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

As I've been patiently waiting on a camper shell order to show up I got some nice weather and a chance to start on the platform build.

The whole thing is done with 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood and screwed together. It's not anchored or fastened into the bed at all, it's all just held in place by the plywood locking into the slots in the bed and is quite solid. I wanted to go with no fasteners so the whole thing can be lifted in and out in about a minute.

There is a slot at the front and middle for the center brace to sit in so that you can run with both, one, or neither or the platforms in place. The second platform can be stored in front underneath the other platform. Cutting the platform in half lengthwise also makes it a whole lot easier to lift, remove, and store in the garage if necessary.

Tossed some cheap black paint on and used 3M Super 77 spray adhesive with some cheap marine carpeting and it matches perfectly with the new shell carpet.

Nice sanded plywood, screws, paint, glue, and carpet all came in just under $200 CAD.

Shell is an ARE MX Series.

 

Scored this simple platform for an IPA sixer

 

Threw mine together with some free plywood and a couple 5/4 cross boards. Roll of carpet was free also double score.

 

Got rid of my blackstone propane griddle. It did not cut it on its first camping trip. Not a good choice. The only hot spot on the whole griddle was about a 4” diameter circle in the middle. So I swapped it out for a propane burner and I’ll use a wok-like skillet. I also got a folding campfire grille to put the percolator and cast iron pans on for cooking on open fire. I got some pad-eyes, bungee and hooks from my local kayak store and Amazon to make a tie down system to keep them from bouncing around. I think this’ll make it much better to cook while camping. Anything will be an improvement over the griddle...

 

Yeah from home depot.

 

Yeah I had a buddy weld them up for me

 

Tried out my slumberjack tarp today. It provides alot of shade. Not bad for $85.

 

That's awesome! I haven't even seen those tarps before.

 

Great Slumberjack pics

 

Any idea how these handle rain? I wonder if they pool bad at all.

 

Air gusts were to 30mph... did fine.

It gives alot of shade.

As for rain, I didn't get any. There are a couple of configuration options. The way mine was set up and A-frame (single pole) option. Single pole option would be best for rain and side shielding protection. The overlap portion above the cap gives very good coverage and would block out rain above the tailgate. IMO, without any rain experience yet, it should hold up well in both configurations if the guy lines are set to give enough tension and proper shape for runoff. I will have to report back later when and if I get rain on one of my trips.

 

I've never had any rain pooling issues with my SlumberJack Roadhouse.

 

did the 'pask makes' drawers, pretty happy with them

 

Love my slumberjack tarp.

 

Mine handled light rain and wind fine. Just snug everything down. They are worth the money.and you can use it without a vehicle, like a a-frame tarp.

 

My first thought was that it’s too bad it was designed to drain everything back toward the truck.

 

In my pics, the ground is sloped higher as you move away from the back of the truck. If on even slope, the most probable drainage for rain is to the sides, not towards the truck. Especially true if you go with the A-frame version of the setup. I hope this helps.

 

Which model is your tarp? Is it the Roadhouse or the Satellite?

 

Awesome! This setup did not occur to me where I've been looking at retractable awnings. This is much more ideal, and your timing is impeccable since I'm building it all out this weekend. Thanks for sharing

 

Probably the Roadhouse.