Simple Sleeping Platform: Cheap Works Great

First post! Seemed appropriate since this is where i got the idea from.

 

Subscribed to learn

 

Great thread. I plan on doing a deck under a bed rack. Does anybody that has the plywood running all the way back to the inner edge of the closed tailgate have the measurements for the plywood cuts? I'm wanting to have to deck hug the rear angles all the way to the tailgate.
I plan on carpeting the deck, possibly running aluminum channel around the edges and weatherstripping to minimize rain getting into the storage underneath. I'm going to modify the DIY bed rail tool hangers and have them secure to the decking to provide some security for the decking along with the locking tailgate.
Also looking to mount a compressor and probably power inverter underneath the deck.

 

Like the simple approach here. In all honesty I don’t need drawers or even the ability to support +500lbs.

What’s the verdict to get by with 2 normal sized humans (400lbs total max) weight sleeping in back?

1” plywood still seems overkill. Would like to avoid center supports if possible. Want to be able to fit a +6ft surfboard under the platform meaning it goes in diagonally.

 

What did you end up going with? I'm in the same boat and about to build mine.

 

id like to see it too. in the same boat with the 6' board under there too. gonna build one with 2 cross members and 2 pieces of plywood in there. might cut two sections at the front to get stuff way back there

 

I used 1/2" for my box and platform. Even 3/4 is overkill unless there will be considerable weight on it.

 

ill probably end up just using 3/4 so i dont have to worry if i wanna load it up. just insulated my cap tonight and am planning to get the platform going this week... hopefully itll be as easy as it seems! not sure what i wanna cover the inside of my cap with to cover the insulation but ill figure it out

 

Just finished mine up. Curtains from Walmart.

 

6 inch piece of memory foam that would be soft as a pillow. We tried the 4 inch in our bed. Just could feel the matrices. Go 6 inches you will never feel it. Nice build. Great job both of you.

 

For those of you who set this up on those notches, have y’all found storage boxes short enough to fit under the platform? Debating doing this or setting up a frame on 2x12s to allow for taller boxes.

 

i like mine

 

if u use the notches just slide the under bed storage boxes in there

 

Question for you guys, how are you all fitting in these short beds? Laying down in mine my feet would stick out almost a whole foot passed the end of the bed. Would have to sleep with the tailgate down. Everybody just turn into a side sleeper for camping trips?

 

This is the perfect "cheap" solution to what I was looking for! I'll be working on my setup in the near future and will post pics and measurements for everything, once I get it all worked out.

 

I’ll be doing this! Exact dimensions of plywood cuts? Thank you!

 

Finally decided to build a platform for my short bed this afternoon using suggestions and examples on this thread. Thanks to everyone who has shared! I ended up using OSB for the deck as my local Lowe’s is very proud of their ply which was also in terrible shape at $48/sheet for 5/8ths. Some clearance outdoor carpet finished off the build coming in at a total of $54. It seems strong enough, Hopefully it provides good enough strength and longevity.

 

This is nice. Will this be used as a sleeping platform? If so, what are your plans on hanging out of the end of since it is a SB? I only ask because I too have a short bed with a shell and am looking to achieve the same.

 

I am planning on using for a sleeping platform as well at cargo separation. For me at 5-11 it is a good fit laying down diagonally with the back closed, I have previously slept in the bed and realized that if I could have the room that the wheel well takes up I would have plenty of length. Most of my car camping is solo or with a group where my girlfriend doesn’t join me so I think it will be a good solution when I don’t want to use a tent. It would be pretty cramped with two in the bed.

 

Awesome! I am only 5'9" myself and can definitely sleep diagonal but I often go camping with my son and would like to stretch out. I thought about getting a tent extension for the tailgate but I really didn't want to start buying a ton of extra gear. I am planning to purchase an offroad trailer in the near future and this concept is only to get me through the waiting process especially now since fall is just around the corner.