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

Yeah it's all pretty stout in there actually, all i need to do is locktite the threads on the tie-downs so they don't loosen up easily. The back of the frame on the left side where the drawer box sits has plywood holding it together but I wanted to keep in open underneath to keep in lighter and also get as much drawer height as possible so the steel strap I fabricated hold the front end together. it's 3/16" flat bar that I cut and welded at the ends (I don't have a metal brake, unfortunately).

I have a few other posts on here showing more detail and progress pics if you are interested.

Cheers!

 

Thanks yeah I have been piecing it together by stalking your post history. I think I’ve got a pretty good idea of everything you did. I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing as far as an open bottom so was excited to see you do that and that it’s working well for you. I’ve got drawer slides now but I’m probably going to make a new version this winter that’s much simpler and lighter. I’m actually thinking I’m going to just do drawers with an HDPE sheet laminated to the bottom to slide right on the bed floor. That bed is so slippery as is I think with some slippery plastic they should slide fine. Thanks for the info!

 

Yeah that seems like a good call! looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

Has anyone added or built a seat for dog(s) in the bed? Softtopper is going on within the next couple weeks and would like to have a safe/comfortable setup for them. Baby kicked them out of the backseat!

 

For the waterport, check this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/waterport-mount-w-camper-shell-sleeping-platform.548437/
I used longer screws and well nuts to attach mine to the bed rail.

 

I’d put it underneath the platform against the cab if using a pump and on the roof if gravity feed. The wet weight will least affect stability down low in the center between the axles and it can be filled via tubing.

 

This looks great and considering making something like this for mine. Do you get any sag with no support underneath?

 

Spent hours going through these subs for different ideas/do’s and dont’s, and I believe I’ve settled on copying this setup. I like that it’s only 4 parts, quick to tear down, leaves max storage space, and the fact that you can still leave half the bed open if needed.

Having had this setup for a while, is there anything you wish you would have done differently? Or any last minute tips/tricks? Will be knocking this out the next weekend without rain.

I’m planning on adding an extender for when the tailgate is down as well. I have already ordered the TentsOnTrucks Midsize DAC tent for a rain/bug cover for this, so weather shouldn’t be an issue.

Just got my camper shell last week, but I’m very excited to get everything built out! Got a road trip to Colorado set for early September, so I’ll want to have everything squared away with my setup by then.

 

Before you start building, I want to make an argument for the 3 piece horizontal design instead of 2 piece vertical. There are 6 pieces instead of 4, but you gain a lot of useful space near the tailgate. The central beam is really only needed when 2 people will be sleeping in the back. I found that the carpet on the beam and underside of the platform gives enough friction to keep it in place even while offroading. I've been camping using this setup for a season now and I really like it.



I roll around most days with it setup like this ^. I can leave the 4" trifold memory foam mattress in the back and it sits flush with the bottom of the window- no visibility issues.


I built a crappy little drawer that I use to store sleeping bags, blankets, and such under the platform without having to crawl deep into the truck to get them. Rubber bed mat keeps it from sliding around. Camp chairs and other tall items go on the right side with easy access.


The main benefit is being able to store all my heavy/tall camping gear at the tailgate and I can remove it without getting into the bed. If I had to crawl into the back of the bed to get the firewood/cooler/tote out with the topper limiting my vertical space, I'd get frustrated quick.









Hope this helps!

 

I definitely understand the perk of doing it this way with the 3 horizontal pieces. It would be nice to have access to the full width of the bed near the tailgate. My only point against that is if you have tall gear, big cooler, etc., all of that would have to be removed from the bed of the truck in order to make a flat sleeping platform - you have to have all 3 pieces setup to make a sleeping setup work, whether it’s for one person or two.

Granted it’s been proven that there are 1,000 different ways to set something like this up, and I’m sure they all have their different pros and cons. Definitely something to think on.

By splitting it into 2 vertical pieces, I can still have a flat sleeping setup on one side of the bed while also keeping the other side open for storage of coolers, taller things, etc. (might also setup a little dog bed area). My gut tells me the only time I’ll want to setup both pieces of plywood for the full bed is when I have a second person trying to join (I’m single for the time being, so I’ll plan on just using half the bed for my single sleeper setup). I’d most likely be traveling around daily driving with everything broken down in the back and stacked away on itself.

I’ll definitely continue to weigh all these options before going full send on building.

 

Lots of options indeed, and this thread seemed to cover them all and was super helpful. I understand the point about the support pieces... I think I’m going to go this vertical split route, but who knows - I may end deciding one day that the supports are a PIA and I’d rather have the whole under level clean of supports lol. I guess there’s only one way to find out what I’ll end up liking best! Good thing about it is either of these setups can be completed for cheap - I have a feeling after this first trip I’ll either be super stoked on the setup I choose, or I’ll be contemplating a fresh start from scratch

 

This is my plan. Nice and simple. I bought 2 of these folding mats on Amazon

American Furniture Alliance Jr Twin Black Trifold Mattress, Mesh/Poly

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CL98ZX2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I am going to use the mats to dictate the dimensions of each platform.

 

Still need to build the other drawer but it's coming along. The platform itself slides out in 2 pieces and is light enough to carry on my own. I built below the wheel wells so I can fully sit up and it's not like sleeping in a coffin.

The drawer that's currently in is 5ft long with a flip out cutting board, I use trekking poles to support it once it's all the way out so that all of the weight isn't on the rails.

I've spent about 20 nights in there so far this year and have been incredibly happy with this setup. I'll post more pics once it's done

 

Very nice

 

This may seem like an odd question but what color stain did you use?
The color is so warm and nice!! Set up looks great

 

Thank you! I used a gallon of Ready Seal 120 Redwood

 

Ready seal is great stuff! Very easy to work with.

 

Here is my setup. Still need to add some handles to the front.

 

lot of cool ideas

 

Those lights look great! Where did you get those?