amazon, but they advertise it as having a 13" leg length. But you can always cut it down.

https://www.amazon.com/Garelick-Stainless-Steel-Support-Swing/dp/B079TD185J

Note - in the upright position, I recall the depth of the unit to be very close to 1.5" as it was very similar to the 1.5" OD AL square tubing I used as cross Members.

Holler if you need me to measure my set-up later as I am not near my truck.

John

 

I have a short bed and want to be able to sleep in the back on a blow up mattress. This is a great idea. Any recommendations on the bed platform? I am going to build the platform this weekend.

 

The Bed Drawer Build



Firstly let’s get my thank you’s out of the way @tacoma16 for all your advice and suggestions. @T@com@Steve for some of the inspirations off of your build, the links to Pask Makes, and links to some of the items you used. You saved me hours of research.


This project is the accumulation of about 6 months of planning and 1.5-ish months of building in my spare time. I averaged about 4-6 hours per night on weekdays and about 16-20 hours over some weekends when I was not working.


Overall my intent was to build a system with the split running down the middle so I could work both pieces into the back of my cap. My limitation was the doors with so by splitting down the middle and making it modular, I was able to maximize the space. I wanted security to be on the drawers should I ever switch back to a tonneau cover, my kit would be locked.


Cost (all prices in moosebucks):

3x ¾” Maple - 218.93
1x ½" Maple - 60.98
Hardware (Screws / Bolts) - 225.21
Polyurethane - 126.91
Steel Tubing 1 x 1 x 1/8 - 50.57
Gloves - 13.5
Gorilla Wood Glue - 5.97
2x 3 Digit combo locks- 33.62
2x Cam Locks 11.19
2x Drawer Pulls 18.98
Spray Pain - 8.47
Blue Locktite - 9.99


Grand Total: 784.32


SO with this build you can see i spared no expense.


What I could have done differently:


1. Not used elevator bolts - Instead of using elevator bolts which drove my hardware cost up, I could have opted for a different style.


2. I should have planned my cuts more efficiently - However with this build since I am truly the first one to ever build a split system running down the middle, I had to measure and cut as I went. If attempting this same set up, cut your larger pieces first.


3. Had an actual shop to do this in - Thankfully there is a barn on my property so I had the chance to work on the cutting and screwing there, but I had to glue during the winter days which probably reduced its overall effectiveness, and had to Polyurethane inside of my house which you try to do with a roommate that wont stop her bitchin'


Having said all of that here she is from start to finish! (I had taken about 182 photos so Ill be showing the best and thats it I swear)

 

No matter how much reading and research you do, everyone will take a different approach. Yours came out great!! Let me tell you, you get what you pay for, and you will get years of use out of this. I am loving mine still and would only change a few small things. Nice job brother!!

 

I definitely appreciate it! Thanks for answering some of my late night emails lol

 

Very nice.

 

My temporary solution to fuel storage. I want to steer away from this though I'm the event of a leak it does not contaminate the any of my good or clothss, but my tire carrier is not equipped to handle any fuel right now

 

I'd put something under the ratcheting mechanism, so it's not metal on metal.

 

Manfred, this shows your superb attention to detail and its an inspiration for all of us.

I would be interested to review your SketchUp design file if you'd feel comfortable uploading and attaching it to a post here for others that use the same software.