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

I used 1/2" for the drawer bottoms, 3/4" for the sides, since the slides are mounted to them.

Likewise, I used 3/4" for the platform vertical partitions and 3/4" for the platform deck. It is heavier than I wanted, but very, very solid.

 

I have 2x8 for the sides, and 1x6 supports.

I haven't started the actual drawer yet. I have a bunch of skateboard bearings that i was thinking of using, and I just thought I could do a 1x1 aluminum angle for what they can slide on, on the drawer itself. Im not sure yet though

 

I used 3/4" too. Heavy, but solid.

 

Aluminum angle is cheaper, but it'll flex more with load applied than aluminum square tube.

 

I will do that then. And I can use the 3/4 for the bottom of the drawer too

 

I was discussing that with a friend.

For that, I think im going to try regular slides. Just going for the longest and most load rating. Im aiming for 15" ID drawer width. Nothing less than 14" though

 

I used 3/4"
Later a friend told me there are better, much better, grades of plywood. More layers, harder wood. I think he called it cabinet plywood. He said it would be stronger at the same thickness. So, possibly 1/2" would work.
For the rear cross member, I replaced my 2x with a 1x of oak. I was able to add that little bit of height and keep the strength.

Note:
I have since removed the platform and sleep on the bed.
I have no plans of putting it back in either.

 

I have an automatic opening RTT. This will be for gear storage. On the other side, i have my fridge

 

@fatfurious2
Ok, just a thought then, to look at the plywood options.
A very quick search gave me this.
https://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/2018/03/08/choosing-best-type-plywood-cabinets/

Oh, and ... I tried to find marine plywwod, but could not find it in my area. So I did multiple coats of marine varnish.

If it were me I would continue searching cabinet/hardwood plywood. But, I have no further need, right now.

 

Thank you.

I was planning on stain/sealing it with deck sealer.

 

Thinner layers of tight grain wood with fewer, smaller voids and generally lay flatter. The downside is cabinet grades have very thin surface veneers. You can also get prefinished in 1/2" and 3/4".

 

First night out in a few months for me. New motivation again to make my work trips cost effective AND enjoyable at the same time. Hotels after a long hard day on the job can be depressing. So I’ve decided to switch it up.

Campsite in Alberta, no power or water hookups. Potable water elsewhere in campground. Free showers and firewood were the REAL selling point. It’s easy to make it work, and as a rookie, I don’t completely go off the grid.

Day 1 of 10 for me, so I’ll have lots to learn as I go.

 

On road trips we use truck stops for showers. We pay about 6 per person and we get a clean shower and towels.

We can use the same shower room.

 

Curious, this isn't the L/W Exped mat is it?

 

Not long and wide.
Just fits between the wheel wells. 41/42 inches wide.
Orange, two tone, color.

They have SOOOOOO mats.

 

LW
Too wide and long to fit.

M
Just fits between wheel wells and reaches end of truck bed.

Mine is a few years old, may not be identical. It is packed away downstairs or I would take a photo.

Rolls up small, not like the MegaMat that is huge.

@ETAV8R

Ken

 

Thanks.
On top of my platform the width would fit but length is 6" longer than the 72" bed. I'm still wondering if anyone has squished one of these in and how it worked. The non L/W version of the duo is 72" long but 42" wide so 10" of space on either side of the mat.

 

My wife sewed a pair of 'pads' to fill the area left and right at the bottom. You can see them, black, in the photo.
The M model narrows at feet.
Maybe roll blankets on the sides, or make a long version like ours.

 

Has anyone made their platform flush with the top of the wheel wells? As in, the platform has cut outs for the wheel wells, rather than sitting on top of them. Would give about an extra inch of headroom. I've browsed around 15 pages of this thread and haven't seen that yet

 

You can be the 1st.