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

Interesting- do they catch? I am thinking of making them at least 0.5" to 1" shorter. I have seen people take them down about 2" shorter than the top of the platform but feel as though that may be excessive.

 

Yall build sleeping platforms in a shortbed?
Kinda wish i went acess cab long bed

 

Doesn't catch, but there are some spots that the paint was rubber off. Does look nice and tight when closed though.(Pic was pre paint)

 

3/4" Plywood is strong on its own. I started with that and was strong enough loaded and sleeping on it.

 

My wife and I use the Exped Symat Duo between the wheel wells. I am 5'10" 190.
I removed the platform to get more height with the ARE MX cap.
We pull the totes of gear out and put it in the cab while sleeping.

Not knocking platforms, just saying it is not a requirement.

Ken

 

I wanted to maximize drawer space, when I made mine the drawers were the same height as the cabinets (were rubbing, getting stuck), but then i just took a belt sander to it a few times, trial and error, until it didn't rub anymore. They slide freely and give me about max drawer height. I wasn't talented enough to cut the wood/mount the roller bearings to get as close as I wanted, so this was a relatively simple way to achieve that without being precise on cutting.

 

Still want measurements for these

 

I used this diy thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-hi-lift-and-tool-mounts.260147/

Set up your sleeping platform and place the hi lift Jack in the same spot and orientation as I did. Then make the brackets so that when the hi lift is mounted, it is just touching the platform or hanging above it.

 

Wondering if I can get some suggestions on what varnish to use on my baltic birch plywood I'll be using for my bed build out. Id want it to be weatherproof against condensation due to camping in extreme conditions.

BUT
I'm getting sketched with a lot of options for its toxicity levels/fumes it gives off since I'll be living in my truck full time.
I know majority says that once its fully cured it is close to no toxicity.

- What steps do I follow to properly fully cure it?
- What are my best options for varnishing the wood?
- Do you think I can get away without sealing the wood?

 

Do you have a cap? How dry is it? I have a cap so the bed stays dry. I did not varnish my plywood(only wood in my deck is the top level) but wrapped it in a outdoor carpet, and 3 or 4 yrs later it is still great.

 

I used a water based interior polyurethane I got at home depot called “varathane”. Doesn’t even require a respirator when applying pretty sure it’s safe but don’t quote me on it. I would definitely coat/seal it with something

 

Varathane is good stuff - I've been using it for 20 years. The water based is as durable as the oil based.

Apply 1 coat, wait about 20 minutes then apply a 2nd coat. Let that dry for a day, then lightly sand with 220 or 320. Then, apply a 3rd coat. Good to go.

For a little "extra", apply a 4th coat 20 minutes after the 3rd. That should last you a very long time.

 

@Scott B.
Thanks for the tips!
Im heading to my local lumber yard to pick up some 1/2" Baltic birch plywood then straight to home depot to get some of the varathane.


Do you guys recommend Baltic Birch Plywood or Maple Plywood?

I heard from another member that maple plywood might be better for pocket holes since its more dense?

 

This guy has some awesome stuff and I'm getting ready to attempt something like this when my drawer slides finally ship!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-v2wCJ5On8&t=49s

 

That is really nice.

Makes me wonder if I should modify mine...

 

For those of you with platforms, what do you do for campfire wood?, cant fit too much under the platform once you add gear and a cooler

 

I hold mine in a trasharoo.

 

The water question worries me most. No shell is 100% waterproof and I wouldn't the wood to rot (since it rains a lot here). My plywood doesn't even store well in the garage.

 

I’m getting ready to finish my rear seat delete project. The bottom or base I would like to use some bed liner spray. I will use 1/2” Baltic birch, anyone have any experience using this on plywood?

 

So far my shell has been 100% waterproof, but I used marine grade plywood on my last project so I didn't have to worry about moisture.